Strategies to Empower High Performers to Transform Organizations
Ideally, high performers should be recognised and rewarded for their contributions to an organisation, not just with promotions and pay but also with respect and opportunities for growth. However, corporate environments are often riddled with politics and conflicts that can overshadow talent and achievement. There are numerous historical instances where leading figures were sidelined or forced out of companies, only to establish or lead new ventures that directly competed with their former employers.
For example, a tech innovator was famously forced out of the very company he founded, only to return years later to save it from the brink of failure. Another example involves a co-founder of a renowned online payment system who left after a major acquisition, going on to found successful ventures in the same sector. In the automotive industry, a key figure in lean manufacturing principles faced delayed promotion, hindering the company’s early adoption of transformative practices. Similarly, an automotive pioneer was dismissed from a leading manufacturer, only to become a significant competitor by founding new companies.
In these scenarios, organisations failed to harness the full potential of their high performers, often framing the relationship as adversarial. Despite these setbacks, these individuals demonstrated resilience and innovation, going on to achieve remarkable success elsewhere. These stories underscore the importance of fostering a supportive culture that recognises and leverages the talents of high performers for organisational transformation.
General information on the Digital Services Act
For organisations, the departure of top talent extends beyond the loss of these individuals. It often leaves other high achievers feeling demotivated and questioning the commitment to talent recognition and advancement. This can have lasting effects on the organisation’s reputation and its ability to attract new top performers.
Contrasting with these scenarios, a late mentor from a renowned sports team highlighted two essential elements for leveraging top talent towards organisational success: hiring competent individuals and allowing them to execute their roles, and understanding that for these high achievers, financial rewards are a consequence, not the motivation. Here are five insights, supported by research, on how leaders can enable high achievers to revolutionise their organisations.
Understanding What Drives High Achievers
High achievers are distinguished by their exceptional skills, innovative thinking, and commitment to the organisation’s mission. Their high market demand means they have the leverage to initiate new ventures, potentially drawing other top talents with them. Research indicates that high achievers are motivated by alignment with a shared mission where they can exercise autonomy and develop their expertise. Financial incentives are important but as a threshold; what truly drives them is the opportunity to excel in an environment that values autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Encouraging High Achievers to Form Dynamic Teams
It’s recognised that allowing high achievers to ‘do their job’ doesn’t mean working in isolation. Instead, they naturally seek collaboration with peers to complement their expertise and achieve greater purposes. This principle has been exemplified in successful projects that transformed organisations, relying on the collective genius of high achievers drawn to challenging, innovative work.
Avoiding Win-Lose Situations Within Teams
Sustaining high-achieving teams requires vigilant management of team dynamics to prevent disengagement caused by underperforming members or toxic competition for rewards. Research underscores the importance of equitable reward systems that reflect the collective value created by the team, avoiding scenarios where team cohesion is jeopardised by perceived inequities.
Navigating Envy and Social Comparisons
Organisations often hesitate to adequately reward high achievers due to concerns about envy from other employees. However, pandering to such comparisons can undermine the overall organisational culture and inhibit value creation. Historical examples show that failing to reward innovative efforts can lead to significant losses as high achievers leave to pursue or create new opportunities elsewhere.
Aligning Rewards with Value Creation
Acknowledging the importance of appropriate rewards, it’s crucial for organisations to ensure that compensation and recognition align with the value high achievers bring. This approach encourages sustained contribution and innovation, fostering an environment where high achievers feel valued and motivated to drive organisational success.
In conclusion, organisations aiming for transformative growth must adeptly manage and motivate their high-performing employees. This involves understanding their motivations, facilitating their collaboration, maintaining a positive team dynamic, addressing the challenges of envy and social comparisons, and ensuring rewards reflect their contributions. By adopting these strategies, leaders can harness the full potential of their high achievers to achieve exceptional organisational outcomes.