Good Enough Is Killing Your Business: The Leadership Decision You Can’t Avoid

I just returned from another conference, and once again I saw it: business owners searching for answers, willing to throw money at the newest shiny object. AI. Software. Marketing gimmicks. And while those tools have their place, they’re worthless without one thing—a high-performing team.

And here’s where most businesses get stuck: they settle. They tolerate “good enough.” They keep employees who show up, do some of the work, but will never help the business reach its true goals.

This isn’t about the obvious bad apples—you know when it’s time to cut ties there. The hardest leadership decision you’ll ever face is what to do with the people who aren’t bad enough to fire, but not great enough to take you where you want to go.

The Trap of Tolerating Average

I see it over and over again: leaders who avoid the confrontation of redeploying an employee that isn’t truly moving the needle. They rationalize. They hope things will improve. They keep “good enough” around far too long.

But here’s the truth: every day you tolerate average, you’re choosing stress over clarity, stagnation over growth, and frustration over progress.

Three Questions Every Leader Must Ask

If you’re stuck in the middle with one of these team members, ask yourself:

1. Have I truly exhausted my efforts in leading and managing this person?
   Have you provided clear expectations, accountability, and coaching? If not, fix that first.

2. Am I getting the performance and outcomes I need to hit my goals?
   Not effort. Not “trying.” Results. Measurable, needle-moving results.

3. If not, how much longer will I let my future be delayed?
   Because every month you hang on is a month of lost momentum, higher stress, and stalled growth.

The Leadership Decision You Can’t Avoid

This is the point where leadership separates from management. Management maintains the status quo. Leadership makes the hard decisions that create freedom, profitability, and growth.

The question isn’t whether you can afford to make a change. The question is how much longer you’re willing to pay the price of not making it.

Your Next Step

If this hits home, it’s because you already know you’re facing this decision. The only thing left is to act.

👉 Book a free strategy call with me today and let’s build the kind of team that actually moves the needle. Stop settling for good enough. Start leading toward excellence.