“Employees don’t leave companies, they leave managers,” says Mamaearth’s Ghazal Alagh

Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh recently remarked that great talent rarely quits because of work or the company’s mission.

Ghazal Alagh posts on LinkedIn

According to her, it’s the day-to-day experience with their managers that shapes whether people stay, grow, or walk away.

“Employees don’t leave companies, they leave managers,” Alagh wrote on LinkedIn.

The lady entrepreneur shared that having observed hundreds of teams in the initial stage of many startups, and especially while building her brand, one thing that stands out is that certain management styles can quietly push even the best employees out the door.

Then she described 8 types of managers that high performers find hardest to work with.

As claimed by Ghazal Alagh, the following types of managers are the reasons employees quit their jobs.

🔹The Micromanager: Oversees every small detail, leaving no space for trust or autonomy.

🔹The Credit Taker: Quick to celebrate wins, slow to share recognition.

🔹The Ghost: Hard to reach, offers little support or feedback.

🔹The Volcano: Temperamental, making consistency impossible for teams.

🔹The Information Hoarder: Keeps knowledge closed off, stalling team growth.

🔹The Never-Satisfied: Raises the bar constantly, rarely acknowledges progress.

🔹The Favoritist: Focuses energy on a select few, often sidelining others.

🔹The Risk-Free Boss: Shies away from innovation, limiting new ideas and growth.She warned that if organisations want to strengthen culture and retention, the conversation can’t stop at perks or policy because true retention is built on trust, respect, and everyday leadership moments.

“What kind of leadership have you personally seen make the biggest difference, inspiring you to stay, or pushing you to move on?” the Mamaearth boss asked while concluding the post.

Netizens react

Many individuals lauded the lady startup founder for the post.

A user supported her saying, "So true, most people don’t wake up hating the work, they just get worn down by the way they’re managed."

"Powerful and so on point, Ghazal," said another user. "The “Risk-Free Boss” and “Never-Satisfied” types often go unnoticed but silently drain innovation and morale. Retention isn’t about perks it’s about everyday leadership. This post is a must-read for every founder and manager."

Another user noted: "Thanks for putting this acrossGhazal Alagh. A toxic manager doesn’t just ruin your workday. They slowly drain your confidence, self-worth, and peace of mind. Bad leadership isn’t tough love. It’s a ticking time bomb for team morale and mental well-being."

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