One Bad Apple

Many of us have heard the phrase “one bad apple can ruin the whole barrel”. This adage has been used for centuries to relate individual behaviour to the ability of a rotten piece of fruit to spoil the whole lot. Many of us have used this word picture to illustrate the need to beware of bringing toxic individuals into our teams and workplaces. This old adage is still true; in virtually every organization there is one individual universally regarded as detrimental to the mission, vision, values and strategies of the organization. This is a person who consistently comes to work with a negative mindset and toxic, disruptive, uncooperative behaviour. No organization needs a team member like this.

If employees exhibit toxic behaviour, the organization will also exhibit toxic behaviour. However the reverse of this principle is also true. Just as if we brought a bad apple into a good barrel, the same result would occur in bringing good apples into a bad barrel. The end result is still a toxic environment, exhibiting dysfunctional and disruptive behaviours. In either scenario, a disruptive work culture is not good for organizational leadership, their team members, nor the clients they serve.

As influential leaders we must have the ability to identify toxic members of our organizations. We must also be introspective enough to recognize if we, as leaders, are creating a toxic environment that is a hindrance to collaborative and cooperative team work. This is why the key indicator of organization effectiveness is individual leader behaviour. We must demonstrate the ability to recognize bad apples in our organizations and at the same time recognize if we, as leaders, are creating a bad barrel.

The key to preventing the bad apple, bad barrel scenario is to instill a culture of corporate harmony where our people are taught the skill of Positive Presence (the ability to adjust and create a positive and energized mindset within our self through conscious thought processes) and the associated behaviours. It is an intentional and purposeful undertaking that takes time and dedication to develop and involves many players….but the payoff is immeasurable.

Whether we have bad apples or bad barrels, we must recognize that negative work place behaviours never drive performance; it harms colleagues and clients, drags down morale and creates a toxic atmosphere. This type of environment will not bring people together to create anything of value. You need a culture of collaboration. Without it, negative competition and conflict reign, staff morale and motivation are low, performance becomes inconsistent and unreliable, and communication and cooperation are non-existent. Who wants to work in this kind environment?

For organizational success in today’s ultra-competitive global environment, we need leaders with the mental and behaviour skills of Positive Presence. If you are looking to create a workplace that promotes organizational mission, vision and purpose you need a systematic, programmatic methodology that will create a culture grounded with the skill of Positive Presence.