A lot of the comments here are assuming that the OP is indeed "toxic", and needs to fundamentally change his behavior. There is a good possibility that this is

A lot of the comments here are assuming that the OP is indeed "toxic", and needs to fundamentally change his behavior. There is a good possibility that this is true, but without more details, we don't know for sure either. Reading through the discussion, OP comes across as someone who is very motivated and driven. And I know from first hand experience that there are a lot of companies/teams out there, where everyone is just coasting, picking up their paychecks, and dislike any "troublemakers" who try to create work for them or move them outside their comfort zones. There's a real possibility that this is the kind of situation that OP is finding himself in. The real question is: How do you react when something like this happens? Scenario A: You're trying to get something done, but someone else is blocking you for a week, without offering you any good reasons. After a week of waiting in frustration, you send a polite email to that person, CCing his manager, and ask him when you can expect to get what you need. That person takes it personally, because you just made him "look bad" in front of his manager. His manager takes his side out of loyalty, they both complain to your manager, and you end up with a "toxic" performance review. Scenario B: You're stuck waiting for someone, and it's been a week. You send that person a sharply worded email, insinuate that they are being incompetent, and verbally abuse them to others as well. Word eventually gets around, and your manager tells you that you're contributing to a toxic work atmosphere. If Scenario B better describes your behavior, then you're definitely at fault. It's good to be driven and hard-working, and to expect excellence from the organization, but there's no reason why you have to be rude, and make personal attacks, in the process. Describing faults in an objective and dispassionate manner is a lot more effective, than insulting or abusing people. But if Scenario A better describes what's happening, and I'm sure it has happened to a number of people, then you should absolutely not change, and find an organization that better matches your standards for excellence. There are many great companies that are always looking for passionate employees with high standards for excellence.