How to respond when "I'm doing the best I can" isn't good enough like a leader, not a manager

September 21, 2026

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.

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The Thought

Did you know… effort and results aren't the same thing.

Someone can genuinely be doing their best and still not be getting the results the role requires.

Leaders don't dismiss the effort or ignore the gap.

They get curious about what's keeping one from becoming the other.

Quote:
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” – John F. Kennedy

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The Tip

Remember to…

1. Don’t dismiss the effort

A manager says:

“Well, your best isn’t good enough.”

A leader says:

“I see and appreciate the effort. I also want to understand why that effort isn’t getting us to the outcome we need.”

Then ask:

What do you think is keeping your effort from turning into the result we need?
Where do you feel like you're getting stuck?

You can acknowledge how hard someone is trying without pretending the gap doesn’t matter.

Think about doing 100 push-ups with bad form.

You can work incredibly hard and still not get the result you want.

2. Diagnose the real gap

A manager says:

“You need to try harder.”

A leader says:

“Let’s figure out what’s actually getting in the way.”

Is it a skill gap?

A clarity gap?

A resource or support gap?

Then ask:

What would make the biggest difference right now?
Do you need more clarity, more practice, different support, or a different approach?

Be the detective, not the judge.

“Do better” isn’t coaching.

The solution depends on what’s actually causing the gap.

3. Be honest when the role still requires more

A manager either says:

“Just keep doing your best.”

Or:

“Your best isn’t good enough.”

A leader says:

“I appreciate your effort, but this role still requires a certain result. Let’s be honest about what needs to change to consistently get there.”

Then ask:

What are you willing to change?
What support do you need from me to help you get there?

Caring about someone doesn’t mean lowering the standard.

Sometimes the most respectful thing you can do is be honest about the gap and help them build the next step.

And sometimes, after the support, coaching, and adjustments, you may need the courage to have a different conversation.

Managers either dismiss the effort or lower the standard.

Leaders acknowledge the effort, diagnose the gap, and help people find a better path to the result.

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The Tool

Short Video: Learn how leaders respond when someone says, “I’m doing the best I can” without dismissing their effort or lowering the standard.

See how to acknowledge the effort, diagnose what’s really getting in the way, and coach toward the results the role still requires.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn

Watch this video on Instagram

Watch this video on Facebook

Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube

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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.

❓ How do you measure when you're performing at your best?

❓ What specific goals or benchmarks help you track your progress?

❓ What kind of support would help you feel even better about the work you're doing?

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Activity of the week…

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Thank you for leading and lifting others out there!

-Dwight

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