Companies spend gazillions of dollars trying to salvage toxic employees, when in fact they would be better served completely removing this hazardous waste from their organization. Toxic employees are those who suck the air out of the room the moment they arrive. These are the people who need constant care and attention. Imagine how much more pleasant and profitable life would be without this distraction?
Here’s what I see happening in organizations. Leaders know who these people are and often times they hope and pray these people will resign so they don’t have to counsel or fire them. Here’s the problem with this strategy. This isn’t a strategy. The toxic employee has lived in your organization for a long time now and isn’t going anywhere unless he or she is sent packing.
So you have a few people in a cast of thousands who seem problematic. No big deal right? Wrong. The toxins from these people can easily seep into other parts of your organization. So why take any chances?
Or worse, these toxic employees may poison others (including prospects and customers) by openly complaining to them on matters related to your business. It won’t take long for their comments to go viral with the popularity of social networking. Protect yourself and your organization by being proactive.
What about the toxic employees that you can’t see because they work virtually? You can’t afford to hold onto people who are no longer working for you. If need be, get on a plane and hand them their walking papers.
There is a great pool of candidates waiting for your call. Take steps to clean out your workplace and make way for the talent that is about to walk in your door.
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