When asking leaders which kind of person they spend the majority of their time with, A-players (the reliable producers) or C-players (the lower producers or those in the wrong job), they usually say C-players.  But, is that the most effective and productive use of your time?

Let’s use an analogy: Say you have a garden with two tomato plants in it.  One is a scrawny, weary looking plant who bears only one small green tomato.  The other is a healthy, robust vine which consistently produces vibrant red tomatoes.  Which plant would you spend more time tending?  The proven producer, or the unreliable laggard?

You’re A-players may not need the constant hand-holding and training, but they need some recognition and support.  They don’t need someone standing over their shoulder, just someone to make sure they’re charging in the right direction.  By lending them support, you are helping them achieve their personal goals more quickly  and contributing more consistently to the overall success of the company.

On the other hand, your C-players need someone to constantly stand over them to make sure they’re doing the minimum.  They are often unmotivated, misdirected, or simply in the wrong job.  Sometimes, they’re just going to fail, no matter how much time you spend on them.  Regardless, they will always produce less in the same or more time than you’re A-players.

So what would happen if you directed one hour more each day with an A-player versus a C-player?  The net result will be a significantly higher return on an hour, than the same hour spent on the C-player.

At Kinetic Insights, our PathFinders are skilled in helping leaders unleash the greatness in themselves and in their organizations. Call or email us for a quick discussion that just might put you and your team on the path to significant change.

Gail A. Froelicher is Founder, CEO and PathFinder of Kinetic Insights, LLC. For over 11 years, Gail and her team of PathFinders have journeyed with their customers to forge successful paths in rapidly changing business environments.

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