"My best performing team member is also my worst behaved. What should I do?"

Jack sent this to James Johnson and Freddie Birley for Peer Effect Post Bag.

The answer is clear: one is worse than the other.

What you'll hear:

Why under-behaving vs underperforming are fundamentally different problems. James explains which one is more detrimental to your business and why most founders get this wrong.

The myth of "this person is irreplaceable." James and Freddie have seen this story play out dozens of times. It always ends the same way. The pattern they reveal will surprise you.

How to have the conversation without making it worse. There's a specific way to frame it so they actually hear you. Most founders skip the critical first step.

Why you shouldn't take ownership of their change. Where the line is between supporting someone and trying to rescue them. James explains what's in your control and what isn't.

The hidden cost nobody talks about. It's not about team performance. It's about what it does to you as a founder. James shares how long he spent on one person and why he wishes he'd acted sooner.

When to accelerate clarity vs when to wait. If you know it's a priority, the conversation does one of two things. Both are good. James and Freddie explain why procrastinating costs more than acting.

The reality:

This conversation requires preparation. But avoiding it costs more than having it.

The headspace these situations take is enormous. It affects your enjoyment, motivation, and excitement about the business.

One action: Listen to the end for how to know if you should have this conversation now.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Best Performer Worst Behaved: What to Do When Your Top Team Member Is Toxic