Toxic People: Decontaminate Difficult People At Work: Without Using Weapons Or Duct Tape

Chapter 3. The Steamroller

Take I: How They Sound

Late as usual! Jerry huffed into the meeting, dramatically pulled out the large leather chair, and spread his papers over his allotted space at the conference table. After a quick glance at the agenda he had approved, he loudly said, "Morgan, I've already told you not to distribute the agenda before I arrive. Do I need to remind you again? Or perhaps I should get you, my assistant, a keeper."

Morgan sheepishly explained that the group had requested the agendas so they could begin the meeting to save time. Pounding on the table, Jerry bellowed, "I buy everyone's time, and I will determine how it is used!" Not surprisingly, Jerry's brainstorming meeting was unsuccessful, because everyone was too terrified to speak.

So, what would you do in this situation? Would you know how to identify the kind of Toxic Person depicted in this example? Could you respond appropriately to create a more productive environment?

Names Will Never Hurt Me

Steamrollers, like Jerry, can also be known as exploders, dominators, tyrants, dictators, bullies, autocrats, oppressors, persecutors, or tormenters. We all have had at least one of these in our lives as an authoritative parent, boss, colleague, or friend. They are not much fun to be around.

What to Look For

Steamrollers are very intimidating. Their favorite stance is to get control by putting others down, and they do this very subtly. They like to rule from a command post and attack without warning so they are ...