Have you ever encountered someone who brings everyone else down? He (or she) is the reason for all of your woes. He causes your team to fail. He stops you from achieving greatness. It’s all his fault. If only he wasn’t on the team everything would be perfect.

Well there might just be some research to back up your frustrations. This wonderful podcast details the three types of bad apples who actually can and do have dramatic effects on group performance and behavior.

The first 12 minutes offer a fascinating look at how bad behavior can derail a group. I highly encourage you to listen to this as it also provides a suggestion for turning around the bad behavior. The final 45 minutes of the podcast I only encourage you to listen to if you have lots of spare time. Though at about 35:30 there is a very funny comedy bit (approx. 10 minutes) about being the bad apple.

If this blog has given you the idea that you can blame others for any poor performance you or your group have suffered, enjoy that feeling while it lasts. Next up I will blog about why you really can’t pass the buck.