The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

Every workplace has super stars: Employees who far exceed the potential and performance of other workers. Some researchers indicate that 7-9 per cent of your employees have the natural inclination and aptitude to deliver great value that far exceeds that produced by the average employee.

These employees are not to be confused with the diligent, hardworking and committed worker who comes on time and spends extra hours at work completing assignments, or the fast talking, enthusiastic employee who, as we often say, masters the gift of the gab. While the star employee of which this article speaks may possess all these qualities, this individual has much higher level skills that have been honed by advanced qualifications, great learning opportunities and exposure.

The workplace cannot survive without these individuals making their significant contribution.

These employees, though, endure much abuse in the work environment, and often deliver far below their output potential. Some of these abuses include:

• De-motivation as a result of few workplace incentives, or work environments that do not challenge their pace.

• Insecure leaders who victimise these employees because they are threatened by them.

• Overwork of these employees, delegating many assignments to them while giving the less talented supporting and, sometimes effortless, roles.

The $1 million question is: How do we mobilise these employees and encourage them to be consistently productive? Here are a few suggestions for getting the best out of your most talented employee in an effort to make your business more viable.

• Create a performance-based incentive programme. You must never provide the same rewards and recognition for every employee.

• Allow the champion employee to lead the team, and delegate assignments to other employees.

• Place the talented employees on a leadership track, and provide additional training where necessary. You always want your top talent to assume leadership roles.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.