
In business, success isn’t just about ideas, capital, or strategy. It’s about people. And more specifically, about avoiding the wrong people.
I’ve seen firsthand how certain individuals can poison a workplace, corrode morale, and eventually bring the operation to its knees. It’s not theory — it’s experience. I once worked in a company where a director was secretly doing private deals on the side, effectively stealing from the business. Nobody knew until it was too late. Another time, a pathological bully made life miserable for everyone. At the time, bullying wasn’t something anyone could easily call out, let alone prove. The person got away with it — scot-free.
Today, things might be different, or so we like to believe. But from the workplace stories I still hear, bullies are alive and well. Some come disguised as managers — yelling, micromanaging, crushing team spirit. Others work behind the scenes, undermining you subtly. Let’s talk about those too.
We all know the type: the internal politician. These are not leaders. They’re manipulators. They curry favour with your team behind your back, bypass your authority, and subtly position themselves as more important than they are. I call this behaviour red-anting — slowly corroding the business from the inside, one undermining move at a time.
And it’s not just colleagues or employees you need to watch. Some customers can be just as toxic. The ones who demand everything for free, spread malicious gossip, or use their size to pressure you unfairly. One large, disgruntled client can do more damage to your brand than ten happy ones can undo.
A Working List: People to Steer Clear of in Your Business
Building on these experiences — and others I’ve seen across industries — here’s a list of people who are best kept out of your business, no matter how talented or charming they may appear at first.
1. Liars
People who twist the truth, hide the facts, or misrepresent reality will destroy trust — and trust is everything.
2. Cheats and Thieves
From taking company resources to claiming credit for others’ work, these individuals create an unstable foundation.
3. Bullies and Psychopaths
They thrive on control, manipulation, and fear. Their impact on team morale and mental health is profound and long-lasting.
4. Sycophants
Always agreeable, never honest. These individuals tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. They’re bad for feedback loops and decision-making.
5. Weak Operators
This isn’t about introversion or humility — it’s about people who constantly avoid responsibility, dodge decisions, and hide when things go wrong.
6. Gossipers and Underminers
They spread rumors, fuel division, and tear down others to elevate themselves. A business full of whispers is a business going nowhere.
7. Politicians (in the worst sense)
Power-hungry, status-obsessed manipulators who work the room instead of the job. They often sabotage colleagues to secure their position.
8. Chronic Complainers
Problems, not solutions. Drama, not delivery. These individuals drain energy and divert focus.
9. Entitled Clients or Staff
Those who believe they’re owed more than they’ve earned will often become your biggest headache.
10. Change Resisters
They’re threatened by innovation. They block progress. And they’re often influential enough to delay much-needed transformation.
In Closing
This might all sound harsh, but business is a jungle. If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve seen the teeth and claws.
The truth is: toxic people cost money. They cost energy. They cost your peace of mind. The best thing you can do is develop the skill to spot them early — and keep them out.
Let your business be a place where ethical, accountable, and positive people can thrive. And when you spot a red ant? Don’t hesitate. Deal with it swiftly, or prepare for corrosion.