The Silent Culture Killer
- Leslie Speas
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 27
We’ve all seen it. A toxic employee who goes unchecked. A high performer who’s quietly disengaging. A team that’s operating more like a group of individuals than a cohesive unit. When these issues aren’t addressed, they usually multiply.
The most dangerous workplace problems often aren’t loud or dramatic. They simmer and over time, they erode trust, performance, and your culture.
What Happens When You Don’t Address Employee Issues
Morale tanks. Good employees start to disengage when they see that poor behavior or performance is tolerated.
Turnover increases. High performers don’t want to carry the weight of those who aren’t pulling their load.
Accountability disappears. When expectations are unclear or inconsistently enforced, people stop taking them seriously. I like to say, "What you permit, you promote."
Leaders get stuck in firefighting mode. Instead of leading, they’re reacting to one crisis after another.
Why Leaders Avoid Tough Conversations
Fear of conflict
Unclear policies or expectations
Lack of confidence in handling difficult situations
Hope that “maybe it will fix itself”- Spoiler alert: It won’t.
What to Do Instead
1. Set Clear Expectations Early
Job descriptions, onboarding, and ongoing communication set the tone for accountability.
2. Coach, Don’t Just Correct
Approach conversations as opportunities to help employees grow, not just to call them out.
3. Document Early and Often
It’s not just about protecting your business. It helps you track patterns and support your people fairly. Remember to use the 4 Ws of documentation - Who, What, When and Where.
4. Address Cultural Misalignment
If someone’s not aligned with your values, even great performance might not be enough. Think of the Salesperson who wreaks havoc within your organization but has great numbers.
Final Thought
Ignoring performance and behavior issues is costly. Every conversation you avoid sends a message to the rest of the team.
Need help with accountability and addressing employee issues in your organization? I'd love to chat. Reach out to leslie@influencehrconsulting.com
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