Toxic Handlers

1. Restructuring

   Imagine that you are an employee of a large organization about to go through a restructuring. Discuss the following issues and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings.

   • What information would you like?
   • From whom would you prefer to get this information? Why?
   • In what format would you prefer to get it: individually, in a group, through an office memo or email, other?
   • What would be the best source (media) for you to get this information – consider the range of media from low to high richness? What would be the worst way of getting this information? Why?
   • As a manager of change, how might you use these insights in terms of forming a media communications strategy?                                                                                                                                                           

    2.    Toxic Handlers

           Read Table 11.5 from your text about toxic handlers. Select one of the following discussion focuses (a, b, or c) depending on your own 
           experiences. 

           A.  Have you ever been or observed a toxic handler? If so, compose your discussion around these questions:

• • How did this emerge?
  • How long did it last?
  • What were your/their greatest challenges?
  • How did you/they manage the burnout factor?

           B.  Have you ever been helped by a toxic handler? If so, compose your discussion around these questions:

• • How did this emerge?
  • How long did it last?
  • How helpful were they?
  • What was the end result?

           C.  Find an article about a toxic handler. Provide a complete APA citation of the article, then compose your discussion around these items:

• • How did the need for a toxic handler emerge?
  • How long did it last?
  • Did it seem to work?
  • What were the challenges?
  • What was the end result?

           Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings. Compare and contrast your discussions. What common features emerge?