Written by Peter Tran

Nobody sets out to hire someone with toxic culture and poor behaviour. When you recruit someone new, they put their best foot forward to create a good impression. In the early stages they will be on their best behaviour but over time the wrong people reveal themselves. In recruiting terms, we say they are ‘holding their breath’.

Their poor behaviour may be subtle. You may put your time and emotional energy into managing them back towards your company culture. They come good for a while then fall back into their old ways.

Again, you invest your time and energy into helping them. And again, the same cycle happens over again. It can get to the point where you dread even seeing them as you feel they suck the life out of you.

The wrong people occupy your mind. They sit in your thoughts when you could be focused on other things. You are up at night getting frustrated, wondering why this person behaves the way they do.

The solution is to make them accountable, with clear consequences for poor behaviour. Be courageous enough to enforce your boundaries or let them go. They will be happier somewhere else.

Just because people were the right fit for your business in the beginning doesn’t mean they are now.

When you put pressure on them, it can go two ways. They listen and accept your influence and get better, or they continue with their own toxic culture within your culture. This can become incredibly draining for you and your team.  

At the end of the day, you are the leader. Culture is your responsibility to create and cultivate. Make tough decisions and refuse to accept mediocrity in your business. Over time, this mindset will help you create a winning team.