We've all observed the person who dampens enthusiasm or spoils our enjoyment of work. These folk, whilst few in number, erode workplace culture and they are something of curse for HR professionals given the distractions they engender and the work they create.

LinkedIn, HR sites, business journals and jobs boards variously address the impact toxic co-workers have, how to avoid them and, when you have no choice, how to deal with them. All well and good but somehow they keep popping up and are generally well ensconced in the workplace. So, how do you recognize them? What traits do they have? Are you sure you have one? Try the test below, apply the metrics and then you will be in no doubt if there is a Grinch in your midst.

Choose a person in your workplace you know well and who might qualify and check their level of toxicity.

Scoring:

0 I do not detect this at all
1 I have noted a hint of this but it's very much the exception
2 I observe this fairly frequently
3I observe this all of the time

1 Fails to listen and indeed does not want to hear

2 Pressures and generally harasses others

3 Is unapproachable, remote, reclusive, suspicious and moody

4 Displays aggression when questioned, challenged or threatened

5 Reacts and demonstrates hostility for the slightest of reasons

6 Lacks emotional intelligence

7 Is inconsistent, unpredictable, erratic and lacking in focus

8 Plays games with people and enjoys intrigue

9 Bullies, intimidates, threatens, undermines, ridicules and is mean spirited

10 Withholds information and misrepresents

11 Entraps others, feeds off their mistakes. Tells tales, gossips and suck-ups to top management

12 Bosses people, engages in constant criticism and personalizes issues

13 Lies, covers up and is untrustworthy

14 Is often sarcastic, disparaging, condescending and / or patronizing

15 Treats others with contempt, disrespect, discourtesy

16 Runs with their own agendas and promotes themselves

17 Divides, denigrates, insults, spreads rumors, undermines (often the boss) and fashions discord

18 Is opportunistic and self-serving

19 Operates on the belief that they are always right

20 Creates and sustains work-place tension and enjoys the fact

TOTAL SCORE:

SCORE BANDS:

0 – 10 You enjoy a colleague free of toxic behavior
11 – 20 You have a colleague who sometimes is toxic
21 – 30 You have a colleague who frequently is toxic
31 – 40 You have an established and seasoned toxic colleague
41 + You have a serial and chronic toxic colleague who wreaks havoc