How To Manage a Star Employee

If you are fortunate to have an employee that shines in all that they do, how do you manage them so they are fully engaged in their work? Let’s first look at the basic foundation in managing people:

In managing employees, you need an understanding on how to best manage and motivate employees. The foundation is based on respect and a genuine desire to help each person succeed. In many ways, when you are successful in managing employees, they shine and you take more of a backseat. It’s not for everyone, but a strong manager knows the employee is the one who needs to succeed in order for you to meet the business goals.

Superstars are like any employee — wanting challenges and respect for their contributions. All employees have their unique personalities, though Superstars can be more of a challenge to manage. First they are bright, motivated and quick and will probably consistently challenge you. They may or may not be team players, depending on their roles in the company as well as the culture of the company. They may know more than you do about a subject and your role is to make sure they are meeting the business requirements and delivering the right result.

In managing a superstar:

All employees need a manager to set expectations and drive deliverables and keep them accountable
Listen to them and respond to their questions, needs or input
Make sure the employee keeps you abreast on what they are doing
If they are challenging you, ask yourself “what do they need from me?”
Always be honest with any employee
Superstars may be highly motivated, though take the time to recognize their contributions
If the employee brings up problems, challenge them to come up with several potential solutions
If they are not a team player, challenge yourself to find ways to help them see the value of collaboration
Do they require working alone more, then make sure they are in the right position
Superstars can be natural leaders, though may need to be inclusive of others
Know the strengths and areas of non-interest of a superstar
Insure they are challenged and they understand the value of the project
Don’t give busy work or you will lose their respect quickly

Be careful not to favor the star employee over others, or compare others to them. A superstar can’t do everything, nor do they want to, so other employees are important to meeting your business goals.

Be well,

Pat

**********More on MANAGING SUPERSTARS**********

Another Article:
Stars vs Worker Bees