Toxic work environments aren’t always created through blatant hostility. Sometimes, they emerge in more subtle ways—through dismissive behavior, unprofessional reactions, and workplace intimidation. These actions, though not always recognized as outright harassment, can create a stressful and unproductive atmosphere.

Recently, I had an encounter that exemplified this. A colleague called me, clearly frustrated, and demanded that I tell my team to stop emailing her. Her reasoning? She had too much work. But here’s the catch: the emails my team sent were directly related to her responsibilities. My sales team had no authority to handle these tasks, and the official process required them to forward them to her.

Her tone was sharp, her words dismissive. She wasn’t asking for cooperation—she was offloading her frustration onto my team in a way that made them feel like they were the problem.

When Professionalism Breaks Down

While I understood that she might be overwhelmed, reacting with unprofessionalism instead of communication isn’t acceptable. Worse, my team immediately expressed concern about potential retaliation. If I escalated the issue to HR, would she make their lives harder? Would she delay their requests or refuse to cooperate? This fear is what allows toxic behaviors to persist in the workplace.

The Real Issue: Workplace Intimidation and Unspoken Power Plays

What happened wasn’t just rudeness; it was a form of workplace obstructionism—when someone in a key role resists collaboration in a way that disrupts workflow and undermines others. Unlike microaggressions, which are often unconscious biases directed at marginalized groups, this situation was about power dynamics. It sent a message: I don’t want to deal with this, and I’ll make you feel bad for doing your job.

While everyone experiences stress at work, how we handle it matters. Professionalism is more than just doing your job—it’s about how you interact with your colleagues, especially in moments of pressure.

How to Address Workplace Obstructionism

If you’re dealing with a similar situation, here are some steps to consider:

1. Document Everything – Keep records of interactions. If patterns emerge, you’ll have evidence to support any future discussions with HR or management.

2. Support Your Team – Fear of retaliation shouldn’t prevent employees from doing their jobs. Reassure your team that professionalism should be the standard.

3. Address the Behavior Directly (If Safe to Do So) – Sometimes, simply calling out the unprofessionalism in a calm, direct manner can defuse the situation. “I understand you’re busy, but my team is following procedure. If there’s an issue, let’s find a solution together.”

4. Consider Escalation if the Behavior Persists – If someone repeatedly creates an obstructive or hostile environment, involving HR may become necessary. A toxic workplace doesn’t improve if bad behavior goes unchecked.

Professionalism Shouldn’t Be Optional

No one should feel hesitant to do their job because they fear an aggressive response. Workplace frustration is normal, but taking it out on colleagues is not. A strong work culture is built on respect, accountability, and constructive communication—not power plays and intimidation.

Toxic behavior thrives when people let it slide. But the more we call it out, the harder it becomes for it to take root.