TLP264: Wait, I’m Working With Who?!?

Peter Economy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling business author, ghostwriter, developmental editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books to his credit (and more than three million copies sold). Peter’s latest book, Wait, I’m Working With Who?!?, is a guide for dealing with difficult coworkers, annoying managers, and other toxic personalities.

Who hasn’t had to deal with a jerk at work? Whether it’s a toxic team member who loves nothing more than to suck the life and excitement out of her colleagues, the difficult coworker who isn’t happy unless the office is filled with mayhem and drama, or a bad boss who causes his employees to constantly dream of telling him to “Take this job and shove it!”, we’ve all had to deal with people on the job we would rather not.

Listen in as Peter offers useful advice on dealing with difficult people that will make your workday happier and more productive.

Key Takeaways

[3:15] There is a shift to a much more empowered workforce.

[6:40] Anybody can be a leader and that there are a variety of leadership styles out there that are effective. There isn’t a “one size” style to leadership.

[8:25] Two-thirds of American employees have worked in at least one toxic environment.

[9:00] If there’s a toxic person in the workplace, they’re poisoning the well.

[12:00] There are three things to do if you’re in a toxic environment: Suck it up, change it, or leave.

[15:30] Look for the good in people and assume good intent.

[17:50] If people feel like they can take a risk, they will. If they’re punished for it, then the whole culture changes.

[19:50] Corporations are taking a stance on social and political issues. Peter shares his thoughts on this changing landscape.

[23:10] The bigger the organization, the harder it is for them to remain neutral on certain topics.

[28:30] Feedback is important, but how it’s delivered can really break empathy and make it difficult for the person receiving the feedback to see the bigger picture.

[30:25] Peter shares a leadership challenge he experienced in his career when he went from leading 10 people to 400 people.

[34:30] Predictions on what will happen to the workplace when COVID-19 is gone.

[38:30] Warning signs that you have a toxic person in your organization.

The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company.

Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country’s warfighters and firefighters.

Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com