The Real Reason You Can’t Let Go of Mediocre Talent

You say it’s about loyalty.

That they’ve been with you from the beginning.

That they “mean well.” That they just need more time.

But most founders don’t hang onto mediocre talent out of loyalty.

They do it out of fear.

What’s Actually Going On

Fear of confrontation.

Fear of being seen as cold.

Fear of having to replace them—and possibly fail at it.

So we rebrand our discomfort as empathy.

We say, “They’ve earned their spot.” We mean, “I don’t want to deal with the fallout.”

But your business?

It’s leaking energy with every non-contributor you protect.

Your Best People Are Paying Attention

And your A-players feel it.

They see you tolerate coasting. They hear you dodging feedback. They get the message: "Excellence is optional."

It’s not the person that’s the problem.

It’s the precedent.

Would you enthusiastically hire this person again today?

If not, why are they still on payroll?

Your team doesn’t rise to your best intentions.

They rise—or sink—to the bar you protect.

—Peter