How to build a cohesive team after toxic behaviour

[siressmins]

I’ve been in my role only a few months as have most of the team. When I first started I noticed some pushback from a couple of staff who had worked with the organisation previously as the new director had come in with a goal to change things. The organisation had gone stale, not moved with the times and was basically defunct so sweeping changes needed to be made. And fast.

Despite the “old” staff pushing back against the changes things were fairly harmonious with the new staff as we all had our eyes on the mission.

However, things have rapidly deteriorated to the point where one of the “new” staff (Lara) continually hits attacks people and claims she’s been frozen out. I suspect this kicked off because an “old” staff (Weena) spread rumours and debased her, which then caused people to interact with Lara less. Lara has a few personal problems and a combative personality so this has created a snowball effect. Lara is now so unpleasant to be around we all walk on eggshells. A colleague confided in me that she’s been crying at work and home, and wants to quit.

I’ve tried to reassure her but honestly. I don’t see things improving without Lara having a personality transplant.

I’m so disappointed as I was so happy to get this job and initially connected with Lara, but she’s just spiralled. It’s like she’s a different person and I, like others, are tiring of being her punching bag.

Weena is no longer in the picture (thank god), but the damage she did is huge.

I’d like to suggest some non-cringy team building activities to the boss to get us out of this slump and have a positive start to the new year. I have a feeling it will be an uphill battle but I’m willing to give it a good crack.

Any suggestions?

Weena is no longer in the picture (thank god), but the damage she did is huge.

What support has Lara had to recover from the harm this employee caused and that her employer failed to protect her from?

Good point @quarrelmerchant. I don’t know. I’m not her manager. But I do know I have made about a million efforts to support her since we started and they’ve fallen on deaf ears. It also doesn’t stop her using me as a punching bag for her stress, as mentioned.

I'm not sure team building will be effective until Lara's behaviour is addressed. I also can't see other team members approaching it with an open mind if Lara's behaviour continues unchecked.

Whether she's experienced issues in the past is a bit by the bye. She needs to have any unprofessional behaviour addressed, by her manager. The team will naturally recover if the original instigator of issues is out of the picture, but if Lara keeps behaving negatively, then she will take that person's place and cause further damage.

The Lara problem isn't going to be sorted by team building exercises.

It sounds like the Weena issue damaged Lara's trust in the business, and the job isn't living up to her expectations so she has become resentful. Only her manager can resolve this by asking the right questions to find out what's going on with her and to look at measures to make her happier or push for her to improve her attitude.

The issue is now Lara and by bringing the rest of the team into activities, which to be honest most people cringe at, is not going to solve it. Lara's manager needs to address this and you need to step away to allow her to do it. Raise how she treats / speaks to you with her line manager, give them the opportunity to address it informally with her and if it continues then log formally.

Hit the nail on the head @Doyoumind. Weena really got to her. Thing is, I don’t even know if Lara realises she was the person who set this off and it’s not my place to tell her. Feel like she might be different if she knew how it got to this point.

I also realise it’s not my place to rectify things but I can’t work in another toxic environment. I’ve been there in the past and don’t want to do it again.