Creating a High Octane Culture - Part 4

Eat with the best!

Many company leaders spend a lot of time working with their weakest links. Managers often have high hopes that if they spend more time with a non-performer, he/she will improve.

Good luck.

My experience tells me that, with a push, a non-performer can only go from bad to OK and this is temporary at best.

Why waste time with someone who can only be "OK at best?"

Here are my thoughts:

First, let your non-peformers go. They are obviously in the wrong place and are not a good fit. You'll be doing yourself and THEM a favor.

Second, focus on making your great people outstanding! This is a much better use of your time.

Often, the top performers are the most ignored. Management may think these top performers are humming right along and do not need help/support. Meanwhile, they begin to feel underappreciated and may start to look for another employer who appreciates them.

I say, eat lunch, drink coffee with the best! It's the best use of your time! The company will realize much more revenue, and be much more fined tuned, if you can help your best people perform even better.

The difference between poor and Ok, does not translate much into profits. The difference between great and outstanding does.

I took Amy Costanza out for coffee last week. She is a great saleswoman who has the potential to be outstanding everyday. We had a great talk and I feel that we really connected. Guess what - she had a record breaking week last week. Coincidence?

I am taking Theresa Santa out for coffee this morning. She is another Next Step Magazine top performer. Dare I predict that she'll have a great week?

When you take your top performers out, tell them how much you appreciate them - in a sincere way.

And then in a candid, yet tactful way, coach them on how they can move to the next level in their game. For great coaching skills, contact John Engels at http://www.leadershipcoachinginc.com/. They don't come any better than him.

They'll love the appreciation and feedback - and so will your profits.

Now, go schedule a lunch or coffee with a top performer!