Use a low point as a springboard to something greater

Identify toxic employees -- or what Ariana Huffington once called "brilliant jerks" -- by looking for those who share private information, seek to control or undermine co-workers and are constantly complaining and pointing out problems, but not offering solutions, writes leadership coach Marcel Schwantes. "I often advise my executive clients that, no matter how smart or talented a prospective employee may appear, avoid them at all costs if there's any hint of toxicity," Schwantes notes.

Put it into practice: If some of your team members exhibit these three toxic traits, that doesn't mean they can't change if their behavior is addressed, Schwantes writes. "However, you need to be aware of the signs of 'brilliant jerk' behavior, as it can help you to identify and filter out such individuals more quickly."

"Personal paradigm shifts that produce low points can happen at any time in life," but those who've been in business for a while often "instinctively know that we'll emerge from the fiery depths of a low point," leadership author LaRae Quy writes. Quy explains how leaders can "explore and embrace" themselves during these low points, using self-discovery to grow stronger.

Put it into practice: Recognize the problem, and accept it for what it is. Quy advises remembering: "Life is hard, Pain is inevitable. Growth is optional." So ask what lessons you need to learn. "Resist pointing fingers and blaming others," and "[t]ake time to rebuild your sense of self."

Perfectionism is an enemy of public speaking, says Stanford University lecturer, podcast host and communications expert Matt Abrahmas, author of "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," who shares eight ways to conquer presentation anxiety. "Instead of trying to target being right, what we should target is being connected to our audience," Abrahams says, because it puts those worrisome parts of your brain to more constructive use.

Put it into practice: Warm up your voice and focus on the present instead of your presentation with some tongue twisters. Practice deep breathing to counteract a tendency to speak too fast. If you tend to sweat, hold on to something cold. If your mind goes blank, "repeat the last thing you said," Abrahams advises.

Creativity is at every level of an organization -- from finance to marketing, says Natalie Nixon, the president of Figure 8 Thinking, who urges leaders to get curious and bring both rigor and wonder to foster an innovative culture that brings out the best in their teams. "And that curiosity leads to new strategic partnerships, those new strategic partnerships can lead to identifying new revenue streams. That's a business result, that's a business impact," Nixon says.

Thin Mints, Trefoils and three other cookies are mainstays in the Girl Scout cookie lineup, but other sweet treats have gone by the wayside over the years including Raspberry Rallies (think a Thin Mint with a raspberry cookie) and Savannah Smiles, a half-moon shaped powdered sugar-dusted lemon cookie. Popularity and cost of ingredients combine to decide a cookie's fate say experts, but some specialty cookies, such as gluten-free offerings, are made in limited quantities each year.

It's one thing to watch for signs of toxicity in employees when you're the one doing the hiring or the supervising. But what do you do if the "brilliant jerk" is your boss?

A friend of mine came to me a few years ago with this question. No matter what she did, she could not connect with her immediate supervisor. I counseled her to be diligent in her work, document any feedback, instructions or interactions with her boss to avoid later misunderstandings and always be calm and professional with her.

The one piece of advice I gave, though, is the key: try to put yourself in her shoes and see things from her perspective. We never know what another person is going through -- what their challenges and struggles are. When we bring some compassion and understanding to others, it can open doors that simple professionalism may not.

This was the solution for my friend. It didn't happen overnight, but as she persisted in giving her boss the benefit of the doubt and walking in her shoes for a bit, her boss softened. They became friends, and eventually, my friend succeeded her manager when she retired.

I have worked for toxic bosses over the years, and when none of these techniques worked, I either made a move within the company to a new team or found work elsewhere. Whatever tactic you use, it has to be within your own sense of integrity. No one should have to compromise their own values to keep a job.

How have you handled toxic bosses? Tell me!

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