Former California Attorney General Kamala Harris is now facing scrutiny over her leadership style.
A revealing op-ed portrays Vice President Kamala Harris, now a presidential candidate, as having a history of difficult relationships with her staff, which could impact her campaign.
According to the New York Post, the critique stems from Terry McAteer's op-ed "Another Side to Kamala Harris." The op-ed details accusations about Harris’s behavior during her tenure as Attorney General of California.
McAteer said his son, Gregory McAteer, had firsthand negative experiences while interning under Harris. Gregory was allegedly subjected to harsh working conditions, including prohibitions against making eye contact with Harris.
During his internship in the summer of 2011, Gregory found the office atmosphere intimidating and restrictive. Staff members reportedly adhered to strict protocols, such as standing and greeting Harris with "Good Morning General" when she entered the office. This level of formality and the alleged fearful environment raise questions about Harris's leadership style.
Terry McAteer provided a detailed account of his son's experiences and observations. He reported that Harris frequently used profanity and was highly critical of her staff, leading to an environment filled with tension and discomfort.
The disturbing work conditions are vividly described in the op-ed. Harris's demanding nature continued into her role as Vice President, evidenced by a startlingly high staff turnover rate. By March 2024, reports from OpenTheBooks.com indicated that the turnover rate within Harris's office had reached 91.5%.
The implications of such high turnover rates are not insignificant. High staff turnover can suggest instability and dissatisfaction among team members. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had expressed concerns about the working environment under Harris, noting that "nobody lasts very long" and critiquing her treatment of people around her.
Former staffers have echoed the sentiment of a challenging workplace. One anonymous former staffer described the environment as filled with "soul-destroying criticism" and highlighted Harris's demanding expectations. They felt Harris often lacked confidence, which contributed to the high-pressure atmosphere:
Harris's management style has been repeatedly characterized as problematic by different sources. The repeated narratives from multiple former staffers provide a sobering counter to her public persona as a decisive leader.
As Harris campaigns for the highest office in the nation, these revelations could pose significant challenges. The veracity of these claims and Harris's responses will play a crucial role in shaping public perception during a critical phase of her campaign.
How leaders treat their staff can reflect broader aspects of their leadership and decision-making styles. As the presidential race heats up following Joe Biden's withdrawal, Harris's past and current leadership approach will undoubtedly come under closer scrutiny.
To conclude, the mixture of high staff turnover and allegations of mistreatment raises concerns over Vice President Kamala Harris's working relationships. These revelations could influence public perception and have a tangible impact on her presidential aspirations.
