dealing with toxic people
Leadership-Focused — Leading Through Toxicity
As a leader, one of the hardest challenges you’ll ever face is managing a toxic person or culture.
Whether it’s gaslighting, manipulation, or constant negativity — toxicity erodes trust, destroys engagement, and poisons team dynamics.
But remember: toxic people act from insecurity and fear. Their behaviour is about control — not leadership.
And your job is to make sure their behaviour doesn’t infect the rest of your team or your clients.
🔑 7 Leadership Tips for Dealing with Toxicity
- Address It Early.
Toxicity ignored becomes toxicity amplified. Act quickly and clearly. - Stay Grounded.
Don’t mirror their behaviour. Respond calmly, with evidence and integrity. - Protect Your Team.
Shield others from unnecessary exposure. Create psychological safety. - Set Boundaries.
Make expectations clear — and hold people accountable for their behaviour. - Separate Emotion from Action.
Don’t take it personally. Detach emotionally and decide objectively. - Model the Culture You Expect.
Your consistency is the antidote to chaos. Lead by example every day. - Know When to Escalate or Exit.
Some people won’t change. Know when to draw the line to protect your culture and yourself.
💬 Leadership Lesson
Toxic people can make you doubt yourself — but they also help you refine your leadership edge.
They teach you how to stay calm under fire, lead with clarity, and protect what truly matters: your integrity, your team, and your purpose.