Last udpated 11/09
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
Have you ever found that the people most guilty of unruly behavior at work are also the ones who are most oblivious to their behavior?
Take Fred, for example. Fred is the guy who asks you to "help" him with a big presentation (aka, you do the whole thing). But when Fred is congratulated on a job well done, he takes full credit for the work you did.
Or, look at Susan. Susan talks to you for hours on end about herself -- her family, friends, work and play -- but never does she ask about what's happening in your world.
All of these people are examples of toxic personalities, which are showing up in the workplace now more than ever.
"During economic downturns, the 'shadow' side of our personalities can bring out the worst in people," say Dr. Mitchell Kusy and Dr. Elizabeth Holloway, authors of "Toxic Workplace! Managing Toxic Personalities and their Systems of Power."
Toxicity spreads like a nasty virus
Perhaps the worst part about noxious workplace behavior is how it affects those around you. According to a study conducted by Kusy and Holloway, 94 percent of respondents said they had worked with or were currently working with a toxic person.
"Before you know it, you have caught the 'infection' and find yourself acting in ways that complement or replicate the very behaviors that are making you angry, frustrated and/or depressed," Kusy and Holloway say.
Here's how to know if you're a toxic personality, and how you can save yourself from your sinful actions:
1. Deadly sin: Envy
Did a co-worker get the promotion you'd been waiting for? Did your colleague surpass you -- again -- in sales? You should absolutely acknowledge others' achievements but don't use them as a standard with which to measure your own. Kusy and Holloway say that when you're envious of someone else, you naturally want to undermine his reputation and the way others gravitate toward him. But in the long run, you're only undoing your own reputation.
Salvation: Bury your envy and start focusing on building a reputation as a team player, Kusy and Holloway suggest. Figure out how you can start turning your envy into passion or positive energy.
See Also: Are you Burned Out on the Job?
2. Deadly sin: Gluttony
More is not always better. Though everyone is anxious to climb quickly up the corporate ladder, none of that will matter if you don't care who you plow through to get to the top. While it's definitely OK to ask for more job responsibility, it's more important to maintain a balance.
Salvation: One of the most critical mistakes regarding gluttony is not considering your team enough, Kusy and Holloway say.
"You don't need to belittle and diminish someone else for your work to be noticed. Work with your team so that you are all noticed for innovation and productivity. Make sure that you are in the lead of building a positive team climate; making everyone look good on a project will make you look good as a team player."
3. Deadly sin: Greed
Everyone is guilty of wanting more: more money, more power and more responsibility. The problem comes when you try to use your position to punish others, demand their loyalty or take all the credit for the work that others have done.
Salvation: It's best to focus your goals on the long term. If you only concentrate on quick, short-term gains, you'll probably do well in the moment but you won't be able to extend yourself to the next level.
4. Deadly sin: Lust
Lust in the workplace isn't limited to office romance. You might lust after a nicer work space or even your boss's job. But, spending your time focused on what you don't have or others' work achievements rather than working to further your own is a sure-fire career killer.
Salvation: "What length will you go satisfy this lust?" ask Kusy and Holloway. "If it extends to deceptions, badmouthing your co-workers or undermining the productivity of the team, then your emotions are ruling your actions with disastrous results. Go to your supervisor and ask him or her to put you on a development plan that can segue you to that next new job in the organization."
5. Deadly sin: Pride
Personal success is your M.O. -- you have no problem taking credit for a job well done, even if it was a joint effort. You have the absolute belief that you're always right; you always want to be in control, and you think other people won't -- or can't -- do their jobs. While it's a good feeling to be right, no one is always right, Kusy and Holloway explain.
"When you are right and make sure that everyone else knows that they are proven wrong, you can be sure that you have lost their support in the future," they say.
Salvation: First, realize that building a reputation for getting things done right is to build a team that does it right together, they say. Remember that sharing credit with everyone who deserves it makes everyone accountable. Finally, give praise where it is due and you'll be shocked how much comes back to you, Kusy and Holloway say.
6. Deadly sin: Sloth
If you're lazy, complacent or indifferent about your job, you're on the express train to nowhere. Just because you've been successful in the past doesn't mean that success will carry you through the rest of your career. Sloth becomes toxic when there's a continued pattern that becomes counter-productive to workplace productivity.
Salvation: There are several steps you can take to keep your laziness in check, Kusy and Holloway say. First, take stock of yourself and determine where the source of your laziness lies. Are you bored? Do you need to be more challenged in your role? Next, make a specific plan to increase your productivity at work. Figure out how you will measure your expectations and make sure it's feasible, they say.
7. Deadly sin: Wrath
Anger and malice benefit no one in the workplace. Harboring secret hatred or angst toward your boss, colleagues or general work environment will only create an atmosphere of negativity and abuse around you, Kusy and Holloway say.
