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manager and director are supporting the toxic employee ?
There must be a reason that they think he ’ s worth listening to . It may be a good reason , and it may be a bad reason . It may be because this person threatens lawsuits if they do anything , and they are scared . It may be that this person is a slick-tongued bully . Or maybe you ’ re not doing a great job .
Sorry , but it ’ s something that you need to consider . First , though , let ’ s start with the possibility that your employee is toxic and you are not the problem . If this is the case , ask for a one-to-one meeting with your manager and explain that this employee is undermining you and that you need support to be successful .
Come with clear examples . “ On January 2 , I did X , and the toxic employee did Y . Even though X was the company ’ s plan and the approved method of doing inventory , you supported Y and called it innovative . As a result , the other employees now turn to the toxic employee rather than listening to me .”
She may then defend herself by saying that , well , Y was innovative ! Point out that if the employee had come to you and suggested Y , you would have agreed to go along with it and given him full credit . As it was , the toxic employee ignored your request , damaged relationships and undermined authority .
Sometimes people just don ’ t see it . They need you to clearly explain the problem . This may snap your manager out of it , and then you can approach your director together .
And what if you are the problem ? How do you know this ? First , ask your manager for feedback regarding your performance . Ask for specific information about areas that need work . Ask your other direct reports what you can do to be a better manager .
It ’ s quite possible that this toxic employee simply pushes all your buttons and exacerbates your management problems . It ’ s also possible that you are not performing at an acceptable level and your other employees were anxious for someone new to come in and give
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guidance and direction . They naturally follow this employee because he ’ s doing what you should do .
If you receive feedback from your manager on how to improve and you do so , it may solve the problem . You can also reach out to HR for support and management training . There are often things available that you just have to ask for !
But if your toxic employee is nefarious and not just obnoxious , and your manager can ’ t see the problem , then it ’ s time for you to move on . This is unfair , of course . It would be great if all bosses were good and allowed you to handle toxic employees . But sometimes the situation isn ’ t changeable . If your boss is actively working against you , then it is time to go .
Fortunately , you don ’ t have to jump ship immediately . You can take the time to look for a good job and leave when you find one . You should only leave a job without a new one lined up if the situation is affecting your mental or physical health .
I also suspect that if your senior managers support your one toxic employee , then that ’ s not the only
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problem in the company . In that case , moving on may be the best solution .
Suzanne Lucas spent 10 years in corporate human resources , where she hired , fired and managed the numbers and doublechecked with the lawyers . On Twitter @ RealEvilHRLady . Send questions to evilhrlady @ gmail . com .
Have you ever had to work with a toxic employee ?
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February 2022 | comstocksmag . com 23 |