Overcoming Toxicity: Catherine Mattice's Solutions for Dealing with Difficult Colleagues
Oct 30, 2023
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Catherine Mattice, a workplace bullying expert, joins Negotiate Anything to discuss strategies for dealing with difficult colleagues. Topics include coaching difficult colleagues, addressing toxic behavior, and strategies for managing difficult colleagues by having tough conversations and setting boundaries.
Understanding the context and factors contributing to toxic behaviors is crucial in creating a more constructive work environment.
Addressing instances of incivility or disrespectful behavior early on and rallying support from coworkers can strengthen the case for intervention from HR or leadership.
Deep dives
Addressing toxic behaviors and toxic culture in the workplace
Civility Partners, a consulting firm, specializes in turning around toxic behaviors and toxic culture in organizations. The focus is on understanding the context and factors that contribute to toxic behaviors rather than villainizing individuals. The CEO's role in allowing such behaviors and the desire for both personal and organizational success are highlighted. The approach involves coaching the individuals perceived as bullies, helping them recognize the impact they have on others, and providing strategies for change. By shifting the narrative from punishment to coaching, the goal is to create a more constructive work environment.
Having difficult conversations with toxic coworkers or colleagues
It is important to address instances of incivility or disrespectful behavior early on to prevent the escalation of such behavior. Recognizing the impact these moments have on individuals and team dynamics is crucial. One effective strategy is to use questions to bring attention to specific behaviors, such as asking if they are aware of their abrasive or disrespectful actions. Rallying support from coworkers who also experience the toxic behavior can strengthen the case for intervention from HR or leadership. Taking ownership of the situation and understanding the potential consequences are also key in navigating these difficult conversations.
Initiating conversations with leaders about toxic behavior
Approaching leaders about addressing toxic behavior requires understanding their communication style and preferences. Depending on the leader, emphasizing the emotional impact on the team or presenting data that illustrates the negative consequences can be effective. Connecting toxic behavior to legal liability can also help garner attention and support for intervention. By highlighting the perception of the workforce and the need to change that perception, rather than engaging in fact battles, these conversations can be more productive in driving change.
Preparing for difficult conversations and exploring options
Preparing oneself for difficult conversations with toxic individuals involves considering potential outcomes and setting personal boundaries. Journaling and reflecting on desired outcomes can help in establishing a sense of empowerment. Recognizing that there are options beyond the current toxic work environment, such as updating resumes, strengthening online presence, and networking, can provide a sense of hope and motivation. By being prepared for potential outcomes, individuals can make informed decisions and take back their power in challenging situations.
In this episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian invites Catherine Mattice, a workplace bullying expert, to discuss strategies for navigating difficult conversations and addressing toxic behaviors in the workplace. They explore how perception plays a vital role in conversations, the significance of intentional language, and the impact of addressing urgent matters promptly. Catherine shares valuable insights on dealing with workplace bullies, rallying colleagues for support, and effectively approaching HR with a group complaint. Tune in to gain expert knowledge on negotiation and conflict resolution in the workplace.
You'll learn:
- Strategies to navigate difficult conversations and address toxic behaviors
- Effective approaches for dealing with workplace bullies
- How to rally colleagues and effectively approach HR with group complaints