How should I handle a toxic coworker looking to switch into my team?
I switched teams internally at my job several months ago and love the culture and work of my new team. I found out recently through the grapevine that one of my former coworkers from my previous internal team is looking at switching into my team. This person has a rather dominant / toxic personality and I’m concerned that if they joined my team that it would negatively change the culture. I am not sure how to professionally handle this. Do I just suck it up and let it go? Or is it better to say something? TC - 5YOE / 150K TC Edit: In the poll options below, “Confront” is too aggressive of language and should instead be “Share your concerns with”. 😅
talk to the manager, but I think using the word “confront” here is wrong - you can have a civil conversation where you share your feedback and concerns. I’m sure your manager will appreciate additional insights
That’s fair. My word choice definitely could have been better. Thank you for your comment! Would you suggest only sharing my concerns if my manager reaches out to me? Or just share with my manager regardless?
How strongly do you feel about not wanting this person on the team? I’d initiate the conversation if I felt strongly.
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I wouldn't say confront (seems aggressive) but nothing wrong with giving your manager a heads up, especially considering that you've worked with this individual and how some background knowledge. I'm sure your manager would appreciate it. I know I would.
Yeah, I really wish I phrased it as “shared my concerns”. Thanks for the feedback!
I left an organization I was in for 7 years because of a toxic asshole. Don’t let him ruin your new org!
Agree with Apple - Every team has an asshole. If your team doesn’t, then you are probably the one.
Lol... there is a difference between asshole and toxic. assholes are fine. It happens when people are stressed and overworked. Toxic destroys teams. This guy torn 3 orgs apart. 4 plus people left. Lol
Your manager has the best interest of their team in their mind. Explain to them why this person wouldn’t be the right fit and could possibly hurt their team and you will be fine. Speak in a 1 on 1. Don’t do it at their desk or whatever
It depends on what makes the personality toxic. If your issue with the coworker is that you can't push back against the person, the problem is with you.
Whether that tool gets on team is on you. Talk to your manager. "I know that person, they did X on our old team & Y quit because they couldn't stand them." Do not make yourself the reason that the interviewing candidate is an ass. <- you don't want to become one side of a 2 side story.
Example of toxic personality?
1. Can never accept responsibility for anything that goes wrong 2. Claims ownership of anything that goes right 3. Always puts down more junior team members to appear more senior 4. Explicit or implicit discrimination (racism, sexism...) The list goes on...
100% share with your manager BUT make it as objective as possible. Be sure to share very specific examples to back yourself up and show it's not just a grudge or personality mismatch
I like your points of using specific examples and keeping it objective. Thanks for the input!
You could consider growing up.
What do you define as “growing up” in this case? That’s literally why I made this post. I don’t know what the “mature” approach is.
If it is the “get over it” type approach then so be it and I’ll move on.