I used to think talent was everything. Then I watched a single “rock star” tear a team apart from the inside. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: ✅ Advocates drive progress. They challenge ideas, not people. When a decision is made, they row in the same direction—even if it wasn’t their idea. ❌ Saboteurs? They drain the room. Negativity, blame, and endless “what ifs” stall projects and poison culture. I’ve seen brilliant teams unravel because one person wouldn’t let go of their ego. The truth: No amount of skill justifies toxic behaviour. If you tolerate it—even from your “best”—you lose your culture, your team, and eventually your business. 🚫 What I do now: 🕵️‍♂️ Call out destructive behaviour early, in private, with specific examples. 🧭 Separate healthy critique from repeated undermining. 📝 Set clear expectations: contribute to decisions, then support them. 🚪 If nothing changes, act—no matter their past wins. I’ve learned to protect culture fiercely like it’s the glue that makes teams work. Your turn: 💬 How do you handle saboteurs in your team? Have you ever regretted tolerating one for too long? (If you’re wrestling with this now, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest—but most important—calls you’ll make as a leader.)