Managers, Protect Your High Perf

When a high performer on your team burns out, you might think it’s their problem to solve. But as a manager, it’s your job to help employees keep their stress under control. You can protect your stars from burnout by giving them some autonomy in choosing their projects. Don’t just put them on your toughest tasks; letting them choose ensures they’re working on assignments that excite them. You can also pair the person with another high performer on a hard project, which will help the two employees challenge and push each other. (You may be tempted to group high performers with low performers, but that’s likely to increase the high performers’ workloads and sap their morale.) These pairs should consist of employees at similar levels. Placing a talented entry-level employee with a high-performing leader won’t have the same effect.

Adapted from “How Are You Protecting Your High Performers from Burnout?,” by Matt Plummer

Managers, Protect Your High Performers from Burnout