Freakonomics Radio Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? (Ep. 495 Replay)
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Mar 16, 2023 
In this discussion, Katie Johnson, a data scientist, shares her challenging shift from contributing individual work to managing a team. Kelly Hsu, a Yale finance professor, dives into the Peter Principle, explaining how capable employees can falter in managerial roles. Steve Tadellis, an economics professor, discusses the significant impact of managers on employee productivity and satisfaction. Together, they explore the dynamics of ineffective leadership, the pressures of management, and how organizational promotion practices contribute to the prevalence of bad bosses.
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Katie Johnson's Management Experience
- Katie Johnson, a data scientist, transitioned into management for autonomy and impact.
- She found management boring and emotionally draining, despite positive reviews.
The Science of Bad Bosses
- There's little data on bad bosses, with varying survey results.
- Studies focus on quantifiable metrics, while qualitative aspects like compassion remain unexplored.
Importance of Bosses
- Research suggests managers significantly impact employee outcomes, particularly productivity.
- One study found that moving to a better boss increased productivity up to 50%.
