You know those people on your team who you can always count on to go the extra mile? The ones who swoop in at the last minute to solve a problem, save the day, and make everything look easy? Yeah, those unsung heroes are the backbone of your team. But here’s the harsh reality: they often don’t stick around.
Why, you ask? Well, being the go-to person comes with its own set of challenges. The workhorse, the problem solver, the “I’ll get it done no matter what” person—they’re often the ones who feel undervalued and unappreciated. And when you’re pouring everything into your work but not getting the recognition or opportunities to grow, it’s only a matter of time before you start looking for the exit.
This one hits close to home for me. I was that workhorse early in my career, thinking that if I just did more, worked harder, and took on every challenge thrown my way, people would notice. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works. When I raised my hand for more strategic roles and got turned down, I realized that doing more wasn’t the answer. I needed to be better at communicating the impact of my work and making sure it aligned with the bigger picture.
So, what can you do as a leader to make sure your unsung heroes don’t become someone else’s? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Set Boundaries Respectfully
It’s easy to rely on your go-to team members and assume they’ll always step up. But if you’re not careful, that can quickly lead to burnout. Start by having open conversations about availability and boundaries. Show them that you respect their work-life balance and that you’re not taking their extra effort for granted. It’s amazing what a little understanding and respect can do for morale.
Encourage Growth by Training Replacements
Don’t fall into the “if they leave, who will do the work?” trap. Instead, challenge your high performers by empowering them to train others. Let them take on more strategic roles while ensuring that their current responsibilities are covered. This not only shows trust in their abilities but also demonstrates a commitment to their career development. They’ll appreciate knowing that you’re invested in their growth.
Connect Work to Company Goals
One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to help your team members see how their role fits into the bigger picture. If there’s no alignment between their daily tasks and the company’s goals, it’s your job to shift responsibilities to make that connection. When your team sees how their work contributes to the mission, it transforms “busy work” into impactful contributions. Everyone feels like an integral part of the team.
Want to Dive Deeper? Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
If this topic resonates with you, you’ll definitely want to check out the full podcast episode. I dive deeper into my own experiences as a workhorse in my early career and share more insights on how to keep your indispensable team members feeling valued and motivated. It’s packed with actionable tips to help you become the kind of leader who not only recognizes hard work but also knows how to nurture and grow the talent on your team.
👉 [SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN ON APPLE // SPOTIFY] 👈
The best part about all of this? Your unsung heroes already want to go above and beyond. A little more appreciation and recognition can go a long way in keeping them motivated and engaged. Remember, your team’s success is directly tied to how well you support and grow your high performers.
Don’t let your unsung heroes become someone else’s star players. Start today by showing them that you see their efforts, appreciate their contributions, and are committed to their growth.
Talk soon,
Lia
