I’ve never seen a bad employee...

(and Why That Matters)

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "That person is just a bad employee"? I know I have.

We've all been there, right? Frustrated with someone's performance, their attitude, maybe even a blatant disregard for company policy. It's easy to jump to conclusions and label them "bad."

But I've come to realize that "bad employee" is often a myth. What I see instead are employees who are let down by their leadership, unclear expectations, or personal struggles impacting their work.

Let me tell you a story about a time I was convinced I had a "bad" employee on my hands.

One of my companies provided employees with company phones, each with a specific data and call plan meant for business use only.

One month, I noticed a massive overage on one employee's phone bill, translating into a significant, unexpected cost. I was furious. This was a clear violation of the plan's terms.

I called him into my office, fully prepared to let him go.

As I started outlining the issue, his face fell. He looked genuinely confused. It turned out he wasn't entirely clear on the specific limitations of the plan. He knew it was for business, but the nuances weren't fully explained. He understood that business use was the priority, but he believed personal calls were acceptable in moderation.

And that's when he shared the real reason for the surge in usage: his grandmother, who lived far away, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He had been using the phone more that month to talk to her, to find some solace and connection in her final days.

My anger evaporated.

My heart ached for him. How could I fault him for wanting to connect with his dying grandmother? This wasn't a "bad employee" – it was a human being going through an incredibly difficult time, and a leader (me!) who had failed to communicate clearly.

This experience, and many others like it, has fundamentally changed how I view employee performance. It taught me that what often looks like a "bad" employee is actually a symptom of something deeper.

So, what have I learned?

1. Clarity is King: Employees can't meet expectations they don't fully understand. Whether it's about their job description, company policies, or the specific limits of a company-provided perk, we must ensure absolute clarity. This means clear documentation, thorough training, and ongoing communication. Ambiguity breeds mistakes, and mistakes are often misinterpreted as poor performance. Or, in other words, Assumption is the mother or all fu*kups
2. Empathy is Essential: We're all human. Life throws curveballs – illness, loss, family crises. When employees are struggling personally, their work may suffer. As leaders, our role is not just to manage performance, but also to provide support. A little empathy can go a long way in helping employees navigate tough times and remain productive members of the team.

The Takeaway:

Before labelling someone a "bad employee," let's pause and ask ourselves:

• Have we been crystal clear in our expectations?
• Is there something going on in their personal life that we should be aware of?
• How can we support them to succeed?

Leadership isn't about finding the "perfect" employees. It's about creating an environment where every employee has the tools, clarity, and support they need to thrive. Let's challenge the myth of the "bad employee" and focus on building stronger teams through understanding, empathy, and clear communication.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever misjudged an employee? Share your experiences in the comments!

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