Your B Players Deserve Your Attention, Too

Every manager would love to have a team of A players, but that’s probably not realistic. You’re almost always going to have a mix of performers on your team, so make sure you’re not ignoring your B players. These employees can be selfless, dedicated employees who fill important roles, but often they don’t get the attention they deserve. Make sure you’re giving them enough support and guidance by learning about their concerns, preferences, and work styles. It’s a good idea to occasionally reassess their job fit to make sure they’re in roles that draw on their strengths. And don’t overlook someone’s talents just because the person is quiet or reserved, or because they don’t fit your idea of what a leader should act like. Some B players aren’t comfortable in the spotlight but thrive when they’re encouraged to complete a project or to contribute for the good of the company. When they have the motivation and the encouragement they need, B players can turn in an A+ performance.

Adapted from Management Tip in The Harvard Business Review