The Toxic Coworker

Nothing can drain your energy and derail your organization’s efforts faster than toxic colleagues. Usually spotting a toxic coworker is fairly straightforward, but just in case, here are a list of toxic characteristics to watch out for.

• They’re selfish. Toxic people generally think about themselves before others. According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, selfishness is the number one characteristic of a toxic coworker. They usually lack genuine concern for your feelings or desires. This might appear in the form of someone demanding you work late despite knowing you have a necessary conflict or obligation after work. Or they might present you with an “urgent” project immediately before your lunch break and insist you complete the project before leaving. Regardless, selfishness should be a big warning on your toxicity meter.
• They seem to be surrounded by drama and gossip. Workplaces can become overwrought with drama and gossip, and generally there are only a few individuals responsible. If your coworker is constantly surrounded by drama at the workplace, they might be toxic.
• They’re dishonest. Whenever you discover that someone is purposely and consistently misleading you, it is best to distance yourself from that person. They’re toxic.
• They are always right… or else. We have all met those individuals who can’t stand being wrong, but usually people learn to graciously accept that they are not always right. However, when you meet someone who will pursue a debate until they force everyone involved to concede, that person is probably toxic. Other signs include bitter determination and underhanded tactics.
• They play the victim card too often. Everyone gets to use their victim card once-in-a-while, but it is the people who are constantly victims you need to watch out for.
• They believe rules must always be followed. In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, one of the top three characteristics of a toxic coworker was a “rule Nazi.” While we do admit rules are a necessary aspect of the workplace and society in general, people who cling to rules and make sure everyone else does too can be toxic to an organization’s productivity. Sometimes rules get in the way of efficiency and productivity.