The Impact of Abrasive Behavior on Employee Well-being

Addressing the impact of abrasive behavior of top-performing talent often takes a backseat.

As an executive leader, the complexity of balancing outstanding results with a harmonious work environment can leave you wondering “Do I prioritize operational excellence over interpersonal harmony?”

4 Facts About Abrasive Behavior Leaders Should Know

1. Decreased Ability to Be Productive

“Why is this project still not finished? Do I have to do everything myself around here?”

Abrasive behavior, such as yelling, condescending comments, and micromanaging, severely impacts an employee’s ability to function optimally. As a result, when employees are subjected to these behaviors, the executive functioning of their brains is compromised, which hinders their capacity for critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. Consequently, this not only reduces individual productivity but also negatively affects the overall performance of the team.

2. Toll on Physical Health

“That’s not my problem. If you can’t handle the job, maybe you should find another one.“

Constant stress from working under an abrasive boss significantly affects employees’ physical health. The perpetual state of fight/flight/freeze contributes to sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and heightened anxiety. 

Over time, these physical health problems can result in increased absenteeism and decreased work performance, further exacerbating workplace challenges.

3. Decreased Self-Confidence

“Trying isn’t good enough. I need results, not excuses.”

Continuous degradation makes employees doubt their abilities and self-worth. This erosion of self-confidence affects their ability to advocate for themselves and hinders their career progression. 

As a result, employees may become less likely to take initiative, share innovative ideas, or seek out new opportunities, which stifles both personal and organizational growth.

4. Increased Workplace Tension and Toxicity

“I’ve had enough of your incompetence. If you can’t keep up, I’ll find someone who can.“

Abrasive behavior from leaders often sets a negative example, leading employees to mimic these behaviors. Derogatory comments create the groundwork for a toxic work environment to become ingrained in the culture.

Employees may start taking out their frustrations on one another, further degrading team cohesion and morale. And ultimately, this cycle of negativity significantly impacts the overall health of the organization and takes a conscious effort to break.

Recognizing The Impact of Abrasive Behavior Is The First Step

As an executive leader, you have the power to transform your workplace culture by courageously holding employees accountable for respectful and professional behaviors.

Many executives tell me how frustrated they are about a top-performing leader’s abrasive behavior and yet aren’t sure what to do about it.  

Make the conscious choice to prioritize the well-being of your employees.

Book a complimentary call with me to learn about my proven blueprint for helping your top performers navigate the impact of abrasive behavior and ultimately transform your workplace.

I specialize in helping executive leaders like you navigate the complexities of abrasive top performers, ensuring a respectful and productive work environment for all.

About the author 

Bonnie Artman Fox, MS, LMFT works with executive leaders who want to gain self-awareness about the impact of their words and actions and up-level their interpersonal skills. 

Drawing from decades as a psychiatric nurse and licensed family therapist, Bonnie brings a unique perspective to equip executive leaders with the roadmap to emotional intelligence that brings teams together. 

Bonnie’s leadership Turnaround coaching program has an 82% success rate in guiding leaders to replace abrasive behavior with tact, empathy, and consideration of others. The end result is a happy, healthy, and profitable workplace…sooner vs. later.