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Tag and Tackle Team Toxicity: The Silent Business Killer
My husband had cancer long before we realised he was sick. There were numerous little signs that all was not well. He was constantly tired, which we attributed to his hard work. He lost some weight, and he thought it was healthy to be a little thinner. And then there was the pain in his shoulder. We thought he had injured the rotator cuff when he lifted a heavy box. However, when he decided to go for a check-up, we discovered that he had stage four lung cancer. It was too late to help him, and he passed away seven months later. Cancer is a silent killer.
Team toxicity, much like a hidden illness, can silently deteriorate the team and the organisation. Just as cancer can develop without apparent signs, toxicity can take root in a business, often disguised as everyday struggles or minor setbacks. For business owners, the ability to detect these silent signs early can be the difference between a thriving, collaborative team and one that weakens the company’s foundations.
Drawing on my personal experience, I have seen how unnoticed symptoms can lead to significant harm. In this article, I will walk you through the signs of team toxicity, its impact on business health, and actionable steps to create a psychologically safe and healthy work environment where your team—and ultimately your business—can genuinely thrive.
1. The Silent Symptoms of Team Toxicity
Toxicity in a team can be as deceptive as cancer. My husband’s experience showed us how easily we could misinterpret persistent symptoms like fatigue or weight loss as minor issues. Similarly, leaders may overlook these signs when teams struggle, attributing issues to everyday business struggles or personal challenges.
A common misconception is that silence is a sign of peace. In truth, a quiet team might be struggling. Toxicity in a team can present subtly through:
- High employee turnover
- Decreasing engagement in meetings
- Poor communication or avoidance of discussions
- Increased complaints or conflicts within the team
Understanding that these signs can indicate deeper issues is the first step in assessing your team’s health.
2. Why Team Health Matters
A healthy workplace environment allows employees to communicate openly, solve problems effectively, and trust each other. When team toxicity takes hold, it disrupts these essential elements, lowering morale, productivity, and collaboration. Over time, the costs of these negative impacts can become visible through decreased sales, customer dissatisfaction, and high turnover rates.
As leadership expert Mark Sanbor” said, “In teamwork, silence is not golden; it is “deadly.” If leaders mistake silence for agreement, it is easy to miss signs of discontent, misunderstandings, and even burnout. Like my husband’s experience, recognising these early can mean the difference between thriving and crisis.
3. Recognising Red Flags in Your Team
Every team will have moments of conflict or decreased motivation. However, persistent issues are warning signs that something more significant may be at play. Here are some specific red flags to watch for:
- Frequent Turnover: High turnover may suggest employees are unhappy or feel undervalued.
- Low Engagement: Employees withdrawing from meetings, events, or brainstorming sessions can indicate disengagement.
- Consistent Complaints: Regular complaints about other team members, workloads, or management often point to deeper-rooted issues.
- Absenteeism: Repeated unexplained absences can indicate stress, burnout, or dissatisfaction.
Recognising these signs is essential in preventing the silent spread of toxicity through your team and business.
4. Diagnosing Team Toxicity Levels
To assess your team’s well-being, conduct a “business check-up.” This screening should involve honest feedback from your team about their work environment, communication, and overall satisfaction.
Consider implementing:
- Anonymous Surveys: Anonymous feedback encourages honesty and provides insights into the team’s morale and satisfaction.
- One-on-One Meetings: Regular check-ins allow team members to voice concerns privately and supportively.
- Observation: Notice team dynamics in meetings and interactions. Watch for signs of disengagement or avoidance among members.
- Klaen Free Screening Questionnaire: The screening indicates the status of your team and comes with a free feedback session.
This assessment provides a clear picture of your stand, enabling you to target problem areas directly.
5. Steps to Create a Healthy, Thriving Team
Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, it is time to act. As a leader, your role is crucial in creating a positive, psychologically safe environment for your team. Here’s how to do it:
- Encourage Open Communication: Build an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.
- Model Positive Leadership: Positive leadership is crucial in identifying and addressing team toxicity. Leaders should exemplify the behaviour they want to see, fostering an environment of transparency, respect, and open feedback. This approach can help identify and address issues before they escalate.
- Provide Resources for Growth: Encourage development by offering training, coaching, or mentorship opportunities.
- Recognise and Reward good work. It is a powerful tool in boosting team morale and motivation. Even small accomplishments should be acknowledged, as this can help build a positive team culture where employees feel valued and motivated to continue performing well.
- Establish Clear Expectations: Outline roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations to eliminate ambiguity and reduce friction.
Each step helps nurture a supportive team culture where employees feel valued and safe.
6. Sustaining a Healthy Team Environment
Creating a positive environment is only the first step. Maintaining it requires consistent effort and periodic check-ups to ensure it does not creep back in. Here are some long-term strategies that will require your commitment and diligence:
- Regularly Assess Team Dynamics: Conduct annual surveys and maintain open channels for feedback.
- Adapt to Change: Be ready to address any shifts in team morale or productivity as your business grows or faces challenges.
- Provide Continuous Training: Keep team skills and knowledge current and make personal development a business priority.
- Cultivate Psychological Safety: Encourage risk-taking, feedback, and mutual respect to ensure employees feel secure.
Regularly checking in on your team and adjusting is the best way to sustain a healthy, empowered team.
7. A Safe Team is a Strong Team
The health of your business is deeply connected to the health of your team. By proactively addressing and managing toxicity, you can prevent the silent erosion that disrupts morale, productivity, and your bottom line. A psychologically safe workplace allows team members to express ideas, resolve issues collaboratively, and bring their best selves to work.
Let’s make team wellness a priority. Completing a screening questionnaire or team assessment can be a powerful start to building a resilient, thriving workplace. Remember, a healthy team is not just good for business—it is essential.
8. Closing Thoughts
Keeping your business thriving means more than hitting targets; it is about cultivating a space where each team member feels valued, heard, and empowered. With these practices, you’re investing in a team that can withstand challenges and grow together for long-term success.
Take Charge of Your Team’s Health Today!
Do not let hidden team toxicity silently undermine your business. Just as you would prioritise health check-ups for yourself, it is time to invest in a “check-up” for your team. Assess your work environment, identify early warning signs, and take proactive steps toward a thriving, resilient workplace. Begin with our screening questionnaire and discover the insights you need to foster a safe, supportive, and empowered team culture.