Do you have a stone in your soup?
I’ve been spending more time on LinkedIn lately. It’s got that professional yet relaxed vibe, full of announcements, job changes, investment opportunities, and, yes, plenty of content the algorithm mistakenly believes I need. Still, it’s better than scrolling endlessly through Facebook.
However, there’s one “expert” on my feed who’s gained attention—and not for good reasons. He’s undeniably knowledgeable, yet his delivery is harsh and abrasive, cloaked as “brutal honesty.” While scientific validity is important, honesty shouldn’t equate to cruelty. Calling someone’s ideas stupid isn’t helpful—it’s harmful.
This scenario mirrors something I see frequently in business environments. Leaders often keep disruptive “experts” around simply because of their technical expertise, despite the damage they inflict on organizational culture. These experts behave like untouchable prima donnas, freely undermining morale without consequences because their knowledge seems indispensable.
This dynamic creates an environment filled with tension and disengagement. It’s like placing a shark among guppies and then wondering why your team avoids collaboration and engagement.
The truth is, organizations thrive when they cultivate environments of respect, inclusion, and psychological safety. Successful teams aren’t built solely on knowledge—especially now that information is so readily available—but rather on fostering healthy interpersonal dynamics.
So, what should you do about a culture-destroying expert?
You have three main options:
- The Ostrich Approach: Ignore the problem, hoping it resolves itself. Spoiler alert—it won’t.
- The “Don’t Let the Door Hit You” Method: Remove the toxic individual entirely.
- The Dog Whisperer Approach: Coach the person into becoming a better team player.
Here’s the good news: Even difficult individuals can grow and change, given the right guidance and coaching.
If you’re dealing with an office “Cujo” (yes, the terrifying dog from Stephen King’s novel), don’t despair. Our four-step Conscious Leadership Process transforms content experts into true leaders—team-focused, empathetic, and aligned with your organizational values.
Don’t leave the stone in your soup. Nobody enjoys chewing on rocks during lunch.