Every team has its stars, but what happens when someone starts pulling in the wrong direction?
This week on Train of Thought, we’re tackling a tough but necessary conversation: how to deal with a “bad apple” on your team. Whether it’s a colleague who drains morale with constant negativity, an underperformer who doesn’t pull their weight, or someone whose behavior sparks conflict and tension, just one person can derail an entire group’s momentum.
But here’s the good news: with clarity, communication, and a proactive mindset, you can address these challenges head-on, without letting one sour attitude spoil the bunch.
In this episode, we start by recognizing the signs of a toxic or unproductive team member. From passive-aggressive comments to consistent missed deadlines, there are warning flags that shouldn’t be ignored. Left unchecked, these behaviors don’t just impact productivity—they affect trust, engagement, and even team retention.
Then we dive into how to respond effectively, with a three-step approach:
1. Have the conversation—early, calm, and specific.
2. Set clear expectations—and follow up.
3. Offer support, because sometimes, poor behavior masks deeper struggles.
But what if the behavior doesn’t change? We discuss when to escalate and why protecting the team’s well-being sometimes means making tough decisions. You’ll learn when it’s time to involve HR, set firmer boundaries, or make a more formal intervention.
Finally, we wrap up with ways to prevent bad apples in the first place—by hiring thoughtfully, building a strong team culture, and addressing issues while they’re still small.
Listen to episode 19 now and learn how to protect your team's integrity while giving individuals a chance to grow.
Because strong teams don’t avoid conflict—they know how to face it with clarity and care.
Musical Interlude: Reveille “Outer Limits” (3:15)
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