My biggest flaw was expecting that others had the same ideals as I had. For example, wanting to do a job correctly. Even today I am amazed at all the people I encounter who just want to collect a check but not do anything. Even if I didn't like who I worked for, I still gave it my best, and I have worked for some pretty bad people over the years. (Note that I have also had the pleasure of working for a lot of outstanding people as well!)

Today I just bring those issues to my manager, and if he ignores them, it isn't my issue. If someone is affecting my ability to get my job done, and it is ignored, then management made the decision, not me. Fortunately I currently work for good people, who understand that it is important to address substandard workers, and who still balance that against the fact that none of us are perfect. What this means is that people who have temporary issues are allowed to work through them, but people who simply shouldn't work on our team are replaced.

All of us come up against toxic coworkers, and it is one of the most difficult tasks we face. How we deal with that not only affects our performance, it affects our health, our family life, pretty much every part of us.

Like all of us, I also make mistakes. I make my share, but prevent this from becoming an issue by owning up to them. In most cases my manager has heard from me before my mistake came to light - allowing them to prepare and respond appropriately before someone approaches them about any issue.