5 Red Flags of TOXIC TEAM BEHAVIOURS 🚩

Summary

In this video, leadership coach Mac shares five red flags of toxic team behaviors that could be hindering your team's success. These include gossip, undermining, resistance to change, lazy thinking, and negativity. Mac explains how these behaviors undermine trust, productivity, and morale, offering actionable steps for managers to address each issue. From setting clear expectations to fostering trust and encouraging proactive problem-solving, the video provides valuable insights for first-time managers looking to cultivate a positive, high-performing team environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Gossip is toxic**: It distracts from work, damages reputations, and creates negativity. It's essential to set clear expectations and hold people accountable to eliminate it from the team environment.
• 😀 **Undermining behaviors stem from a lack of trust**: Whether it's undermining a manager or team members, these actions are usually a result of mistrust and should be addressed by actively rebuilding trust within the team.
• 😀 **Resisting change is a sign of toxicity**: A 'we’ve always done it this way' mindset prevents growth and innovation. Teams should embrace new and more efficient ways of doing things to ensure progress.
• 😀 **Lazy thinking slows down productivity**: When team members rely too much on the manager for solutions, it shows a lack of initiative. Managers should encourage their teams to think critically and solve problems independently.
• 😀 **Negative attitudes undermine morale**: Persistent pessimism, where people constantly say 'we can't' or 'that's too hard,' holds the team back and harms productivity. It’s important to address this attitude quickly.
• 😀 **Clear communication is key to solving toxic behaviors**: Defining what behaviors are unacceptable and setting clear standards for the team is crucial in maintaining a healthy work environment.
• 😀 **Gossip is not harmless**: It can create a toxic culture, damage relationships, and prevent the team from focusing on its goals. It's essential to handle gossip immediately and discourage it.
• 😀 **Team members should be empowered to solve problems**: Managers shouldn't be the go-to problem solvers for every issue. Encouraging autonomy helps foster responsibility and boosts team morale.
• 😀 **Trust is the foundation of a successful team**: Many toxic behaviors like undermining and resistance to change stem from a lack of trust. Building and nurturing trust is crucial for team success.
• 😀 **Small behaviors can snowball into larger issues**: Addressing toxic behaviors early, such as gossip or negative attitudes, prevents them from becoming ingrained habits that are difficult to remove later on.

Q & A

What are the five red flags of toxic team behavior mentioned in the video?

The five red flags are: 1) Gossip, 2) Undermining, 3) Resistance to Change, 4) Lazy Thinking, and 5) Negative Attitudes.

Why is gossip considered a toxic behavior on teams?

Gossip distracts team members from their work, damages reputations, and spreads negativity. It creates a toxic environment that undermines trust and cooperation within the team.

What is the distinction between 'gossip' and 'genuine concern' within a team?

Gossip is negative, mindless, and often untruthful talk about others that harms reputations, while genuine concern involves showing care for a teammate’s well-being and addressing issues constructively.

How can a manager address gossip in a team?

A manager should clearly outline what constitutes gossip, set expectations for a gossip-free environment, and hold team members accountable when they engage in gossip.

What does 'undermining' behavior usually signal in a team?

Undermining typically signals a lack of trust, either between team members or between the manager and the team. It can manifest as individuals going around each other or bypassing authority, which destabilizes teamwork.

How can a manager address undermining behaviors within their team?

To address undermining, a manager should actively build trust by fostering open communication, addressing concerns directly, and creating a culture of collaboration and respect.

What does it mean when a team operates with a 'we’ve always done it this way' mindset?

This mindset reflects resistance to change and innovation. It shows a team prioritizing comfort and habit over progress, which can hinder efficiency and growth.

Why is resistance to change a red flag for a team?

Resistance to change is problematic because it signals that the team is not focused on continuous improvement, which can lead to stagnation. Teams need to adapt to new methods and find better ways to accomplish tasks for success.

What does 'lazy thinking' refer to in a team setting?

Lazy thinking occurs when team members rely on the manager to solve all problems or come up with solutions, instead of thinking critically and taking initiative themselves.

How can managers address lazy thinking within their team?

Managers should empower their teams to think independently and solve problems on their own, providing support when necessary but allowing team members to take ownership of their work.

What are the effects of having a team filled with 'Debbie Downers' or 'Negative Nancys'?

A team filled with negative attitudes can hinder productivity and morale. If team members consistently express doubts or pessimism, it prevents positive movement forward and signals deeper issues such as lack of trust or poor change management.

How can a manager handle negative attitudes in a team?

A manager should address the root causes of negativity by improving trust, providing clear expectations, and managing change effectively. Encouraging a positive mindset and focusing on solutions can help counteract this behavior.

How do trust issues manifest in toxic team behaviors?

Trust issues often lie at the core of toxic behaviors such as gossip, undermining, resistance to change, and negative attitudes. When trust is lacking, team members are more likely to engage in these behaviors, which further perpetuate the cycle of toxicity.

Why is it important for a team to have a culture of continuous improvement?

A culture of continuous improvement ensures that the team is always seeking better, more efficient ways to complete tasks. This mindset drives innovation, growth, and success, ultimately making the team more effective and adaptable to challenges.