At some point in your career, you’ll probably have a colleague that participates in toxic behavior. While ignoring it may be a short-term solution, it might not work forever. Often, toxicity eats away at your wellbeing, turning what was an enjoyable job into something you start to loathe.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to deal with it effectively. Here are five ways to deal with a toxic teammate.

1. Lead by Example

If you’re participating in a meeting or a group endeavor along with your toxic teammate, one easy thing to do is lead by example and get other teammates to do the same. When everyone collectively doesn’t respond to the toxicity, instead of continuing to act with professionalism and remaining friendly, it can serve as a subtle signal to the toxic team member that their actions aren’t going to impact the mood of everyone else. In some cases, that’s enough to put a stop to the behavior.

2. Show Appreciation

In some cases, a teammate exhibits toxic behavior because they feel unseen or undervalued. If that may be the case here, openly praising their efforts and showing appreciation may do the trick. By speaking up and recognizing them, you can reduce their frustration and insecurities, making it more likely that they will start acting in a positive manner.

3. Have a Private Conversation

If you have a decent relationship with the person, talking to them may not be a bad idea. You can let them know that you’ve noticed they seem frustrated or upset. Then, ask if there’s anything on their mind or if there’s something you could do to help.

While it may not be an immediate solution, it could let you discover what’s behind the toxic behavior. Additionally, by extending kindness, you may be able to help them take the first step toward something better.

4. Talk with a Manager

For persistently toxic behavior that isn’t showing signs of improvement, speaking with your manager may be a necessity. Focus on the facts as you let them know what’s been happening and why it’s problematic. Then, let the manager address the situation.

If the manager is the issue, then you may need to look higher up. In those cases, speaking with their boss or human resources could be the right move. That way, those who can intervene are aware of the issue.

5. Find a New Job

In some cases, there’s little that can be done about a toxic teammate. If management won’t intervene or any attempts to correct the behavior don’t work, seeking out a new opportunity might be your only option, allowing you to move on toward something better.

If you’re dealing with a toxic coworker and think a new job is your best option, the skilled team at VB wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our talented recruiters today and see how our services can help you secure a new position as quickly as possible.