Due to its broad usage, mainstream psychology avoids providing a single definition for toxicity. However, psychology identifies numerous behaviors as harmful to oneself and others, commonly perceived as toxicity by most people.
What is a Passive-Aggressive Coworker?
A passive-aggressive coworker employs tactics that hide their lack of initiative from management. They seem to agree to tasks but then avoid completing them. Since they express their thoughts and feelings indirectly, their intentions remain unclear.
Stefan Falk, a leadership consultant specializing in workplace psychology, states that passive-aggressive behavior "destroys value, as well as pollutes the work environment."
Colleagues with passive-aggressive tendencies can harm organizations because they may appear productive while avoiding work. They focus on being well-liked and maintaining a non-confrontational atmosphere, often at the expense of progress and the organization's goals.
According to Falk, here are seven traits of passive-aggressive individuals and how to handle them.
1. They are Self-Serving
A passive-aggressive individual constantly seeks approval. Their focus during tasks is more on how they are perceived than on results or the organization's goals. Over time, they may appear competitive and driven by results, but a deeper examination shows they aim to benefit themselves, not the collective good.
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2. They Want to Have Followers
A passive-aggressive coworker is not interested in being a follower or a team player unless it benefits them. Instead of being a follower, they seek followership from others and are inclined to form their sub-community, says Falk.
3. They Play Politics
Falk explains that they rely on "street smarts" to catch the attention of those they think can help their career. They are deeply committed to playing internal politics, seeking alliances, and sabotaging others' agendas, even if it hurts the organization.
4. They Worry on Things That Don't Involve Them
They neglect their own tasks because they are fixated on office power dynamics. The Passive-Aggressive spends much of their workday on activities unrelated to their job, fearing negative repercussions from factors beyond their control. Despite appearing busy, they do not contribute much to project progress.
5. They Secretly Hate Their Job
The Passive-Aggressive does not enjoy their job, Falk explains. They might daydream about leaving or sabotaging their current company. Ironically, their insecurity stops them from seeking new opportunities. They fear the unknown, believing their current situation, though unsatisfying, is better than potential alternatives.
6. They Look for Fellow Haters
The saying "misery loves company" rings particularly true regarding passive-aggressive colleagues. Passive-aggressive colleagues often seek out others who share their complaints but avoid finding solutions. Instead of working together to improve the situation, they recruit others to join their negativity and battle against the community.
7. They Don't Like New Ideas
Insecurity makes passive-aggressive individuals feel threatened by new ideas and knowledge. They tend to resist progressive initiatives, fearing these might undermine their power. They often argue against such initiatives by claiming past failures or lack of relevance. This attitude leads to unwillingness to assist others.
To handle a passive-aggressive colleague, it is crucial to hold them responsible for their actions. They may disrupt team projects or falsely claim task completion. Falk advises that if they fail to fulfill their commitments or say contradictory things, address it right away. You need to make them aware that there are consequences when they do not stand true to their words.
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