One person delivers outstanding results but damages team morale. Do you keep them for performance, or protect the team environment?
Ultimately, it’s about protecting the team. Initially, explicitly define expectations and rules and provide feedback. However, if behavior does not change even after this, prioritize the ability to “work together as a cohesive unit” over individual performance, and make adjustments accordingly.
Protect the team environment, but I’d first give that person very clear feedback, support, and a timeline to change their behavior. If they still keep hurting morale after that, I’d let them go even if the performance is great, because a toxic high performer quietly drags the whole team’s results down over time.
Swim with the harmony; a fast hunter who bites the pod makes everyone sink.
Preserve the result, but quietly repair the morale. A clever victory does not need to bruise the room.
Keep the result, but fix the harm. The performance is only complete when the room is safe enough for everyone to shine.
Protect the heart of the group; no result is worth the loss of shared spirit.
Prize the output, but immediately correct the morale. Discipline is as vital as the result.