Robert Sutton of Stanford University became well known for a concept bluntly titled The No A–hole Rule.
(In my talks, I substitute “jerks” but he writes about his feeling that “jerks” or other terms don’t capture the massive damage that these people do to others and their organizations.)
His main premise in the books is about something leaders often underestimate:
One toxic person can damage an entire workplace.
Research on incivility has shown that rude behavior lowers performance, creativity, memory, and willingness to help others. In other words, bad behavior doesn’t stay contained. It spreads.
Recently, someone I know left a job because management allowed destructive personalities to take over the environment.
The results were predictable.
Morale dropped. Standards slipped. Performance suffered. Even the physical appearance of the store declined.
When people stop caring, it eventually shows everywhere.
Many leaders think their biggest risk is losing customers, missing goals, or hiring the wrong person.
Often the bigger risk is refusing to confront behavior everyone else can see.
Strong cultures are rarely built by slogans. They are built when leaders protect standards, address disrespect, and make good people want to stay.
Because talented people usually have options.
And when good people leave, they rarely leave alone. They take energy, stability, and future potential with them.
Culture is not what you say in meetings.
Culture is what you permit, practice and promote.
Have a great day!
~ Nathan
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