Leadership expert John C. Maxwell said, "The best way to grow your organisation is to grow your people." You certainly would struggle to disagree with this.
By nurturing your top performers and maximising their potential, you are not only investing in their future but in the future success of your organisation too.
In every organisation, the top performers are the lifeblood that drives growth, innovation, and success. These individuals will consistently deliver outstanding results, demonstrate leadership qualities, and inspire others to raise their game. However, managing this top talent is not just about recognising their contributions—it’s about creating an environment where they can believe they can thrive, grow, and continue to contribute at a high level.
Here’s how we believe you can get the most from your top performers while keeping them engaged and motivated.
Give Them Ownership and Autonomy
Top performers are often self-motivated and thrive when given the freedom to explore their ideas and make decisions. Micromanaging these individuals can lead to frustration and disengagement. Instead, trust them to take charge of their projects and initiatives.
As Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why, points out, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge." This means allowing your top performers to lead and make decisions, showing trust in their abilities.
Encouraging autonomy empowers these top performers to think creatively, solve problems independently, and make a more significant impact. The result is not only better outcomes for the organisation but also a more satisfied and engaged employee.
Provide Opportunities for Continuous Growth
Top performers are usually highly ambitious and have a hunger for learning. If you want to keep them engaged, you must provide opportunities for professional development and personal growth. This could include access to advanced training, mentorship, or stretch assignments that challenge their skills.
Jim Rohn famously said, "Work harder on yourself than you do on your job." Top performers already excel in their roles, but they need continuous self-improvement to stay motivated. Investing in their growth signals that you’re invested in their long-term success, not just their immediate output.
Additionally, offer them leadership roles in special projects, opportunities to attend conferences, or chances to cross-train in different areas of the company. Such exposure keeps them intellectually stimulated and broadens their expertise.
Offer Recognition and Appreciation
Everyone needs recognition, but it’s crucial to tailor your approach to your top performers. Acknowledging their efforts in a way that resonates with them can make a big difference in their motivation and job satisfaction.
Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, stated, "The way to develop people is to catch them doing something right." Instead of waiting for annual reviews, give timely and meaningful feedback that celebrates their achievements and efforts. This reinforces their value to the organization and encourages them to continue excelling.
Recognition can come in many forms—whether it’s a public acknowledgment during a meeting, a private thank-you note, or a tangible reward like a bonus or promotion. Ensure the recognition aligns with their preferences, as some might value public acknowledgment, while others prefer more discreet praise.
Challenge Them with Complex, High-Impact Work
Top performers thrive when they are challenged. Routine or low-impact work can demotivate them, leading to boredom and potentially even disengagement. Instead, assign them projects that require creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—tasks that stretch their abilities and have a tangible impact on the business.
As motivational speaker Les Brown said, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." This idea applies directly to top performers—they want to aim high and tackle difficult problems. High-impact work allows them to stretch their capabilities, learn new skills, and contribute to meaningful business outcomes.
Don't Micromanage
Look to trust high achievers with authority that matches their responsibility. Define the outcomes you’re looking for, but give them the freedom to decide how to get there.
Encourage Open Communication and Feedback
Open and transparent communication is essential in managing any team, but especially with top performers. They often have a clear sense of where they want to go in their careers and what they need to get there. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing feedback, discussing challenges, and offering suggestions for improvement.
Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch emphasised, "When people have no voice in decisions, they’ll simply stop caring." If you’re not giving your top performers a voice, you risk losing their passion and commitment. Hold regular one-on-one meetings to discuss their goals, concerns, and ideas. This not only shows that you value their input but also helps you stay aligned with their career aspirations.
Provide a Path for Advancement
Top performers are often driven by the desire to advance in their careers. If they don’t see a clear path to growth within your organisation, they may seek opportunities elsewhere. Make sure to identify career paths for them that align with their aspirations and strengths.
"People are not your most important asset. The right people are," said Jim Collins in Good to Great. Ensuring that your top performers feel they have a future at your company is crucial. Discuss their career goals, outline potential opportunities for advancement, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in their journey.
Understand their Values
To uncover what drives high performers, ask them, “What part of your work gives you the most energy?” Then go deeper still with, “What kind of impact do you want your work to have on the company or industry?” Gaining this understanding to them is key.
Build a Culture of High Performance
Lastly, top performers thrive in a culture that celebrates high performance and encourages continuous improvement. Cultivate an environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded, where employees at all levels are encouraged to push their boundaries and grow.
As Peter Drucker once said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Even the most talented individuals can only achieve so much in a toxic or unmotivating environment. Foster a workplace culture that not only values hard work and innovation but also supports collaboration, personal growth, and well-being.
Our blog on Building High-Performance Teams may also be of interest to you. You can access that here.
Final Thoughts: The Need for A Win-Win Relationship
Getting the most from your top performers is about creating a mutually beneficial relationship where they feel valued, challenged, and supported. By offering autonomy, opportunities for growth, recognition, and challenging work, you ensure that they remain engaged and motivated to continue contributing at their highest potential. In return, your organization reaps the benefits of their creativity, leadership, and consistent performance.
Can We Help?
We have placed and filled over 100,000 temp and permanent assignments over the last 30+ years so have a vast knowledge and range of techniques, ideas, and platforms that could help you. Why not call us on 0113 367 2880 have a conversation with one of our team. Alternatively, drop us an email here.
