The Cost of Bad Manager

A bad manager can cost an organization far more than a difficult employee. In the worst cases, the price can reach millions. But most employment problems do not begin with one dramatic mistake. They build through missed conversations, inconsistent expectations, weak documentation, and managers who were never taught how to manage people. Jared Speier is a Partner in Stradling’s Employment Law practice group, where he advises employers and represents them in wrongful termination, discrimination, class action, and PAGA litigation. In this episode, he brings a litigator’s perspective to the everyday management decisions that either protect an organization or create risk. Jared shares practical advice on documentation, difficult conversations, performance management, and when to involve HR or employment counsel. The message for leaders is simple: invest in manager training early, give managers the right support, and address small issues before they become expensive ones.