Fixing Toxic Managers: How to Train (or Tame) The Real Retention Killers

Toxic management is one of the most pervasive and costly challenges in modern organizations.

While technical skills may land someone a leadership position, it's their interpersonal effectiveness - empathy, communication, and accountability - that determines whether they succeed or cause widespread damage. Unfortunately, when these qualities are missing, the workplace can become a breeding ground for conflict, stress, and turnover.

This session begins by defining what "toxic management" really looks like - from micromanaging and favoritism to passive-aggressive communication, emotional volatility, or neglectful leadership. Participants will learn how these behaviors erode trust, dampen engagement, and ultimately drive away high-performing employees. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will explore how unaddressed toxicity can cascade through an organization, costing time, money, and reputation.

But fixing toxicity isn't about assigning blame - it's about identifying the root causes and equipping managers with the right tools. Using a six-step model for managing difficult behaviors, the session walks participants through a structured process for addressing toxic traits constructively. The model emphasizes focusing on observable behaviors rather than personal attacks, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring accountability through measurable change.

The webinar also dives into 12 common types of difficult employee and managerial behaviors, including chronic negativity, resistance to feedback, emotional outbursts, and lack of self-awareness. Participants will examine the underlying motivations behind these patterns - from stress and insecurity to generational differences and misaligned expectations - and learn practical ways to respond.

An important element of the program involves understanding personality dynamics through frameworks like DiSC. Recognizing different personality types helps managers communicate more effectively, anticipate conflict triggers, and tailor their coaching style to individual needs. Similarly, exploring generational differences helps participants appreciate how values and communication preferences vary across age groups, preventing misunderstandings that can escalate into conflict.

Throughout the webinar, participants will be introduced to real-world examples of organizations that successfully transformed their workplace cultures by addressing toxic management head-on. They will gain insights into how HR and leadership development teams can proactively identify potential issues, design effective interventions, and foster environments that encourage open feedback and continuous improvement.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a comprehensive toolkit for addressing toxic behaviors - from identifying early warning signs to implementing sustainable behavioral change. They will understand how to blend empathy with accountability, cultivate resilience within their teams, and ultimately create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.

Why should you Attend: If one of your departments struggles with high turnover, low morale, or disengaged teams, chances are you may have a "toxic manager" problem. This session will equip HR professionals, leaders, and supervisors with the skills and frameworks needed to address toxic behaviors head-on-whether through targeted coaching, training, or necessary course correction.

By attending, you'll discover how to turn difficult managers into productive, emotionally intelligent leaders who strengthen your culture rather than weaken it. You'll also leave with tools to recognize early warning signs, prevent toxic environments from spreading, and boost retention through strong, healthy leadership practices.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Understanding the true cost and impact of toxic management on morale and retention
• Six-step model for addressing and correcting difficult or toxic behaviors
• Techniques for conducting constructive, behavior-focused conversations
• Recognition and management of 12 common difficult behaviors in the workplace
• Exploration of DiSC personality types and generational influences
• Strategies for conflict resolution and building emotional intelligence
• Real-world case studies of successful manager transformation
• Practical tools and checklists for preventing toxic behaviors from resurfacing
• Best practices for training, coaching, and holding managers accountable
• Methods for creating a culture of trust, respect, and engagement

• Anyone in HR