We’ve all experienced an office Grinch or two in our lifetime. You know the type – they create a negative stench around them like rotting meat that begins infiltrating every corner of the office energy.
The office Grinch is the very definition of a ‘rotten apple’ that needs to be exterminated to prevent their seasoned negativity from spreading through businesses like a wildfire, fueled by the satisfaction their sour soul rejoices in from causing a miserable work environment.
The sad fact is, the office Grinches are usually feeling threatened in the workplace, and express their emotions by being unpleasant and defensive to everyone around them.
How to Beat the Office Grinch
If your office Grinch isn’t performing well in their job, they’ll soon seal their own fate. If you’re the boss, fire them. These personalities bring nothing but darkness to a workplace, and it can be highly contagious. If they overdeliver in their role and get impressive results, it’s easier to turn a blind eye to their toxic behavior, but it’s still not acceptable conduct.
Don’t bite back.
The majority of the time, the office Grinch has an overinflated ego which feeds on battling with others. In fact, they virtually live for it. If you start biting back to their oppositional rituals, you’re validating their behavior and engaging with it. Never demean yourself by throwing mean girl grenades back at them. Respond with professionalism – eventually, they’ll get bored, and often may even realize it’s time to step up their work game.
Grin and deflect.
Regardless of how draining it is, ignore the intentional snipes to get a reaction out of you. Focus on delivering excellent results in your job role. They will either get bored and move onto someone else who fulfills their requirement for negative communication. Misery loves company – don’t give it a friend in you.
When all else fails, take action.
Internalizing the effect of a colleague’s negative behavior for a sustained amount of time can be poisonous to your mind, body, and soul – realistically, who has time for this? When all else fails, suggest a casual lunch or coffee where you can sit down and calmly address your concerns about their behavior. This approach can often create an ally rather than an enemy because they will appreciate you going directly to them rather than management behind their back. You’re a boss babe; you’ve got this! If there’s still no change after you sit down with them, it’s time to take it to management. If someone has no desire to perform positively at work, they have no business being there.
