An old trope suggests that “people leave managers, not companies” has some merit, with broader research showing that 57 per cent of people have quit their jobs specifically because of their boss.
Although there is little research to show just how influential a chief executive is in the average worker’s job satisfaction, as the leader of a business, their decisions, strategy and vision can trickle down to every aspect of a 9-5: from pay rises, bonuses, company culture, and flexibility.
Depending on the size of the company, the chief executive might be an enigmatic figurehead only surfacing for company-wide meetings and keynote speeches, or alternatively they might insist on being more hands-on.
A great chief executive inspires, sets strategy, and brings out the best in senior leadership. A toxic chief executive might lead through fear, destroy company reputation, be reticent to reward staff, or even punish or sack people who criticise their leadership. Or they might just be incompetent.
The i Paper spoke to three anonymous workers about the worst chief executive behaviour they have ever witnessed.
