Truth Over Trends: Leadership & The Courage to Remove Toxic People

In leadership, especially in business and network marketing, we often wrestle with a difficult question: Should I keep trying to work with someone who’s toxic, or is it healthier to let them go?

At first, it may feel noble to tolerate toxic behavior. After all, we want to love people, extend grace, and give second chances. But when tolerance becomes enablement, we risk damaging not only our own sanity, but also the health of the entire team and business. Leadership and toxicity do not mesh, and I will admit, this was something I struggled with and still do at times, which is why I knew I had to write this blog. One popular quote kept popping up in my mind: "you don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm" ... wow I thought, it couldn't be more fitting to what I knew my heart kept telling me to write about.

The Jezebel Spirit: Control, Division, and Destruction

The Bible warns us about destructive influences that operate in subtle, but powerful ways. One example is the “Jezebel spirit” (1 Kings 16-21, Revelation 2:20). Jezebel was manipulative, controlling, and divisive, using intimidation and deceit to destroy those around her. Even when confronted with truth, Jezebel never repented. She doubled down on her behavior until her downfall (2 Kings 9). She was always the victim, never accepting she was wrong.

In leadership today, we may not call someone “Jezebel,” but the spirit of manipulation, gossip, control, and rebellion can operate through people in our teams or organizations. The fruit is always the same: confusion, division, fear, and exhaustion. Scripture reminds us plainly:

“Bad company corrupts good character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33

Tolerating toxic people in your business opens the door for discouragement and dysfunction to spread. Just one person can poison the culture and, if left unchecked, that negativity can infect the entire organization. A trusted leader and pastor once showed me how destructive this spirit can be when it operates in your business. You may find yourself losing sleep, feeling anxious when their name appears on your phone, or constantly drained after interacting with them.. these are clear warning signs. As a leader, it is your responsibility to separate yourself from that influence if you care about your own sanity, your team’s growth, and the health of your business. Just as toxins will rot fruit and weeds will choke out thriving plants, toxic people can suffocate the environment you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

The Cost of Tolerating Toxicity

As a mentor, sponsor or upline, it can feel incredibly hard to face the reality that someone you brought into the business is causing harm. You may feel guilty for “giving up” or fear that they will bad-mouth you if you draw a line (the reality is, they already are talking bad about you). But ignoring the problem has consequences:

• Loss of Focus: Time that should be spent mentoring, growing, and supporting hungry leaders gets drained by putting out fires.

• Emotional Drain: Toxic people thrive on drama, leaving you emotionally exhausted and less effective for the team that truly values you.

• Team Morale: Negativity spreads fast. If your team sees toxicity tolerated, they may feel unprotected or question your leadership.

Jesus Himself modeled boundaries. He loved people deeply but also confronted and removed destructive influences from His circle when necessary (Matthew 21:12-13, casting out corruption from the temple).

The Strength to Remove and Protect

Removing toxicity isn’t about cruelty, it’s about stewardship. God has entrusted you with your business, your team, and your peace of mind. Protecting that calling sometimes requires saying a hard no.

Paul’s instructions to Titus echo this truth:

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” — Titus 3:10

This isn’t heartless; it’s wisdom. You are called to lead with kindness and love, but also with discernment and courage. Leaders are not called to be doormats; they are called to guide, mentor and protect. Remember, that toxic person won't see it that way, and that's okay. You don't need their approval or for them to agree. They will NEVER see their wrong. They will only see your wrongs, imperfections, or how you "abandoned" them. Do not fall for that; that is the toxic behavior you are walking (or running) away from. Hard truth: You can’t change someone who doesn’t see an issue in their actions. When that person keeps showing you who they are, you need to believe them and let them go!

But maybe you're thinking, "Well, this toxic person is such a recruiter. They may not lead well, and they talk badly about me and others, but they perform or recruit well. Then what, Brooke? Am I still supposed to stop talking to them?" Well let's take a deep dive: trusted low performer vs. toxic high performer. In leadership, trust always outweighs talent. You may be tempted to keep a toxic “high performer” because of the results they bring, but over time their behavior will cost you more than their performance adds. Research in organizational psychology shows that employees would rather work with a trustworthy teammate of average ability than a high performer who is toxic or manipulative, because trust directly impacts team morale, engagement, and long-term success. The best leaders are those who have their people’s backs; leaders who create safety, loyalty, and stability. In fact, a Harvard Business Review study found that teams built on trust are more innovative, collaborative, and resilient, while teams with toxic but high-achieving members experience higher turnover and burnout. In the end, success is not about one person’s output, but the strength and trust of the entire team.

Leadership & Toxic People: Choosing Sanity Over Sabotage

As an manager, leader, upline, or sponsor, you will inevitably face moments where someone’s behavior does not align with the vision, culture, or values of the business. It will hurt to step back from them, but remember: removing one toxic influence can open the door for dozens of healthy leaders to rise. It opens the opportunity to connect with new leaders waiting for you to show them this business!

Leadership means choosing the harder road of discernment over the easy road of people-pleasing. It means protecting the culture that allows your business and the people who genuinely want to grow, to THRIVE.

When you let go of toxicity, you preserve your sanity, protect your team, and make room for God’s true blessings to flow through your leadership.

See below some videos focusing on leadership and toxic people.