In this two-part session, Dr. Ted Vokes will examine how Dark Tetrad personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—drive toxic behavior in the workplace, and offer strategies to manage their impact. Following this, employment lawyer Zaheer Lakhani will provide practical legal guidance on terminating employment relationships, helping organizations navigate risks, comply with legislation, and avoid costly litigation. Together, these sessions equip leaders with tools to address both the psychological and legal challenges of managing high-conflict individuals.
Identifying and Managing High Conflict/Culturally Toxic Personalities in the Workplace - Dr. Ted Vokes
In this session we will focus on the Dark Tetrad of personality dimensions that account for the vast majority of overt and covert bullying, manipulation, and exploitation of others in the workplace.
Current estimates put the number of people in the general population who demonstrate one or more of these Dark Traits at approximately 15%. However, as most people with Dark Traits are highly motivated to acquire ever higher degrees of power, and/or to undermine the legitimate power of others, their negative effects on psychological (and sometimes even physical) safety greatly exceed their statistical frequency. In short, leaders, HR professionals, and union representatives alike frequently report that they spend inordinate amounts of time on just a few difficult people who never seem to change. This is the psychology that accounts for the perplexing behaviours of such individuals and which helps us understand what will and will not work to contain their toxic behaviours in the workplace.
We will identify the four Dark Personality Dimensions, explore the core motivations that underscore people with such trait profiles, reveal their core strategies for exploiting and manipulating others, and identify some of the most common tactics that such individuals use to achieve and conceal their malevolent intentions. Further, we'll discuss the general strategies for contending with personnel from every organizational level who demonstrate culturally toxic behaviour patterns consistent with the presence of one or more of the four Dark Traits.
Learning Outcomes:
- Become familiar with the Dark Tetrad of personality and the motivations that each trait gives rise to that are fundamentally different from, and potentially harmful to, those who are low on these trait dimensions.
- Understand that such individuals can only be behaviourally managed, and never actually led.
- Become aware of the direct link between dysfunctional workplace culture and the unchecked presence of personnel in any role and from any organizational level who demonstrate one or more of the Dark Tetrad of personality traits.
Terminating the Employment Relationship: What You Need to Know - Zaheer Lakhani
While employers have the right to terminate an employment relationship, this right is accompanied by significant legal obligations and potential risks. Improper or unlawful terminations can lead to costly legal consequences. This session will provide practical guidance on navigating the legal landscape of employee terminations. Participants will learn about employer responsibilities, how to structure termination packages, and strategies to reach negotiated resolutions—minimizing the need for litigation and its associated expenses.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the legal distinctions between “for cause” and “without cause” terminations, and recognize high-risk scenarios.
- Assess the financial and legal implications of dismissing employees, including long-service terminations and temporary layoffs.
- Apply practical strategies to conduct terminations lawfully while complying with the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Agenda
9:00am-9:45am Breakfast
9:45am-11:15am Identifying and Managing High Conflict/Culturally Toxic Personalities in the Workplace – Dr. Ted Vokes
11:15am-11:25am Break
11:25am-12:55pm Terminating the Employment Relationship: What You Need to Know – Zaheer Lakhani
12:55pm-1:00pm Wrap up
Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Tracey Gallacher, Specialist, Member Engagement