Is someone in your organization pushing people out the door?

Yes, I know it is a rough economy and sometimes you just have to let people go. But what happens if you keep the person who is creating chaos and disharmony for everyone else and pushing people out the door?

Recently, I wrote a post about toxic personalities:

But this type of person is dangerous to others too. Some take it to an extreme and will carry out sabotage missions that if they are mentioned sound so irrational that you think they are kidding.

Mark Harai stopped by in the comments and he said that when you have a toxic personality who is causing chaos – they should be the one to leave. That works if you are the one in charge, and… you have the courage to execute. On Mark’s blog, he wrote Eliminate Viruses from your business, he says:

It got me thinking about one particular thing you absolutely need to drive your business to success – A GREAT ATTITUDE throughout your organization.

A bad attitude is bad for business

One bad attitude can spread like a virus. No complaining, negative, argumentative, whiny, prima donnas need apply and if they do, don’t hire them!

But, again, it works if you are the one in charge AND you are willing to act. In companies, non-profit organizations, and yes, even in churches, I have seen people with toxic personalities rule the roost. They may be a manager, board member, or someone who yields power just because of their connections. At the same time, there are other people whose heart and soul are invested in the company or organization mission but they will end up leaving because the toxic personality or as Mark says “prima donnas” pushed them out the door.

How do you know if you should leave?

I wrote a post called when is it time to leave. You can review the suggestions there but in general, if you are in such chaos that you cannot look forward to the next day and this goes on for more than a month, you need to review your options.

If you are management, what do you do?

If you are the one in charge and you are letting one person ruin your organization, you need to get the courage to confront the person and as Mark said, “Eliminate the virus.” This will not be easy but if you want your organization or business to flourish and good people to stay, you need to take charge and make it happen. Don’t do it impulsively. Create a plan with justification, consult an attorney if needed, but don’t let one person take down the whole organization. You don’t have to give them that much power.

It’s your move…

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