The CEO had been brought in to turn around a company that had a number of good employees but was chronically dysfunctional and underperforming.

Within five years, the results were unmistakable. There was now a strong, positive, and healthy culture. The employees were unified as a single team dedicated to a shared mission. Everyone wanted to come to work, contribute new ideas, and support each other. Performance on all major metrics dramatically and consistently increased and got better by the year. Customer satisfaction was now at all-time high.

Never underestimate the effect of simply removing a small handful of toxic supervisors. Unable to no longer undermine employees, undercut the mission, and kill morale due to their departure from the company, the good employees thrived and excelled.

Save who you can but never hesitate when the evidence is irrefutable to tell a terrible supervisor or employee that he or she should seek work at a company which is better fit and match for them. Some will go on their own as the culture changes. A few will not.

You cannot allow them to continue to do damage. You have to do your job. Your leadership is required.

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak is a weekly column with the esteemed Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S., Management Consulting & Leadership Training

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