Question:
I have a star performer on my team who should be in a much higher level position. They don’t pitch themselves as hard as they work. I’m also worried they could take over my position! What’s the best way to lead someone like this?
Murtaza Says:
First and foremost, congratulations on leading a team with such capable talents. This is team selection and leadership done right. Good managers should want people who are better than them. Fine-tuning and building up employees is a process and you’re committed to it so that is a good sign that you’re on track.
Here are a few more things to practice:
1. Worry less about being replaced by this person.
Managers who are afraid of losing their position to someone on their team with never grow. They remain to be managers; left unchallenged, unchecked and stagnated. Many times they are replaced by juniors who grow to be affluent and influence others and their organizations.
2. A star performer rising up in your organization is great reflection on your own leadership.
In fact getting people of your team on top should be a goal of yours as a team manager because that speaks volumes about how you help build up your organization from an individual level, which is arguably the most important level of all. Their recognition is yours.
3. Focus on your own growth too.
Life is about progression. I would say you also want to grow and take on higher roles in the organization. Correct me if I’m wrong, but is there not someone in the position you’d like to be? There are newer and better things for you at this or another company, do not let an ego stand in the way of greatness.
4. Stop being a manager, be a leader.
The latter takes commitment and necessary relationship building with your workforce. You must identify and build talents to take your position whilst you eye for the high position that you want to grow into. Grow yourself and others into the positions you all want to be in.
I know of a few organizations where their leaders did not empower the staff. One in particular headed a great team as CCO of a major telecom but his team was incapable of functioning without him. An opening for CEO was announced and he applied for it. He passed all the interviews but the challenge was upon his promotion, his current position would be left open and they could not find a capable candidate within the organization. He had done such a great job, profits were great during his tenure and the board did not want to risk losing that. He failed to lead by example and wanted the position of CCO so badly that he was now stuck with it. Always keep in mind that if you are able to grow, and the people in your team are able to grow then the organization grows. It is up to us as leaders to do better, so everyone’s story has a better ending.
The best way to lead star performers is by example. Incorporating leadership values like respect, reliability and resourcefulness also help create a culture where team members can grow. Practice respect for others and what they bring to the team. Be a reliable leader by keeping your promises and being present. If you say you’re going to help your team members grow, do just that. And be resourceful and use those resources to deliver on promises and increase your reliability. In doing so you’ll have an incredible team committed to building the whole organization.