Cut It Early
Toxic behaviour doesn’t show up all at once. It builds quietly, chips away at morale and slows everything down.
Avoiding it won’t protect your team. Addressing it directly will.
Here’s what’s worked for me when I’ve had to protect team culture while staying fair and consistent.
1. Set expectations from the start
Make it clear what respectful and collaborative behaviour looks like. When people know the standards, they’re more likely to meet them.
2. Don’t make exceptions
Sometimes, toxic behaviour comes from someone seen as too valuable to challenge. That mindset causes more harm in the long run. Everyone should be held to the same bar.
3. Encourage people to speak up
If your team feels safe enough to raise issues early, you’ve already prevented bigger problems. It takes time to build that trust, but it’s worth it.
4. Lead by example
The way you act sets the tone. Respect, fairness and accountability should show up in what you say and do every day.
5. Support change, but act if needed
Give people the chance to improve. Offer feedback and back it with support. But if nothing changes, it’s time to protect the team by stepping in firmly.
Ask yourself: Are you keeping the peace, or just postponing a harder decision?
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about dealing with toxic behaviour early on? – Ali Aydan