Taking Over from Someone Else? Here’s Why Criticising the Previous Job Holder Is a Bad Idea (And What to Do Instead)

Starting a new role can be exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!). But if you’ve taken over from someone who left, was fired, or moved on within the business, bad-mouthing the previous job holder? Nope, not a good idea. Here’s why:

Why you shouldn’t criticise:

1. It damages relationships. Word travels fast in the workplace, and negativity can hurt trust with your new team.

2. It reflects on you more than them. Criticism makes you look unprofessional and petty.

3. You don’t know the full story. Their circumstances could be more different than you realise, and people may sympathise with them. And depending on the handover, there may be more they’ve done than you realise.

4. One day, you’ll be in their shoes. You might leave a role, and how would you feel if someone dragged your work through the mud? You don’t set fire to your neighbours house - you’ll get burned in the end.

What to do instead:

1. Acknowledge their contributions. Highlight what they achieved before you came along. Build on it - why start over when you don’t have to?

2. Learn from their work. Look for lessons in what they did — both what worked and what didn’t.

3. Focus on your own goals. Be forward-thinking — what are you going to bring to the table?

4. Show gratitude for the opportunity. Appreciate the chance to step into this role and express that positivity to your team.

Starting a job on the right foot is all about respect, emotional intelligence, and being authentic. So next time you’re tempted to criticise the last person, remember that kindness and professionalism always win, eventually.

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The photo? Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning - the barn’s on fire!