The Cost Of Keeping A High Performing Bully
Episode 26: The Cost Of Being A Jerk At Work With Bonnie Artman Fox
Bonnie Artman Fox on what one difficult senior person costs a business, and how to deal with the behaviour rather than tolerate the results.
How do I handle a high performer who treats people badly?
Also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What this episode covers
If you struggle with a high performer who treats colleagues poorly, this episode offers practical insights into managing abrasive leadership. Jimmy Burroughes talks with workplace conflict expert Bonnie Artman Fox about recognising abrasive behaviour versus bullying, the hidden costs to organisational culture, and how therapy and coaching can aid improvement. They discuss strategies for initiating difficult conversations and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. This episode equips leaders with tools to address abrasive behaviours constructively, helping to improve team cohesion and performance.
Who this is for: General managers and senior operators facing challenges with high-performing team members who exhibit abrasive or difficult behaviour.
Key takeaways
- Abrasive leaders differ from bullies by often lacking self-awareness about their negative impact on others.
- Addressing abrasive behaviour in high performers requires careful conversations balancing risks and potential improvements.
- Coaching abrasive leaders can lead to positive changes in team dynamics and organisational culture.
- Leaders must actively seek feedback to recognise and manage their own abrasive tendencies.
- Understanding the costs of abrasive leadership helps justify investing in conflict resolution and leadership development.
What if you could transform the culture in your workplace by understanding and addressing abrasive leadership? In this episode, Jimmy is joined by a workplace conflict expert, Bonnie Artman Fox. They explore the challenges of dealing with abrasive leaders and the impact of their behavior on organizational culture. Bonnie shares her journey of working for an abrasive leader and how therapy helped her navigate the situation. They also talked about the difference between abrasive leaders and bullies, emphasizing the lack of self-awareness in the former. This episode will leave you plenty to consider and, hopefully, inspire you to initiate positive change in your leadership approach.
As a Workplace Conflict Expert, Bonnie’s mission is to come alongside you and equip you with the interpersonal skills to make conscious communication choices and uncover the unexpected ways conflict can make your team stronger and more cohesive.
Connect with Bonnie:
Web: https://bonnieartmanfox.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnieartmanfox/
Get your free gifts!
FREE resource on Executive Sos: 5 Steps To Eliminate Abrasive Behaviors With Your Top Performers - https://leadershipturnaround.com/
FREE Workplace Family Factor Assessment® - https://workplacefamilyfactor.com/
Episode Highlights
[1:33] Bonnie's backstory and journey to becoming an accredited boss whisperer
[4:28] Differentiating between abrasive leaders and bullies
[7:04] The costs of having abrasive leaders in an organization
[10:28] Risks and benefits of starting a conversation with an abrasive leader
[16:43] Positive outcomes and benefits of coaching abrasive leaders
[20:12] Identifying abrasive tendencies in oneself as a leader
[22:52] Seeking feedback and the importance of self-awareness
[28:51] Outro
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Questions managers ask about this episode
How can I tell if a high performer is just abrasive or actually a bully?
Abrasive leaders often lack self-awareness and their behaviour is not intentionally malicious, whereas bullies deliberately seek to harm or dominate others. Recognising this difference helps tailor your approach to managing their conduct effectively.
What are the risks of confronting an abrasive leader about their behaviour?
Starting a conversation with an abrasive leader can be risky as it may provoke defensiveness or conflict. However, approaching the issue thoughtfully can lead to positive outcomes, including improved behaviour and team morale.
Can coaching help high performers with abrasive behaviour change their leadership style?
Yes, coaching abrasive leaders has shown to produce positive benefits by increasing their self-awareness and communication skills, which can transform team dynamics and reduce conflict in the workplace.
How can I identify abrasive tendencies in myself as a leader?
Seeking honest feedback from peers and team members is crucial to recognising abrasive behaviours you may exhibit. This self-awareness is the first step towards making conscious communication choices and improving your leadership approach.