Fire Your Best Employee
What happens when top performers stop growing? How investing in your “A players” can double your ROI—or cost you everything if ignored.
Wait… fire your best employee?
That’s not a typo—it’s a wake-up call.
Every organisation has a handful of “A players”—top performers who consistently deliver results, lead projects, and outperform expectations. They’re your MVPs. But what happens when these stars stop growing?
Here’s the hard truth:
When your best employees stop developing, they don’t stay your best for long. They disengage. They get frustrated. And if you’re not careful, they’ll either quietly quit… or get hired away by your competition.
And the kicker?
It’s not their fault. It’s yours.
Why A Players Stop Performing
Let’s be real—top performers crave challenge, growth, and recognition. But many companies make a fatal mistake:
They over-rely on their best employees without reinvesting in them.
Here’s what that looks like:
Assigning more work, but offering no advancement
Assuming they’re “fine” because they’re not complaining
Failing to offer mentorship, stretch roles, or leadership paths
Giving the same perks and praise you give to average performers
Over time, this erodes loyalty and morale. And soon, your highest ROI employee becomes your biggest flight risk.
The Cost of Ignoring Growth
Let’s talk numbers.
According to Gallup, companies that fail to engage top talent see 18% lower productivity and 15% lower profitability.
Now flip that around: Organisations that invest in leadership training, growth paths, and mentorship for top performers see retention, performance, and profits soar.
The return isn’t just emotional—it’s financial.
What You Should Do Instead
No, don’t actually fire your best employee. Fire the version of them that’s stuck, stagnant, and unsupported. Then invest in building them back stronger.
Here’s how:
Reignite their purpose: Remind them why their work matters. Get personal.
Level up their leadership: Offer coaching, training, or stretch assignments.
Pay them like they matter: If they outperform, reward accordingly.
Ask them what they need: Don’t assume—have real, intentional conversations.
Build a succession plan: Show them there’s a next level—then help them reach it.
Because Here’s the Deal…
Your best employee doesn’t want to be your best forever.
They want to become your next great leader.
So fire the mindset that got them here… and invest in the one that will take your company further.
Want help developing a strategy to retain and grow your top performers? Schedule a call with our team today. We help organisations like yours turn A players into culture-shaping leaders—before the competition does.
