Dealing with a toxic colleague? Focus on facts, not labels, to set boundaries and avoid burnout.
Returning to objective facts
When dealing with a challenging colleague, focusing on specific, dated events and their impact on your work can help separate emotions from reality. This method allows for clearer decision-making and boundary-setting without overreacting.Avoid labeling the colleague as toxic
Calling a colleague "toxic" may feel accurate but is an interpretation rather than a fact. Labels can cloud judgment and prevent objective analysis of the situation, which is crucial for addressing the issue effectively.Documenting specific incidents
Recording details such as dates, contexts, people involved, and the consequences on your work helps create a factual record. This can include things like delays, overwork, or confusion caused by the colleague’s behavior, without turning every minor issue into a formal complaint.Focusing on work and its organization
Experts like the INRS emphasize that addressing psychosocial risks should focus on work processes and concrete situations. This approach encourages a discussion based on observable facts rather than personal judgments or assumptions.
