Fire or keep toxic employees study

Exposure and Public Shaming as Conflict Management Tools: A Critical Analysis

In this back episode from the High Conflict Institute podcast, Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter tackle a challenging question that many face when dealing with difficult workplace situations: Is exposing someone's problematic behavior an effective strategy for creating change? While the impulse to "name and shame" may feel justified, especially when facing reputation damage or distortion campaigns, the hosts explore why this approach often backfires with high conflict personalities.

When dealing with individuals who demonstrate high conflict behavior patterns, the threat of exposure frequently escalates rather than resolves situations. The hosts examine how cluster B personality traits like being domineering, vindictive and intrusive can make public confrontation particularly counterproductive.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Does exposing problematic behavior lead to meaningful change?
• When might the threat of exposure be strategically useful?
• How should organizations balance accountability with escalation risks?

Core Strategic Insights:

• Private criticism tends to be more effective than public shaming
• Skills-based coaching offers better outcomes than humiliation
• Natural consequences work better than intentional exposure

Through examining both legal precedents and business case studies, the hosts demonstrate why investing in skill development and structured interventions often proves more valuable than reactive exposure strategies. The episode provides concrete examples of more effective approaches, from healthcare settings to corporate environments.

Drawing on Harvard research and real-world examples like the Harvey Weinstein case, Bill and Megan illustrate the complex factors organizations must weigh when deciding how to address problematic behavior. They emphasize that while public exposure may occasionally be necessary, it should typically be a last resort after other interventions have been attempted.

Additional Resources

Books:

• It's All Your Fault at Work: Managing Narcissists and Other High-Conflict People
• 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life
• BIFF at Work: Your Guide to Difficult Workplace Communication
• SLIC Solutions for Conflict: Setting Limits & Imposing Consequences in 2 1/2 Steps

Articles:

• Fire or Keep High-Conflict Employees?
• Should Employees with High-Conflict Behaviors Be Given a Chance to Change?

Professional Development:

• New Ways Training Programs (workplace, mediation, divorce)
• Conflict Influencer Class (for personal situations)
• Custom Training for Organizations
• High Conflict Institute Consultation Services

Connect With Us:

• Visit High Conflict Institute
• Submit questions for Bill and Megan
• Browse our complete collection in our online store
• Find all episode notes on our website

Important Notice: Our discussions focus on behavioral patterns rather than diagnoses. For specific legal or therapeutic guidance, please consult qualified professionals in your area.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (01:31) - Exposure and Humiliation as a High-Conflict Strategy
• (02:21) - Good or Bad Idea?
• (08:14) - Exposure Doesn't Necessarily Stop Them
• (11:08) - Good Strategies
• (14:53) - Get Toxic People Out of Your Life
• (18:10) - Conversions Through Coaching
• (19:57) - Thinking It Through
• (21:29) - Intervention
• (24:00) - Coming Next Week: Harry, Megan, and the Coronation