Welcome to another episode of Solve and Thrive

In this week’s episode, Pam is joined by Doug Betts, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Sure Betts HR, for an insightful discussion on managing high performers in the workplace, a topic often overshadowed by the focus on underperformers but crucial for organisations wishing to thrive.

Doug brings a wealth of hands-on HR expertise, guiding businesses to move beyond red tape and staffing headaches, helping them nurture their people and their potential. In this candid conversation, Doug and Pam tackle what it takes to keep high-performing team members engaged, supported, and challenged—so their energy doesn’t turn to frustration, boredom, or burnout.

Doug shares his five top tips to help managers and business owners identify and support their high performers, from handling their ambition sensibly to ensuring meaningful work and clear pathways for progression. Pam and Doug explore how to build a workplace culture that values diversity in pace and ambition, recognising the importance of both the ambitious “go-getters” and the steady “plodders” who keep things moving forwards.

The episode delves into practical guidance on:

• Avoiding dangerous assumptions about who is (and isn’t) a high performer
• Gently managing career expectations and ambitions.
• Creating varied, meaningful development paths—not just promotions into management
• Preventing burnout and promoting positive mental health for all staff
• Striking the right balance between autonomy and oversight, especially in today’s mix of office, hybrid, and remote workplaces
• Having regular, honest one-to-one conversations that go beyond annual appraisals
• Ensuring values are lived, not just printed on mouse mats and mugs—including tackling toxic behaviour even from “top performers”

Contact Information & Resources

Doug Betts

Sure Betts HR

Website: www.surebetshr.com

• Visit the website to join Doug’s mailing list for weekly tips, download free HR resources, or enquire about consulting, retained HR services, or HR software.
• Doug’s Book: From New Line Manager to Great People Leader
• Available on Amazon – practical tips for new and aspiring managers.

Pam Molyneux

PM Business Support Services

Website: www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk

Thank you for listening to Solve and Thrive. If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with a colleague or team leader who could benefit—and be sure to connect with Doug or Pam for further support as you develop your ownhigh-performing workplace.

Disclaimer:

The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation —so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.