Leadership: Unlocking High Performance - Identifying and Removing Roadblocks
Every team has potential high performers—people with the drive, ambition, and talent to succeed. But often, something holds them back from reaching their full potential. As a leader, your job isn’t just to push for results; it’s to identify the pebble in their shoe—the seemingly small but critical obstacle that keeps them from going all in.
What’s the Pebble in Their Shoe?
Think about walking with a tiny pebble in your shoe. It doesn’t stop you from moving, but it’s a constant irritation. Over time, that irritation slows you down, distracts you, and keeps you from performing at your best.
For your team members, that pebble could be:
Financial stress—debt, late bills, struggling to make ends meet
Personal instability—no place to live, unreliable transportation
Family obligations—lack of childcare, family pressures
Mental roadblocks—lack of confidence, fear of failure, past experiences
These roadblocks don’t just affect their personal lives; they directly impact their ability to perform at 100%. If they’re worried about rent, they won’t be fully present in training. If they don’t have a babysitter, they might miss critical hours. If they doubt themselves, they’ll hesitate when they need to execute.
Finding and Fixing the Real Problem
Most leaders try to push their team to work harder without asking why they’re not giving their full effort. The best leaders take the time to ask questions and listen. They find out what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Have real conversations. Create an environment where people feel comfortable opening up. Ask questions like:
What’s your biggest challenge right now—inside or outside of work?
If I could solve one thing for you today that would make a difference, what would it be?
What’s stopping you from being fully locked in?
Look for patterns. If someone’s always late, don’t assume they’re lazy—maybe they don’t have reliable transportation. If they’re distracted, maybe they’re dealing with financial stress.
Solve the problem. Once you identify the issue, help them find a solution.
If they’re struggling with debt, connect them with financial resources.
If they don’t have childcare, help them find flexible scheduling options.
If they’re doubting themselves, mentor them and build their confidence.
The ROI of Removing Roadblocks
When you take the time to remove obstacles, you don’t just help individuals—you strengthen your entire team. High performers who feel supported will give their all, stay loyal, and drive better results.
Leadership isn’t about forcing people to work harder; it’s about clearing the path so they want to go all in. Find the pebble in their shoe, remove it, and watch what happens when they’re finally able to run full speed.