7 Tips for Dealing with Toxic Employees

We’ve all been there. You hire a promising new staff member, only to eventually realize he is a dreaded TOXIC EMPLOYEE. Or, even worse, you begin to recognize toxic traits in one of your valuable, longtime staff members.

These problem people come in many forms—The Hot Head, The Slacker, The Drama Queen, The Naysayer, The Narcissist—but all share one key characteristic: they’re culture killers. And, if left unchecked, they can become a cancer to your laboratory, spreading negativity, thwarting teamwork and morale, and even impacting production.

“Culture is huge for us and every person we add changes the culture in our laboratory just a little bit,” says Jim Thacker, CEO, Utah Valley Dental Lab, Lindon, UT. “I’ve hired some really talented technicians but if they’re difficult, can’t collaborate or are volatile, it can affect everyone on staff.”

Here are seven tips for rooting out problem...