What Do You Do With Toxic A-Players On Your Team?
Nov 25, 2024
So, what do you do about A-Players who are toxic? We call them "Toxic A-Players." They’re highly capable and talented, but their behavior often undermines team morale, leaving you and others feeling frustrated. This contradiction makes Toxic A-Players challenging to manage and raises one of the most perplexing questions for managers: why would you fire someone who is so talented?
Despite their skills, you may find yourself not wanting to work with them or expose your team to them. Your feelings and reactions to their behavior are important; trust your gut instinct. If you sense there’s an issue, it’s time to take action.
What Are Your Options?
1. Talk and Warn Them
The first step is to have an open and honest conversation with them. Share your observations and concerns, and give them a chance to adjust their behavior. However, if you’ve already spoken with them and your concerns persist, it may be time for further action.
2. Confirm Your Reservations
If you’re unsure whether it’s just your perspective, reach out to others who have worked with them, such as previous bosses or direct reports. Ask them what it was like to work with this person, and see if they experienced similar issues. This feedback can help you feel more confident about taking necessary steps.
If you don’t know whether a team member is a Toxic A-Player, make sure to check out my videos on "How To Identify A, B, C, and D Players".
Remember, Toxic A-Players may bring great results, but if they harm team morale or undermine productivity, you need to take action to protect your team’s overall well-being and success.
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