How to manage a top performer with a bad attitude

August 12, 2025

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...

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The Thought

Did you know... According to the Harvard Business Review, “Toxic top performers are 10x more damaging than low performers.” Results alone cannot justify negative behavior. Effective leadership demands that both the work and the relationships be nurtured.

Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

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The Tip

Remember to… Address both the results and the behavior. Set clear expectations for how team members interact, and don’t tolerate toxic attitudes, no matter how high their output. Leaders create cultures of collaboration and respect, even for top performers.

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The Tool

Short Video: Watch this video on how to handle a top performer with a bad attitude like a leader. Discover how to set boundaries, offer clear choices, and guide them toward improvement without compromising your culture.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn (just posted)

Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

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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 aspect of our team culture excites you the most?

❓How can we keep or even grow that part of our culture?

❓What role do you think you play in maintaining a healthy culture?

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.

Watch the activity description of the “Best Day Ever”

Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.

Spark dialogue with your team.

Ignite engagement.

These activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!

-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. 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!

-> Want 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 IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.

Thank you for leading like a coach out there!

-Dwight

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