Toxic Team: How Leaders Can Fix This Problem

In the business world, it’s safe to say all work is done in teams. Most people will say that the teams they’ve been on are mediocre. What's worse, many can tell you in detail about the toxic teams they’ve been on where gossip, sabotage, and finger-pointing were the norm.

Does this sound anything like the team you’re currently on? If so, you know how these teams can suck the life out of you and it’s time to turn things around.  

If you want to know what constitutes a toxic team, here are the signs::

• Members of the team are regularly complaining about each other

• Team members are too busy watching their back as opposed to doing their work

• Employees sabotaging one another behind the scenes

• Suspicion and mistrust in every interaction.

•  People avoid working together and hate team meetings

• Teammates prefer to see the team fail and criticise one another

If this sounds like the team you lead, it’s time to do something. Here are the effects of a toxic team:

• Morale suffers and good people resign

• Strong candidates don’t join the team because of its bad reputation

• Critical problems don’t get addressed because no one feels safe bringing up the hard issues

• Decisions are made secretly or seem highly political

• No risk-taking or innovation 

If you lead a toxic team, you need to turn it around. Good news, it's doable and actually worth it. The main challenge is to change the dynamic by:

• Enforcing a no-tolerance policy on destructive behaviour,
• Rebuilding trust,
• Setting clear standards 
• Defining a shared purpose.

Here are five steps to get your team out of this highly dysfunctional place: 

1. Own it

Take full ownership in fixing your team. Think about what you did to allow for this dynamic and what you didn’t do to address it. This is a great time for 360 feedback to understand everyone's perception of your effectiveness as a team leader.

Talk openly with your team about your role, whether good or bad and set a new standard for how you expect the team to work together.

2. Study the facts and seek out the truth.

Collect data and feedback to find out what actually happened to the team. Get everyone's perspective. Ask questions, listen, and be open to feedback. Seek the truth, even if it's hard to swallow. 

Leaders usually have the perspective of some but not all members, and may have a biased opinion of what's happening. Remember to stay neutral and listen without judgement to understand why the team is struggling.

3. Set new standards of behaviour and make tough decisions.

As a leader, it's important to set a new standard for behaviour and performance. Set a high bar and apply it to EVERYONE. Teams often overlook or ignore negative behaviours for many reasons. 

Make sure the team understands the repercussions of their actions and be willing to follow through. Set out examples where team members are/are not living up to the new standards. You get what you tolerate.

4. Get the team on board.

Make sure the team meets regularly, so they'll stay committed to the new rules. If needed, find a strong facilitator to help (a professional facilitator, internal HR business partner, or a trusted colleague who is neutral).

Involve the team in discussing problems and suggesting ways to improve. Don't forget to celebrate progress and successes, even the small ones.

5. Don’t give up.

It's not easy to turn around a toxic team. It takes time, courage, and commitment. Keep your vision in front of the team and give your members regular feedback and coaching. Publicise quick wins and reward the right behaviour. 

It's not easy to do this, but remove members who aren't willing or able to change. One toxic member can turn the whole team toxic, so don't be afraid to make the tough decisions.

Facing the truth about your team, setting a new standard, requiring the team to building strong and healthy relationships, and developing new habits takes energy and courage. However, once you begin the process of turning around your team, you are likely to see improvements immediately.

Be intentional in your efforts and be persistent, and you’ll reap the rewards.

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