EngineerHer

In engineering teams, we often talk about “bad apples” as isolated cases: someone who’s difficult, disruptive, or just not a team player. But the full phrase, “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel,” reminds us that the impact of one person can extend far beyond their individual actions.

A single toxic presence can shift the tone of a team. What starts as subtle undermining or passive – aggressive behaviour can evolve into widespread mistrust, disengagement, and fractured collaboration. The original unity of purpose dissolves, and the team’s effectiveness suffers.

This isn’t just about personality clashes. It’s about how norms are shaped. When problematic behaviour goes unchecked, it moves the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable. This is known as shifting the Overton Window. (The range of behaviours that are seen as normal. And once that window shifts, it’s hard to move it back.)

For women in engineering, this matters deeply. Many of us have worked hard to build inclusive, respectful environments. But it only takes one person to start eroding that culture. That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Not just in addressing toxic behaviour, but in reinforcing the standards we want to uphold.

Who We Spend Time With Shapes Us

It’s not just about protecting team culture. It’s also about protecting ourselves.

The people we surround ourselves with influence our thinking, our habits, and our sense of what’s acceptable. That doesn’t mean we should only spend time with people who agree with us on everything. But it does mean we need to be mindful of the behaviours we tolerate.

If someone consistently acts in ways that are sexist, racist, unethical, or manipulative, even if it’s outside of work, that’s a red flag. The idea that “business is business” and personal values don’t matter in professional settings is outdated. People show us who they are when the stakes are down. And those behaviours often carry over.

For women navigating engineering careers, this is especially important. We’re often told to “just get on with it” or “not take things personally.” But protecting our boundaries and values isn’t being difficult. It’s being strategic. It’s about choosing environments that support our growth, not undermine it.

We’ve All Seen It, Right?

Let’s be honest—when something goes wrong in an organisation, the phrase “a few bad apples” is almost guaranteed to surface. It’s a convenient way to explain away systemic issues as isolated incidents. But we know better.

Think about the headlines: police misconduct, corporate fraud, “creative accounting,” safety standards slipping after audits. These aren’t just one-off events. They’re patterns. And they often start small.

In engineering and corporate environments, it rarely begins with a blatant breach of ethics. It starts with something seemingly harmless: a shortcut taken, an email shared, an introduction eased through without proper process. These small deviations from protocol can snowball into serious consequences.

And while compliance training covers the big stuff—bribery, corruption, gifts over a certain value—it’s the subtle shifts that are harder to catch. A notebook isn’t going to sway a contract, but normalising small favours or bending rules “just this once” can open the door to bigger compromises.

This is why culture matters. It’s not just about what’s written in policy—it’s about what’s tolerated in practice. And it’s not something management can enforce alone. Every team member plays a role in maintaining integrity.

For women in engineering, this vigilance is especially important. We’re often navigating environments where our presence is still questioned or undervalued. Holding the line on ethics and standards isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about protecting the spaces we’ve worked hard to build.

Are You the Bad Apple Sometimes?

It’s easy to spot bad behaviour in others. But what about ourselves?

We all have habits that creep in quietly. The first time we skip a workout, miss a deadline, or let a comment slide, it doesn’t feel like a big deal. But the second time is easier. And the third time? Easier still. Before long, we’re out of alignment with the standards we set for ourselves.

This matters in engineering, where consistency and integrity are key. Whether it’s how we manage our time, how we treat colleagues, or how we advocate for ourselves. The small habits that shape our reputation and our impact.

Being mindful of our own “bad apples” doesn’t mean striving for perfection. It means staying aware. It means noticing when a habit or behaviour starts to spoil the barrel – and taking steps to address it before it spreads.

We’re all human. But in a field where women are still underrepresented, our actions – individually and collectively – matter. Let’s be intentional about the environments we create, the behaviours we tolerate, and the standards we uphold.

End of year

So, as we come to the end of the year, as part of your reflection, have a think about the bad apple behaviours you’re seeing around you. And the ones you’re partaking in yourself.

Have you seen the “bad apple” effect in your workplace or industry?
Have you ever caught yourself slipping into habits that didn’t serve you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience in the comments or drop me a message. Let’s talk about how we can support each other in creating healthier, more intentional engineering environments.

And a challenge for you: (OK I’m cheating. It’s two things!)

1. Identify one behaviour—yours or someone else’s—that’s quietly shifting the tone of your team or your own mindset.
2. Take one step to address it. That might mean setting a boundary, having a conversation, or simply choosing a different response.

Small actions matter. Let’s keep the barrel fresh.