When Former Employees Become Lingering Critics: How to Stay Focused on Your Vision

In my business, we use social media primarily to get content and information out to our niche clientele, but that’s about it. If I didn’t have this business, I would probably get off social media altogether. Recently I was told that a former employee was working for someone else now—something I didn’t know because I was blocked.

As a business owner, giving the gift of having a team member move on isn’t always easy, but it often is necessary. At times, the reactions and outcomes from these situations can be triggering. Mostly everyone can relate to this, whether it’s former employees turned to critics or former friends.

When I first started as a young business owner, I leaned on my team heavily. At the time I thought there was great synergy, but now looking back, I see things differently. Loyalty became performative and conversations got quiet when I came into the room.

The reality is that sometimes your most toxic employees are the most profitable. In my situation, my employees weren’t just moving on. Their strategy was about dismantling my success; not just winning, but having me lose. This betrayal was confusing and led me to question my judgement.

These cracks made me realize it was time to rebuild the business and rebuild myself. Success exposes insecurities and feelings of inadequacy in family and in friends. In a perfect world, your triumphs would inspire people, not make them feel bitter. Just remember that the louder the critics, the greater the proof that you’re making waves. Use these situations to reflect, grow, and improve on what you can.