These 5 Toxic Work Behaviors Must be Stopped Now

Toxic work behaviors have become a silent productivity killer in today’s workplace. A recent study by Harvard Business Review found that toxic employees can have a far-reaching negative impact, not only affecting their direct peers but also reducing overall team performance and morale. Left unaddressed, these behaviors create a hostile environment that drives talent away, damages mental health, and costs companies more than they realize in turnover and lost productivity.

Through decades advising executive teams at the highest organizational levels, I’ve identified how specific behavioral patterns directly impact business performance. My work reveals that while leaders recognize cultural challenges, they need advanced capabilities to address these issues effectively. Here are five proven leadership capabilities that consistently deliver measurable results:

The Harmful Effects of Gossiping

Gossiping may seem like a minor issue, but it is a significant driver of distrust and division. Leaders must prioritize addressing gossip by setting clear communication standards. Encouraging transparency and promoting open dialogue ensures that information flows properly and that employees feel heard. This fosters a culture of trust, reducing the need for rumor-spreading.

The Dangers of Micromanaging

Micromanaging doesn’t just stunt team growth—it drives high-performers to quit. Empower employees by focusing on outcomes rather than processes. When leaders trust their team to complete tasks independently, they create space for innovation, efficiency, and ownership. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters a positive work atmosphere.

The Consequences of Blame Shifting

When people blame others, it fosters a fear-based environment that stifles creativity and risk-taking. Leaders must model accountability by owning their mistakes. Encouraging a culture where errors are seen as learning opportunities helps shift the focus from blame to growth, thereby increasing collaboration and resilience across the team.

Addressing Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Passive-aggressive comments erode relationships and inhibit open communication. Leaders should tackle this behavior by promoting direct and respectful feedback. When employees are encouraged to address issues openly and are equipped with tools for effective communication, trust and cohesiveness grow, leading to a healthier team dynamic.

Eliminating Exclusionary Practices

Cliques and exclusionary behaviors create a sense of “otherness” that destroys team unity. Leaders need to promote inclusivity by ensuring every voice is heard, whether during meetings or in team activities. Establishing clear norms that value diverse perspectives leads to a stronger, more connected workforce.

Lead from Within: Great leaders tackle toxic behaviors head-on, creating a thriving and supportive environment where everyone can succeed.

#1 N A T I O N A L  B E S T S E L L E R

The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness

After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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Additional Reading you might enjoy:

• The Smart Way to Handle Toxic People
• 6 Toxic Beliefs That Will Ruin Your Leadership
• How to Recognize And Weed Out Toxic Leaders
• The Toxic Habits That Will Make You a Bad Leader
• Your Leadership is Toxic When You Do This
• 6 Toxic Ways Unfit Leaders Poison Company Cultures
• 7 Brilliant Ways to Handle Toxic People at Work