How to coach a top performer who doesn't respect you like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership tools? Start here.
(Sending the physical cards this month!) Introducing the MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. 50% off launch special this week. Pre-order them here.
In case you missed the 20% off Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, you can still save! Use code LEADER10 for an extra 10% off. OVER 200 already sold!! Use this code for ANY Leadership Tools. Find them here.
___________________________
The Thought
Did you know... top performers are responsible for a large portion of a team’s results — and a large portion of its dysfunction when their behavior goes unchecked?
Research shows that high performers with poor behavior can reduce team morale by up to 40%, even if their individual output is exceptional.
Leaders understand this:
High performance never excuses low character.
You protect the culture, not just the numbers.
Quote: “Appeal to the best in people, and they will rise to meet it.” – John Wooden
___________________________
The Tip
Remember to…
1. Separate the talent from the behavior
A manager says: “Fix your attitude.”
A leader says:
“Your talent is undeniable — but the way you show up is hurting your credibility. The impact doesn’t match the intention I know you have.”
You’re not attacking the person.
You’re clarifying the pattern, then co-creating the plan forward.
2. Challenge their identity, not their ego
You can’t battle ego — you have to redirect it.
Say:
“People take their cues from you. What do you want those cues to be?”
“If a new hire mirrored your tone last week, would you be proud of that?”
This builds self-awareness without humiliation.
Leaders elevate someone to who they can be.
3. Give responsibility before demanding respect
Respect isn’t something you force — it’s something you grow.
Channel their energy into leadership:
“I see you as a leader here. How can we grow your influence?”
“Would you mentor a new hire or share best practices with the team?”
A manager demands respect.
A leader generates it by helping someone step into leadership.
___________________________
The Tool
Short Video:
Learn how to coach a top performer who challenges your authority — without breaking trust, lowering standards, or compromising your culture.
See the 3-part leadership framework: pattern → identity → responsibility.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Watch the viral video on Instagram
Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube or Facebook
___________________________
Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓What recognition or rewards are most meaningful to you?
❓How do you like to be acknowledged for your efforts?
❓Are there particular achievements that you feel have gone unrecognized?
Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use LEADER10 for 10% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-coach-a-top-performer-who-doesnt-respect-you-like-a-leader-not-a-manager
How can we support your leadership journey?
Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.
MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders | COMPLETE NEW LEADER Bundle | COMPLETE LEADER Package | COMPLETE LEADER Activity Cards | Speaking | Develop Your Leaders (Workshops)
Website - TikTok - YouTube - Instagram
