How to Neutralize a Bad Apple In Your Team

Hint: Have a no asshole policy.

Hint: Have a no-asshole policy.

Pic by Maria Teneva on Unsplash

A bad apple can spoil the barrel — unless you do something about it.

We have all worked in teams where there is one difficult person. They sabotage teamwork, drag everyone down, and get the worst out of the group.

Go to a team and ask, “Who’s the asshole?” They will all point to the same person.

The research is clear: bad apples suck our energy. They drain productivity, collaboration, and creativity.

So, why don’t companies get rid of bad apples?

The No-Asshole Rule

Bad apples come in many shapes and forms.

The New Zealand All-Blacks rugby team has a “No Dickheads” policy. It’s crucial to their winning streak — they won 87% of their international matches.

Gilbert Enoka, the All Blacks’ mental skills coach, introduced the policy to neutralize inflated egos. And to make everything about the team. His central belief is that you can’t be a positive person on the field and a prick off it.

As Enoka explains, “You can have all the strategi…