Toxic people in the work place

Today's Business Lessons

Toxic people in the work place

BUSINESS MATTERS (BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE) By Francis J. Kong     (The Philippine Star) Updated June 10, 2012

I heard a “philosopher” once say that most people are really good; it’s just their behavior that’s questionable. It’s like saying that most people are good, but they sometimes like to shoot others with their guns.

If this is the case, then most people in the work place are essentially good. It’s just that, sometimes, they kill others with their toxicity.

You and I, at one point or another, may have been one of those “most people” without our knowing it. Highly possible – most of the time, the people guiltiest of toxic behavior are also the ones most oblivious to their behavior.

Here are examples of toxic people with obnoxious behavior. Fictitious names are used, but the characters portrayed here are very real. You meet them in the work place, in civic organizations and even in religious settings.

Dolores is our first example. She sits next to you and talks to you to death. She talks about her problems, her house, her husband, her pets, the vacation she took… And she never bothers to ask you how you are or what’s happening in your part of the world.

Then there’s Johnny. He’s the sweet talker who begs you to help him with a project presentation. You do help him and end up doing the whole thing. After the presentation, Johnny is given pats on the back and congratulations for a job well done… And he takes full credit for everything! He doesn’t even call to say thank you.

Uh- oh, here comes Dennis. Talk about a nuclear explosion – that’s Dennis. One wrong word, one wrong question, one wrong remark or opinion, and especially a criticism – no matter how constructive – and he’ll blow his top, big time.

Lastly, there’s Annie. She’s always all-smiles at you, always sweet. But you have this gut-feel that she’s the one who started the nasty gossip against you. (You just don’t have enough proof yet to pin her down).