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Is a Culture Vulture Bringing Down Your Team?

You've probably met this person at one time or another. They're the employee that isn't on board. The one causing friction among your staff and bringing down team morale. I have a name for people who sabotage businesses -- culture vultures! And my best advice is to get rid of this person as soon as you can. If that's not possible, then pay close attention to what's going on, and trust your instincts. In other words, your perceptions of this person are probably right. In the meantime, take comfort in the fact that culture vultures usually destroy themselves. Truth prevails, but it doesn't typically happen as fast you'd like. Get help in the form of a business consultant, a person who will work with you to plan a strategy that ensures that every member of your team is on the same page. Is your team being brought down by a culture vulture? Share your experiences! You can learn more about how to avoid culture vultures in Life Lesson Fifteen of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.

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Posted by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda on 08/26/2008 11:17 AM

Comments (7)

culture vulture, real you incorporated, real living, morale

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7 Comments on Is a Culture Vulture Bringing Down Your Team?

AUG

2008

I think calling the person you describe a "culture vulture" is being waaay too nice. More like a toad.

Great post, sometimes it's something as small as a pebble in your shoe but the effect is still the same! Either way this sort of personality is disruptive and of no help to the group or themselves!

Kaira: Thank you for that illuminating perspective! I just got rid of one myself! Culture Vulture... I love that term!

Most culture vultures can be avoided if the right questions are asked during the interview process. Many times culture is never discussed at that time. Of course, when we hire people, we need to have a well defined culture to begin with. It's not something that most entrepeneurs take the time to develop before they begin the hiring process. It's also a good idea to have several key people on the team interview and then be willing to listen to their input.

AUG

2008

Great Post! Nobody is better than you at word smithing! First Snarks, now Culture Vultures, I love it!

To answer your question (headline); not any more! We have parted ways with our CV's and are a much stronger and more productive team because of it. Of course these types are loudest when they are on the way out, so there was a little backlash to deal with intitially; in the long run the truth always stands tallest.

Great comments everybody!

I agree, Laura, it is so important to do team interviews and to have a defined culture! If you don't, you won't know what you're hiring into....it's a good way to see if your team is in sync as well.

And you know what, it is toughest right before you part ways . . . but you're right that the truth always stands the tallest, and lasts the longest!

Thanks for the comments everybody!

AUG

2008

thanks for the tip!

Johnahan Smith
Staten Island
http://www.johnresales.com

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