On a recent episode of the hit web series Beyond Management™, one guest recounted a story that captured the internet’s attention, not because it was extraordinary, but because it was painfully relatable.
Her entry into the television industry came with a jarring introduction to toxic leadership. Her first boss wasn’t just frugal, he was cheap to the point of absurdity. In one unforgettable example, he would mark the watercooler with a pen to track how much employees drank.
Too many visits? Expect public shaming.
“I remember thinking, ‘Is this really what I worked so hard for?’” she said during the episode. “We weren’t just being micromanaged, we were being devalued.”
It didn’t stop at hydration policing. After offering her a set salary, he backpedaled, insisting she first “prove herself” before earning the agreed-upon compensation. It was a classic bait-and-switch, a manipulation tactic often disguised as performance benchmarking.
“It was demoralizing. He made me feel like I was lucky to even be in the room, but I earned my place.”
Fast forward to today: she’s now a renowned casting director, leading her own team with the opposite mindset. She prioritizes respect, trust, and fair compensation. “I will never become the boss I had 25 years ago,” she said. “Leadership isn’t about controlling people, it’s about empowering them.”
How to Spot a Cheap Boss
There’s a difference between being budget-conscious and being cheap. Here’s how to tell:
1. Over-Controls Small Costs
Tracking coffee use, refusing basic supplies, or discouraging reasonable time off, cheap bosses often fixate on pennies while ignoring performance.
2. Reverses on Promised Pay
Offering a salary, then downgrading or delaying it, is a manipulation tactic that undermines trust and fairness.
3. Devalues Employee Wellness
If your manager scoffs at breaks, hydration, or mental health support, it’s a red flag. A healthy team is a high-performing team.
4. Refuses to Invest in Growth
Blocking learning opportunities, declining fair raises, or expecting extra roles for no added compensation reflects a scarcity mindset.
The Real Cost of a Cheap Boss
- 50% of employees leave their jobs to escape poor managers.
- Toxic work cultures cost U.S. companies over $223 billion in turnover.
- Companies with engaged, supported teams see 21% higher profits (Gallup).
- Employees who feel undervalued are 63% more likely to burn out.
Redefining Leadership
Now in a leadership role, the former assistant-turned-casting director leads with generosity and clarity. Her team thrives not because they’re monitored, but because they’re trusted.
“We don’t count cups of water. We count contributions, collaboration, and growth.”
Cheap leadership might save pennies in the short term, but it costs talent, trust, and innovation in the long run. Great managers know: investing in people always pays off.
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About Netta Jenkins
Netta Jenkins is a distinguished tech CEO and the visionary behind the acclaimed 8-week leadership accelerator, Super Charged Management. As a two-time published author with Wiley, her forthcoming book, “Supercharged Teams: How Every Manager Can Create a Culture of Excellence,” follows her debut work, “The Inclusive Organization,” recognized as a top read in Forbes and amplified by Arianna Huffington to her 10 Million Linkedin Followers.
Netta hosts the Beyond Management™️ LinkedIn leadership web series, powered by Holistic Inclusion Consulting, which has garnered over 10 million impressions. Through engaging, street interview-style content, she fosters meaningful discussions that enhance organizational learning and development, boost brand visibility, and position organizations as thought leaders, driving new customer acquisition and talent recruitment.
A seasoned TEDx and keynote speaker, Netta has captivated audiences worldwide, delivering science-backed insights and strategies with compelling impact. With over 15 years of expertise in global workplace advisory and a LinkedIn following exceeding 200,000, she has been featured in leading outlets such as The Washington Post, McKinsey, Forbes, and Fortune. Her influence earned her recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow by CIO Views in 2021.
Previously serving as VP of Global Inclusive Strategy at IAC, Netta partnered with brands like Match.com, Vimeo, and Daily Beast. She advises Betterment, consults executives via the Intro app, and is pursuing a doctorate in quality systems. Currently, she collaborates with Marc Lore (former CEO of Walmart) and Preet Bharara (former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York) to build Telosa, a visionary new city in America.
Residing on the East Coast with her family, Netta continues to make a transformative impact in both the corporate and startup landscapes.
