A High Need for Achievement

It is a double edged sword, but the dilemma is much less damming if individual managers are able to challenge these problem employee/genius leader types to exploit their full potential.

Let's face it; some employees are social and economical drains on your organisation. To challenge them may be a futile waist of your time and money. But some must be challenged and I am sure you know just the type of employee I am talking about.

The individual that I describe has a high need for achievement. If you can't satisfy their need to secure superior performance, broader responsibility, and upward mobility, this future CEO will become a disgruntled employee and a burden on your business.

These individuals are easy to pick out of the employee group. They are well known, often entrepreneurial and ambitious, frustrated by tasks that are repetitive, menial, and lack discretion and autonomy, they are risk takers and last, they are efficient communicators.

If you have individuals in your organisation that resemble the traits of someone with a high need for achievement, go back to the office and give them a special project, more responsibility, or a specific and rewarding challenge. They will not let you down.