The Tribune

Every workplace employs super stars: Employees who far exceed the potential and performance of other worker. Researchers indicate that between 7-9 per cent of your employees have the natural inclination, and aptitude, to deliver great value that far exceeds the output of average staff.

These workers are not to be confused with the diligent, hardworking and committed employee, who comes on time and spends extra hours at work completing assignments, or the fast-talking, enthusiastic employee who has mastered ‘the gift of the gab’. While the ‘star’ employee to whom this article speaks may possess all of these qualities, this individual has much higher skill levels that have been honed by advanced qualifications, learning opportunities and exposure.

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

These employees, though, sometimes endure much abuse in the working environment, resulting in them performing 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 ability.

• 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 issue is how to mobilise these employees and encourage them to become consistently productive? Here are a few suggestions for getting the best out of your most talented employees, in an effort to make your business more viable.

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