Ambitious team members can be exciting to lead, but they can also be tricky to manage. So how do you support them without burning out yourself?
In this episode, I explore what to do when you’re leading someone with big goals, a strong drive, and a desire to move quickly.
These employees often have great potential but without the right leadership, they can become frustrated, disengaged or even disruptive to your team.
If you’ve got a team member who’s eager for more, this episode will help you navigate their energy in a healthy, productive way.
What You’ll Learn:
- Common challenges leaders face with highly ambitious employees
- Three key principles to lead with clarity: honesty, accountability and follow-through
- How to help your team member see the real gap between where they are and where they want to go
- Why telling them to “just be patient” is usually a mistake
- Practical ways to give effective feedback and keep expectations clear
🎯 Key takeaway: You can support ambition without over-promising or overextending yourself. Leading well means being honest and realistic – while also being encouraging and fair.
Resources & Links:
- 10 Simple and Effective Tips for Giving Feedback
- The Useful Thinking Journal
- Team Accountability Builder Online Course
- Episode 71 – A Simple Model for Team Motivation
- Episode 254 – Prioritising the Career Conversation
- Private Leadership Coaching
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