Debunking the Myth of Being Employee-Focused

Let’s get one thing straight—the whole idea of being “employee-focused” has been blown way out of proportion. Companies think it means treating everyone equally, offering support to all, and making sure no one gets left behind. But that’s not being employee-focused—that’s being naive.

I’ve run companies where some employees absolutely loved the culture, and others? Well, they hated me. And here’s the reality: those who hated me were the ones who didn’t fit with what we needed. They didn’t align with our vision or our future. And that’s the brutal truth of building something meaningful—you can’t please everyone. Some people will thrive in the environment you create, while others just won’t make the cut.

But those who stayed? They have incredible stories about how the system we built helped them grow, supported them when they needed it, and how it’s still the best place they’ve worked. That’s because being truly employee-focused means knowing who deserves your support. It means identifying the people who match your culture, who align with the company’s goals, and who can help build your future.

Supporting bad employees? That’s the worst thing you can do—for your company, for the team, and for those who actually deserve your support. Keeping around people who drag the team down, misuse resources, or aren’t in it for the long haul is a disservice to your good employees. If you want to support your real team, sometimes the most employee-focused thing you can do is cut out the dead weight.

Focusing on the wrong employees harms everyone. It lowers morale, reduces productivity, and sends the message that mediocrity is acceptable. True employee focus means being strategic—supporting the right people and ensuring your company’s future is built on those who actually deserve it.

A company isn’t a charity. It’s a vision, built by the people who believe in it and work for it. You want to be employee-focused? Invest in those who deserve it, who share your belief, and who are part of the future you’re creating. The rest? Let them go.