Bad Leadership Isn’t Just Annoying, It’s Expensive
Toxic culture, burnout, and turnover cost Australian businesses billions every year. But it doesn’t have to. The data from over 200 stories show that most “bad bosses” can improve with coaching, awareness, and the right tools.
Employees who trust their leaders are 3x more engaged and 50% less likely to quit.
Bad leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped by the teams around it: what they prioritise, what they overlook, and the dynamics that form under pressure.
Every team has its blind spots: misaligned goals, mixed motivations, and personality clashes that go unchecked. That’s why leadership can’t just be about skills — it’s about understanding people.
Coming soon: Australia’s Largest Executive Lab
We’re unpacking what makes teams thrive — and what tears them apart.
After collecting over 200 stories and hearing from workers across every industry, one boss stood out above the rest for all the wrong reasons.
Meet the Battle Buffoon
Story submitted by Tim
The figurine-fiddling, sushi-munching, meeting-loving micromanager who has officially been crowned Australia’s Worst Boss.
But here’s what our psychologists noticed along the way: bad bosses don’t start out bad. They’re often technically brilliant, but never trained in how to lead. The gap between doing and leading is where most workplaces fall apart.
The Battle Buffoon may have taken the crown, but he’s not alone. These stories, the ten worst bosses in Australia, reveal what happens when power, ego, and inexperience collide.
Meet the rest of the Worst Ten Bosses
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Worst Boss Contender:
The Battle Buffoon
Forced to fetch sushi and sit through toy soldier battles while my boss chewed loudly.
Thanks to every story and vote, we donated to R U OK? supporting conversations that change lives at work.
We Don’t Just Collect Stories — We’re Changing Them
The Australia’s Worst Boss campaign started as a way to expose bad leadership. Now, it’s about transformation — using data and psychology to help people become more compassionate, self-aware, and effective leaders.
Every vote and story helped support R U OK? Day, reminding us that good leadership starts with empathy.
Because bad bosses cost Australia big time — in morale, turnover, and productivity. At Compono, we use people science and AI to help businesses build better leaders and healthier teams.
For every verified vote, Compono donates $1 to R U OK? Day (up to $5,000). By voting, you’re not only crowning Australia’s Worst Boss — you’re also supporting a vital mental health charity.
The story with the most votes will be crowned Australia’s Worst Boss. We’ll announce the winner publicly, share the lessons learned, and shine a spotlight on how workplaces can do better.
