A traitor among us

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A traitor among us

Dr. Smith (not his real name) relates this true tale of a covert bully's attack on an unsuspecting team:

“Life at Y Animal Hospital was sweet. I'd finally assembled my dream team—a well-oiled machine with employees who enjoyed each others' company both on and off the clock. But three months later, the team fell into utter chaos. The night team bickered with the day staff, and the general mood was tense and antagonistic. When I quizzed employees, no one could pinpoint what had gone wrong. I continued to probe. Then the light came on.

I'd hired Madame Z three months ago. She was slick, very slick, working almost invisibly to stir things up, create disharmony, and spread little lies. I dubbed her the emotional terrorist.

Ultimately, we did the unthinkable. Even though she was a good employee on paper, we fired her. Two weeks later, the smoke cleared and my dream team was back to business, all smiles.

Here is the real kicker: I've worked with two such bullies in my 30-year career. So don't think it won't happen at your hospital.”