Our VP of Sales is an absolute revenue machine, but his toxic attitude and lack of alignment with our core values is starting to tear our leadership team apart. How do we handle this situation?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic dilemma, but the answer is incredibly simple, though rarely easy. You must fire them. Keeping a high-performing jerk on your leadership team is the fastest way to destroy trust, kill morale, and tell your entire company that your core values are just a marketing slogan.

To handle this professionally, use the People Analyzer tool. Rate this leader against your core values. If they consistently score below the bar, they do not belong in your company, regardless of their performance.

Next, look at the GWC. They may have the capacity to deliver results, but if they do not get and want the team dynamic, they are a bad fit for the seat. The damage they are doing to your culture and your team's trust far outweighs the short-term revenue they are bringing in.

When you tolerate a toxic leader, you send a message to the rest of the team that performance is more important than values. Your best people will eventually leave, and your leadership team will stop sharing vulnerability and collaborating.

Have the hard conversation immediately. Give them one clear, documented warning with a thirty-day timeline to show dramatic improvement. If they fail to change, transition them out of the business cleanly. You will be amazed at how quickly the rest of your team steps up once the toxic energy is gone.