At the company where I work— we make creative products for children—two of the top executives are at war with each other. They go off on rants, they use foul language, and from time to time they actually have shoving matches.
Both of these men are top producers, I might add. What lies behind this behavior? And is there anything coworkers can do? We’re appalled, but the boss won’t step in.

1. These guys are simply high-spirited thoroughbreds who kick up some dust while helping us win the race. Just stay out of their way.
2. The good results these men get are more than offset by the negative impact their feud has on company productivity and morale. A coalition of employees needs to confront the boss with the facts and recommend corrective action.
3. In this obvious clash of personalities, one of these bullies must be fired. Or should the company fire both?
4. The boss is clueless, so someone needs to elevate the issue to the board of directors.
5. A brave coworker who has the respect of these feuding men needs to take them aside for a little talk about workplace civility, to break the cycle of dysfunctional conflict. This would be a win–
win option, where everyone could save face and upper management wouldn’t be dragged into the fray.
6. Let’s take sides in this feud and fight it out until there’s a clear winner and loser.
7. Invent other options. Discuss.