Salvation: Any pessimistic feelings you have toward co-workers or work are bound to surface eventually, Kusy and Holloway say. If you're angry with your boss, figure out what is bothering you and then see if you can talk to him or her about it. If you're unhappy with your work in general, it might be time to start looking for a new position.
Next: 10 Worst Work Habits >>
See Also:
- What We Can Learn From Toxic Women
- Toxic Men-Our Greatest Teachers
- Toxic Personalities You Should Avoid
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 14)
What's really sad are people who try to mask the fact that incompetant people are allowed to rule the roost in corporate America. Everyone else is supposed to tolerate those abusive, so-called "toxic" bozos.
ReplyI wonder why CareerBuilders doesn't suggest that the toxic creeps are fired rather than come up with psycho babble for everyone else to swallow.
Folks, the surefire way to determine if a workplace is toxic is ask what their employee turnover rate is. If they are loosing more than 1 employee every 5 years, RUN AWAY AND DON'T LOOK BACK. If the rate is higher, they are running a revolving door. If they claim they "can't get good people", or claim one employee has been there 15 years, for example, they are diverting you from hidden facts that the rest of the employee base has turned over every month or so. If you start a new job and find yourself mischiefed by employees who aren't in management, go above management supervisors to report this. Carry a small tape recorder with you. If they try to make you the troublemaker for reporting it and don't do anything to stop the mischief, leave that job and send copies of the tapes around to significant others such as the Chamber of Commerce and show up at business luncheons and hand out copies. Send a copy to your State Workforce offices.
This mess in corporate America has gone on too long and it has to stop.
Carrying around a tape recorder and taping someone without their permission is ILLEGAL. not only would you lose your job for doing this, but if you showed it to the Chamber of Commerce or any other organization ..... you'd stand a chance of going to jail. I'm afraid anyone with tape recorder is going to be considered as mischief maker. We had one in our workplace ... we didn't report him, but he hasn't a friend in the organization. Everyone rolls their eyes and gives him an eyeball body check when we see him. Nothing will endanger your career .... and freedom .... more than carrying a tape recorder. I'm a retired journalist ... and when I used a tape recorder for verbatim quotes, I was required to ask for permission.
Bertha, I couldn't agree with you more when you say that incompetents rule the roost in corporate America. After working in corporate America for over 20 years, I would have to say that I've worked with more incompetent people during than time than people who were productive and problem solvers. But I suggest that people should consider going one step further:they should be willing to ask themselves how many competent presidents have we had in the past 50 years? I think even American Historians are beginning to admit that Eisenhower was probably one of the last first rate presidents that this country was blessed with ( I disqualify Kennedy because he was not in office long enough to demonstrate his true merit, and I also disqualify Obama because he needs more than a hundred days to prove himself)and Eisenhower wasn't even a politician and didn't even want to be president! My point is incompetence runs deep in America and it seems to have started after WW II. What to do? I would suggest that Americans need to become strong individuals and try to disassociate themselves from corporate America all together. There is still something to be said for pushing a broom, or flipping a burger and living a quiet life in small town America. Remember stress is a killer, and even though a person may not have much money they may be able to retain their health,their sanity and their soul.
A couple of years ago, I was 'desperate' for any job (just about). I took this job and because I was so desperate, I fell into that trap that you mention so well! In my case, the sick call rate was running about 25 sick calls in a two week period and the turn-over rate was about 15 in a two week period. I cannot say 'where' I used to work as I have a lawsuit in place. The only thing I have to say to people is that Bertha is correct and it is best to hold out (I know it will be tough), but Charles Manson has been treated better than me!
Bertha, You're what's known as a trouble maker. I own my own business and I never...I mean never,ever even consider hiring someone that has a big grudge against a former employer. You might think you're bringing down the house by running around town tattling on your employer. What you're really doing is making an ass out of yourself. What you need to do if you don't like how employers treat you is start your own business. That's what I did and I've never been sorry.
Amen, I thought I was the only one to notice this pattern of bad management behavior. I wish I had taped some of the meetings that I attended. I have worked in big pharma for ten years, in the field and at corporate offices and finally got out all together. Too bad for them as I have a lot to offer, but I am not willing to objectify my integrity. Funny thing is that the companies knew I was tallented, not only did I out score the masses by a long way on their "employee profile" but I also out preformed the masses doing the job. As an award winner I can say thanks for nothing, but your welcome for all of the money I made for the bonus taking upper management. Yesterday, I saw an interview with Warren Buffet, he comented that the big corporations don't want a guy like him working for them, they all need the cocker spaniel type that sit, stay and come to the snap of the finger. I agree, the ones that last and get promoted are the ones that can't seem to think for themselves.
