High performers fuel the engine of success. Culture matters, and so does talent. Both matter, and unfortunately far too many leaders sacrifice their culture on the altar of talent. How you treat your high performers, and the standard you hold them too, matter immensely. To them, and just as importantly, to their teammates. If you want a sustained high performance culture, put energy here.
Some high performers don’t need much. They’ve got great attitudes, they’re wired to push themselves and elevate those around them. Some need more maintenance. Like a stud ace pitcher on a softball team, they often have just a little more diva in them. A weak-cored leader gives in and gives the stud pitcher anything they want just to keep them happy. That backfires, every time. So does ignoring them and their “extra.”
Great coaches with strong cores thread the needle. They don’t lower their standards, but they DO cheat toward the studs. The studs get more of their time, more of their energy. If you’re going to give extra energy, give it toward your high performers. The more they feel the love, the more they love the challenges you throw out.
Stop spending so much time chronically managing your low performers and hoping they’ll level up. Tune in to your high performers and give them more of your juice, more clarity around your standards, more of your best time and energy.
BUILT TO LEAD 