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April 23, 2025 22 mins

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.

 


⏱️ Episode Timestamps

  • 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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