Bertha, you're right. We shouldn't tolerate the conniving, envious, lying, mean-spirited behavior that's common in today's workplace. These toxic people are almost always the ones underperforming while helping to increase the turnover rate at the same time. The U.S. workplace culture is one where lazyiness and malice are confronted only with apathy. Our laws don't help much either. Sometimes employers are afraid of getting sued if they fire these dregs. Another way of recognizing these terrible environments (kicking self for not recognizing these sooner) is if they ask you in the interview how you would respond to A, B, or C (obnoxious behaviors) from a fellow coworker or if they give you a contract to sign before they hire you with seriously frightening language like they would sue you to the fullest extent if you did this or get a restraining order if you did that. This means the manager or owner is a serious, serious a-hole if he/she feels former employees feel that way. And, yes as Bertha says, have NO TOLERANCE (DO NOT ACCEPT THE POSITION) of a place with high turnover. Better yet, work for yourself like I do.
I totally agree with Bertha. And, it's not only going on in corporate America but also in small private firms America.
It's disastrous to see what the American workplace and workforce has come too. No wonder we are in the worst recession.
OMG! . . . Finally someone that sees this BS for what it is. You're so right, this crap has been going on for way too many years, those who work hard catches the dirty end of the stick and while the BS'ers get away with not doing their work and socializing all day.
I have had to deal with the two separate rules for employees all my many years of employment, and it has caused me to leave employers.
Dear Bertha
In result of reading your blog I just want to add that 'general manners and morals' of our fellow citizens has been going down with each generation. What we can do is start with looking at ourselves, the way we interact within our home....leading to the same behavior in public.
Integrity, humility, accountability and respect of one's behavior are most lost characteristics among many.
Or better yet. Start your own company so you won't have to complain about all of those horrible people out there ruining the world for you.
she is not 100 but 100,000% right. I salut you. its always up to the emnployee to be or do the right thing, but what about all the incompetent yoyos that call themselves your superiors in the workplace Has abyone made them aware the we are HUMAN BEINGS with aptitue and knowledge and feelings too.
Working in an office with people who commit the seven deadly sins will always be there. Having a boss who is incompetent should cause you to look elsewhere or your health will be impacted. A paralegal would find it easier to be empowered when working with lawyers who are more receptive to conflict and change by nature of their profession. However in most offices when you are stuck with a bad boss and it does happen either move on or keep a low profile because you have to take care of yourself.
You've undermined your comment by spelling incompetent wrong. Ouch!
Bertha. You are on point! I was forced out of a corporate position because I wasn't a "game" player, didn't submit to the ego of my RVP and others in that realm and because I got along well with my subordinates and had their respect. Most companies I've worked for are good companies....it's the "bozos" they have in leadership positions that make them bad. The profile of corporate America has definitely changed. Truly, it's not how well you do your job or how competent you are, it's all about who's butt you can kiss and who "they" LIKE based on submission and social associations. It's not right and there's really not much you can do to kill this ugly monster.
Fortunately, I've gained a lot of spiritual training working for these bozos and learned through these experiences (which is a painful, yet good thing). Recording conversations, handing them out at board meetings, etc have very little impact, long term and typically are a waste of "your" time. No one teaches people skills or good management skills. Management now seems to be bogus extensions of egos. How sad.
You will do very well in Obama's State-runned Country.
Maybe you will be assigned a job as the "eyes" of your neighborhood to report all violations to your "boses"
In Communist countries this position belongs to The Committe for the Defense of the Revolution and they have one in every block.
Turnover 1 every 5 years? I would be shocked if you could find a company of any size that has a turnover better than loosing an employee at the rate of 1 every 4 months! Tell me a company whose turnover is at or better than 1 every 5 years. pls.
I recognize many of your feelings as similar to those I have shared, but in the long run, life is to short to fix the world. There is just too much work to do, and not enough people to care about it. I would add that many of the people who have managed to garner power and assets are Not Incompetent, but are downright selfish and pernicious in their thinking and behavior. Witness the endless list of politicians and corporate CEO's and their unbelievably bad behavior, undermining the whole system.
Remember, like the captain on a ship, one hand for yourself and one for the ship. If you go down, the ship goes with you. Perhaps you should consider the Law of Reverse Effect, and seek happiness and security where it seems least likely to be found. Startup your own business, let your creativity run wild, and reap the rewards of your efforts. If you produce enough, you might be able to create an environment others will want to share and work in.
Good Luck.
I agree with what you said on one hand. On the other hand i think of it also like the others said - this does happen - but like children who are taught from parents to ignore kids who tease - it will make me stronger - it has. But... like i have told my child - let tommy tease, push, hit 3 times - after that he has my permission to wallop him back. Nuf said -
As an employer I have "turned over" several employees due to poor work ethics, this does not make me a bad boss, nor a poor work environment. I have had employees show up late for their first day of work, if they show up at all, talk on their cell phones, text message, take breaks at their leisure, myspace and/or facebook on a daily basis and the list goes on! The problem I encounter is that a lot of employees no longer have work ethics or value their jobs, so please do not judge a company on the "turn around" of employees.....if the shoe doesn't fit then don't keep it because one bad employee will negatively effect the whole company!