Kamala Harris Slammed for Harsh Leadership, High Staff Turnover Rate
Although often portrayed publicly as a warm and maternal figure -- affectionately nicknamed "Momala" by some -- Harris has faced contrasting views regarding her management approach, and her first year in the White House saw an alarming 92% turnover rate, with most employees choosing to leave or being summarily fired, as the Daily Mail reports.
Harris's time as California's attorney general already hinted at a demanding workplace culture within her employ, something that was further evidenced by her tenure in the U.S. Senate, which recorded the ninth-highest staff turnover rate from 2017 to 2020.
Early Signs of Management Struggles Emerge
Her assertive style was notably present during the intense 2018 Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings. During these proceedings, Harris famously exited the proceedings amid widespread liberal frustration, after having directed a sharp outburst at those present.
Staff experiences from Harris's 2020 presidential campaign painted a picture of a disorganized operation, culminating in a public resignation letter to the New York Times, in which a former staffer lamented the poor treatment of the team.
Biden's selection of Harris as his running mate was a crucial step in rejuvenating her political trajectory, positioning her in the global spotlight once again.
Continued Challenges in the Vice-Presidential Role
Despite achieving the vice presidency, Harris's office continued to struggle with internal issues. Reports from June 2021 detailed ongoing problems such as low morale and ineffective communication.
By December 2021, several former staffers voiced concerns over Harris's lack of preparation for public engagements and her tendency to assign blame to her aides for her own public missteps.
During a notable June 2021 interview with NBC's Lester Holt about the southern border, Harris's responses reflected her often critiqued, highly vague communication style, further complicating the public's perception of her effectiveness.
Advisory Team Dynamics and Public Perceptions
In an attempt to control narratives, Harris reportedly over-prepared for a media event with a "mock dinner" in April 2022, indicating a shift towards managing her public interactions more meticulously.
The vice president has maintained a tight-knit circle of advisors, some of whom have been criticized for their lack of qualifications. This circle notably includes family members, whose involvement has been a point of contention.
Jen O'Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, prominent figures within her team, have been confirmed as continuing in their prior Biden campaign roles, stabilizing the core of her advisory group.
Voices From Within: Staff and Public Reactions
Quotes from various sources provide a glimpse into the internal dynamics over the past few years. One aide described the vice-presidential office as a place "where people feel treated like s***," reflecting the depth of discontent among the staff.
Further criticism came from Gil Duran, a former aide, who pointedly criticized Harris's leadership by stating, "What is the common denominator through all this? It's her." Meanwhile, Symone Sanders, Harris's former press secretary, offered a defense, highlighting the demanding nature of their work without denying the difficulties.
Harris herself has spoken on the importance of being surrounded by supportive and honest people, as she expressed in a May interview on Drew Barrymore's talk show.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Leadership and Legacy
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's leadership style has been characterized by a high degree of staff turnover and allegations of creating a demanding work environment.
After Biden's endorsement, her recent efforts to lift spirits at the Delaware headquarters only highlighted the challenges and perceptions that continue to shadow her management style.
With historical and ongoing critiques combined, Harris's capacity to adapt and evolve her management approach remains a focal point for her tenure in public office.