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#275: Not-so-obvious reasons for a “bad” employee

The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

Release Date: 03/18/2025

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

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Welcome to Episode 275 of the Thoughtful Leader Podcast!

In this episode, we explore why an employee might appear “bad” and uncover some hidden reasons behind poor performance and behaviour.

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to dig deeper and find out what’s really going on.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why an employee might be struggling – skill gaps, motivation issues, or personal challenges.
  • How leadership style and team dynamics play a role in shaping employee behavior.
  • Actionable steps to diagnose and address poor performance constructively.

Key Takeaways:

  1. A Skill Gap Can Look Like a Motivation Problem
    • Employees may avoid tasks they aren’t confident in, leading to misinterpretations of laziness or disengagement.
  2. Motivation Issues Often Have Hidden Causes
    • Boredom, lack of challenge, a poor work environment, or a mismatch in job fit can all reduce motivation.
  3. Team Dynamics Matter
    • Conflict with colleagues or a poor cultural fit can affect an employee’s performance and engagement.
  4. Leadership Approach Influences Behavior
    • Overbearing or hands-off leadership can contribute to performance issues.
  5. Personal Challenges Can Affect Work Performance
    • External stressors such as financial struggles, health issues, or family problems may be at play.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Ben Brearley:

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