Animal health pros often lead projects, work in groups and work as managers. Marcel Schwantes reviews counterproductive behaviors that destroy team morale and performance. His perspective is focused on new hires. However, these examples are equally consistent with team and group performance.
Source: Inc., September 18, 2018. Link. These behaviors are recognized as toxic:
- A manager who can’t see beyond him or herself
- A manager who hogs the spotlight
- A manager who is never wrong
- A manager who covers things up
- A manager who micromanages
- A manager who’s MIA
- A manager who points the finger at everyone else
INSIGHTS: Schwantes has identified situations that indicate a new manager needs help. Guidance for dealing with the person or the issues is NOT provided. It is best to say something sooner than later. Consider using “I” statements such as:
- I think I must have misunderstood some details, could you please explain _____________?
- I just spoke with a couple of colleagues who asked about our project. I hope it was okay for me to do that.
- I’m confused when we need to move forward but have not defined who is able to approve next steps when you are absent from work. Addressing this at our next team meeting will keep us moving toward our deadlines.
- I need to better understand the measurements and reports most important to you. Let’s meet before the department meeting tomorrow to discuss your reporting priorities.