Why I Don't Work Here Anymore: A Leader's Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Costs of Toxic Employees

You have likely heard stories from friends, family members, and colleagues who quit a job because of a toxic person—an individual who belittles, shames, humiliates, shames, or bullies. You may not have realized that these individuals not only take their tolls on our emotional psyches, but the financial outcomes of their organizations as well. Through this book’s many case examples, as well as evidence-based practices and templates, each chapter singles out one main issue and how to resolve it with respect and clarity. Dr. Kusy presents concrete practices that will restore civility and respect into your organization as well as with increased financial performance. Some of these practices include:

• Calculating the real financial cost of toxic people in your organization.
• Providing direct and respectful feedback to a toxic peer, direct report, and even your boss.
• Replacing traditional exit interviews -- that often don’t work very well -- with a method for dealing with toxic chameleons who "knock down and kiss up."
• Hiring, engaging talent, and even firing people based on a new approach to values-based performance management.

You will emerge with a newfound understanding that restores personal well-being and increased financial performance.

About the Author

Dr. Mitchell Kusy has had 25 years’ experience in leadership and organization development. A Registered Organization Development Consultant, he is a full professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University—with a worldwide audience of students who are key leaders in their respective organizations. He is a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Auckland (New Zealand). In 2005, Dr. Kusy received the international honor of being selected a Fulbright Scholar for international organization development. In 1998, he received the prestigious award as Minnesota Organization Development Practitioner of the Year. Before entering academia, Dr. Kusy worked in industry and directed the leadership development area at American Express Financial Advisors; previous to this he managed organization development for Health Partners. He consults internationally in leadership development, strategic planning, team development, 360-degree feedback, executive coaching, and organization development.