TLP264: Guide to Dealing with Difficult and Toxic Coworkers and Managers

Peter Economy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling business author, ghostwriter, developmental editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books to his credit (and more than three million copies sold). Peter’s latest book, Wait, I’m Working With Who?!?, dives into how to work with anyone in your office and manage both the difficult and toxic relationships that are within that environment. In this week’s episode, Peter shares what he’s learned over the years, how the leadership tides are changing for the better, and the best ways to navigate a toxic work environment.   Sponsored by...   Cultivate Grit. Amplify Action. Get   We help YOU enjoy the success we’ve already enjoyed. Free downloads of on Delegation, Time Management, Sales, and more.   Key Takeaways [3:15] Over the years, Peter has seen a shift to a much more empowered workforce. [5:35] Peter has also seen a shift in his Inc. readers. More people want to become leaders. [6:40] Peter has learned over time that anybody can be a leader and that there are a variety of leadership styles out there that are effective. There isn’t a “one size” style to leadership.  [8:25] Two-thirds of American employees have worked in at least one toxic environment. [9:00] If there’s a toxic person in the workplace, they’re poisoning the well. [12:00] There are three things to do if you’re in a toxic environment: Suck it up, change it, or leave. [15:30] Peter’s management style is always looking for the good in people and assuming good intent. [17:50] If people feel like they can take a risk, they will. If they’re punished for it, then the whole culture changes. [19:50] Corporations are taking a stance on social and political issues. Peter shares his thoughts on this changing landscape. [23:10] The bigger the organization, the harder it is for them to remain neutral on certain topics. [28:30] Feedback is important, but how it’s delivered can really break empathy and make it difficult for the person receiving the feedback to see the bigger picture. [30:25] Peter shares a leadership challenge he experienced in his career when he went from leading 10 people to 400 people. [34:30] Peter shares his predictions on what will happen to the workplace when COVID-19 is gone. He doesn’t believe we’ll be going back to “normal.” [38:30] Peter lists some of the warning signs that you have a toxic person in your organization.   Quotable Quotes   “I don’t think there’s a recipe for being a great leader. I think great leaders can be all kinds of people.”   “A toxic workplace, you just can’t ignore it. My advice is to always deal with it. Take it on.” “It’s hard and it’s difficult, but we should always assume the best in our people until proven otherwise.” “A lot of people are afraid to give feedback, especially to their boss. Gallup has found the number one reason people quit their jobs is because of their boss.”   Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: . Connect with Peter: , , and Peter’s newest book: