What do you do with that one high performer who brings in results but burns bridges while doing it? The one who’s smart, essential even, but also impossible to coach, manage, or talk to? This episode tackles one of the most frustrating leadership challenges: managing the brilliant but toxic—and offers a real solution.
This high-impact episode pulls back the curtain on what most leaders and executives avoid: addressing the destructive behaviors of their “uncoachable” top performers. It explores how difficult employees quietly drain morale, erode culture, and drive out great talent—even while hitting their KPIs.
But here’s the truth: difficult people don’t fix themselves. And avoiding the problem only lets the damage compound.
This episode offers the real solution: professional executive coaching. It breaks down the five-phase framework for coaching even the most stubborn, ego-driven, high-achieving personalities. From earning trust and uncovering blind spots to shifting mindset and building accountability, listeners will discover the game plan for turning brilliant jerks into respected leaders.
It also introduces a powerful new system: the 90-Day Manager to Leader Jumpstart Program, designed to transform accidental managers into intentional, people-first leaders. This isn’t about feel-good theory—it’s tactical, real-world leadership evolution with serious ROI.
👉 Claim Your Spot for the 90-Day Manager to Leader Transformation Now!
For any executive tired of tolerating bad behavior because “they get results,” this episode is your blueprint for sustainable change. The talent is there—now it's time to shape it into leadership that lasts.
00:00 – The toxic high performer problem most leaders ignore
02:15 – How difficult people quietly wreck culture and engagement
04:10 – Why traditional correction fails (and what actually works)
06:00 – The ROI of executive coaching: stats that silence skeptics
08:15 – The power of outside perspective: why coaches succeed where managers fail
10:00 – Strategy #1: Building awareness through tools like DISC and 360 reviews
12:05 – Strategy #2: Gaining permission and creating psychological safety
13:55 – Strategy #3: Co-creating agreements for lasting behavior change
16:15 – Strategy #4: Unlocking new possibilities and challenging fixed mindsets
17:55 – Strategy #5: Building accountability without pressure or burnout
19:30 – Introducing the 9
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New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com