I imagine our office space is a lot like yours.  We (Velociteach) occupy a portion of a 4-story office building in suburban Atlanta.  We share common amenities with other tenants, such as a parking lot, nice landscaping, elevators, vending machines…and restrooms.  These amenities are quite nice, well-maintained, and I have no reason to complain…well, I shouldn’t complain…I really shouldn’t…but.

Here’s my problem: one of the features of the men’s restroom is a wall-mounted air freshener.  Don’t get me wrong – the air freshener is a great concept.  The device is designed to periodically provide a fresh breeze of pleasantly-scented deodorizer to the immediate environs.  I’ve got 2 issues with our air freshener.  First, instead of creating a gentle waft of fresh air, this small appliance functions more like a water pistol – it sprays a heavy mist that hangs in the air like a cloud.  You cannot avoid this cloud.  It clings to your hair and clothes.  It is annoying.  This brings me to the second problem.  Air fresheners are advertised as producing invisible clouds of lightly-scented, lovely-smelling fragrance.  Ours squirts a strong, noxious concoction that most resembles a stale, slightly-burnt winter potpourri.  It’s like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, soured eggnog, and fruitcake.  (Ok, I might’ve pushed the envelope on that last one.)  Best of all, our wall-mounted air freshener goes off frequently and randomly.  I believe its remote-control operated by a vindictive teenager.  You cannot escape.  It will squirt you.

Venting in this space about our toxic air freshener is fun, I’ll admit.  But, I want to draw a comparison and pose 2 questions for all of us to ponder.  Some team members are just like this air freshener. (Ouch.)  Someone was brought into the team to fill a role, to contribute, and to serve a purpose.  Yet, something went wrong.  Instead of being a positive, refreshing resource, he (or she) became noxious, poisonous – a bad fit.  So, here are 2 questions for all of us:

(1)   Am I this toxic air freshener?  If so, why? How did I get here? How can I change?

(2)  Am I managing someone like this?  If so, am I taking the steps to model correct behavior, mentor, and challenge this resource to change?

Nobody wants a noxious member on the team, no more than we want to be squirted in the face with a toxic air un-freshener.  Be proactive.  Make changes where necessary and everyone will breathe easier.   – If you can relate, post a comment below.