HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO LET SOMEONE GO?

That was the question asked by a member of the audience to Wayne Bennett at a corporate lunch I attended in 2012. Wayne shared a lot of stories and ideas that he has used over the years in becoming Rugby League's most successful coach. The largely business crowd seemed comfortable with adapting his football philosophies to their own business contexts.

But surely this question, whatever the super coach answered, couldn't apply equally to the two worlds? His answer was simply this...

"You should let people go as soon as you are aware that they are no longer trying to improve."

Wayne Bennett

Was Bennett advocating that the business people present return to work and sack everyone who wasn't showing signs of improvement? Of course not, but as leaders we should take a leaf out of his book. He creates a culture where his players know that he expects them to constantly strive for improvement.

We should communicate to our people that there is an expectation that they are committed to both individual and organisational improvement. In addition, we need to provide opportunities and guidance so that improvement can occur.
 
What would it be like in your organisation if you clearly established an expectation that everyone is committed to and engaged in both personal and collective growth and development? What would happen if you backed that up with opportunities to do just that? My guess is, more success.