Show me a bad employee and I will show you a bad manager…

Undoubtedly a controversial statement so bear with me.

The statement underscores the significant influence managers have on employees and as a result the performance of their team within the businesss.

Effective managers play a crucial role in establishing clear expectations, delivering comprehensive training, maintaining an open feedback loop and fostering a positive work environment that motivates employees to excel. When an employee consistently underperforms or displays problematic behaviour, it can indicate a breakdown in one or more of these essential aspects.

It’s important to recognise that this statement does not absolve employees of their responsibilities. Accountability remains a key aspect of any job, and employees are expected to meet their role requirements. However, if they fail to do so and poor performance persists, the manager is responsible for managing the process. If improvement remains elusive, the manager must consider either a more suitable role for the employee or, when necessary, end their employment.

Ultimately, this statement serves as a poignant reminder that the presence of an underperforming employee within your team reflects either a tolerance for mediocrity, insufficient training and guidance, or an inability to address consistently poor performance. In essence, it reinforces the idea that the quality of management profoundly influences the effectiveness of the team. Thus, the assertion holds true: “Show me a bad employee, and I will show you a bad manager.”