Key Insights

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  Preconceptions about difficult coworkers can bias your approach before you even meet them.

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  Physical and emotional depletion can be signs of toxic workplace relationships.

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  Observing behaviors and asking targeted questions can reveal underlying concerns that aren't initially communicated.

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  Appealing to a stakeholder’s best interest—such as meeting their deadline pressures—can build trust and rapport.

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  Creating a clear, visual roadmap with checkpoints helps align stakeholders and reduces anxiety over deadlines.

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  Regularly reviewing and documenting decisions in meetings enforces accountability and limits scope creep.

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  Holding stakeholders accountable does not require confrontation but consistent gentle reminders through records.

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  Toxic behaviors often stem from external or internal pressures no one else knows about.

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  Acknowledging and owning one’s toxic behaviors is the first step to improving team dynamics.

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  Working with a trusted mentor or accountability partner helps in sustaining behavior change and improvement.

Notable Quotes