Would you rather manage a team of rockstars or a team of reliable, steady performers? I’ve managed both, and there are trade-offs. A team of high achievers can drive incredible results—until egos clash or no one wants to do the unglamorous work. On the other hand, steady performers might not win awards, but they keep the wheels turning and rarely bring drama. If you had to pick, which would you choose—and why?

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What is our incentive structure? If incentives scale clearly with better results, then give me the rockstars. If incentives don't really scale (meaning as long as the base work is done, doing more work or being more successful isn't rewarded), then give me the steady performers

likesmart

Give me the rockstars. I’d rather deal with a few egos than waste time dragging a team forward—high performers raise the bar, even if it gets messy.

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I mean…I guess my definition of rockstar includes being willing to roll your sleeves up and get the work done at high quality - glamorous or not, so rockstars hands down

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Easy does it. Especially in the enterprise.

But rockstars are the difference makers in a startup setup.

So, long term predictable steady people.
Short term rockstars, sparkles and egos.

Give me a steady Eddie any day. They're less complicated. LOL

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