fbpx

talented but toxic – what to do with an employee in this camp

February 25th 2023

I think most people would agree it’s easier to avoid issues than confront them, but often that serves to prolong the inevitable – the tough conversation has to happen eventually. And the longer an issue goes on, the harder it is to address.

A toxic employee has to be called out, regardless of whether or not they’re talented.  In fact, some would argue that more talented the employee, the more they should be held to account in exhibiting the right behaviours because they could be looked up to by others in the organisation who then copy what they see.

Regardless of how tricky the conversation may be, it has to happen.

Here’s some advice on how to get underway:

  1. identify the specific behaviours that are toxic – be clear on what you’d like to see instead
  2. arrange a meeting to discuss the issues
  3. be direct. Ambiguity in an attempt to soften the blow will only cause confusion and misunderstanding. If you feel the issue is serious enough to confront, then be confident in raising it with the employee.
  4. keep an open mind. You want to understand the underlying cause of the behaviour so you can agree strategies to help improve it.
  5. develop an action plan
  6. keep your foot on the pedal – there is no point in having the tough conversation and then ticking that off and never revisiting it. Keep feedback flowing to the employee.

You need people who have the company’s and their colleagues’ best intentions at heart, and hopefully, through adopting a fair, open and communicative process, you’ll see improvement in the behaviour.

Tags:

Category: behavioural management, communication

A very professional approach and she understands our business needs

Nicki has assisted us in various different areas of hr and recruitment, always with successful outcomes. A very professional approach and she understands our business needs.

Charlotte Clapcott, Owner - Hopscotch Childcare Centre

…professional manner, can do attitude & attention to every detail

Thank you very much for your super efficient service. I am truly impressed with everything about eight73 consulting. In particular your professional manner, can do attitude & attention to every detail. You heard everything we needed and attended to it without any delay. I would not hesitate in recommending you.

Gretta Withers, Owner - River Run

It’s clear that the team at eight73 consulting really know their stuff

It’s clear that the team at eight73 consulting really know their stuff, and that takes the stress right out of the processes of job applications and interviews – for both employers and applicants. Thank you Kylie and team!

Molly McGrath, job seeker

… really easy to work with

I have worked closely with Nicki, she is really easy to work with and works with me closely when needed, makes herself available anytime, responds in a timely manner. I am absolutely comforted knowing I can flick of an email anytime with a question or more and she is all knowledgeable and ready. And absolutely affordable!

Frances Ferguson

Nicki provides amazing service!!

Nicki provides amazing service!!

Niki Needham, everypennycounts

…best decision I made in dealing with a recent HR issue

Seeking advice from Nicki was the best decision I made in dealing with a recent HR issue. I felt confident I was complying with best practice and totally supported throughout the process. Can’t recommend eight73 highly enough!

Maria Bradshaw, Manager - Taupo Women's Refuge

Nicki is an absolute rockstar who provides excellent service in so many areas

We love using the team at eight73!!! Nicki is an absolute rockstar who provides excellent service in so many areas and love that we can support another local business in our community.

Adele Phillips, Owner - Pumpn