So many things. The only times I can think that it'd be super damaging: 1) This person is talking directly to clients day one, solo 2) Their code is pushed wi

So many things. The only times I can think that it'd be super damaging: 1) This person is talking directly to clients day one, solo 2) Their code is pushed without review... 3) They are making high-level (C-level, maybe a bit lower) decisions for your business Otherwise, yeah... a bad employee can do some harm. But, it's that employee's fault, and the other employees will realize this. It is the business's fault if they go a year under-staffed because "they are afraid." The second is MUCH more damaging: shows your leadership is not bold, they are misguided, and they don't know what to do to correct course if something goes unplanned (sub-performing employee).