dr rebel: i don't know how to interpret the rebel's behaviour in my team. am i dealing with a toxic person?
we often refer to a toxic colleague as someone who is always negative, critical, or just plain difficult to be around. there seems to be an overlap with rebels. they criticise many things and may not be the easiest to handle. however, there is a big difference between challenging the status quo to improve the workplace and creating a negative and hostile work environment.
toxic employees make it difficult for other employees to do their jobs, and they might even become the reason a co-worker decides to resign. they most likely don’t get along well with other people.
a toxic co-worker divides the workplace, while a (good) rebel bonds.
if you are observant enough, you can identify employees exhibiting toxic behaviour. look for those who gossip, humiliate, discourage, demotivate, and manipulate co-workers and clients. this person acts selfishly and tries to make others around them feel inferior. here is an exercise to identify whether your employee is rebellious or toxic:
here’s how you can distinguish rebelliousness from toxic behaviour:
1: taking ownership versus blaming. sees problems and takes action VERSUS complains a lot and blames others
2: constructive versus pernicious. provides feedback constructively and builds on others’ suggestions VERSUS
critiques in a destructive way and shuts others off
3: ethical versus sneaky. speaks up when things are not right or unjust VERSUS gossips, spreads rumours, manipulates
4: embracing versus exclusive. gets excited by different perspectives and dives into the conversation VERSUS forms cliques of yes-sayers and refuses to listen to opposing views
5: team-oriented versus ego-centered. works toward common goals without seeking personal gain at others’ expense VERSUS steals credits and only puts in effort if they can get better from it
6: supportive versus uncooperative. helps others regardless VERSUS withholds information, blames others for their mistakes
7: inquisitive versus inhibitive. asks questions to get to the root cause of problems VERSUS asks questions to obstruct or slow things down
download this rebel tool right here, right now!
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