All companies, organizations, churches, etc. have individuals who are your 'A', 'B', or 'C' players. And if you have read Good to Great you are encouraged to get the 'right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, the right people in the right seats, and drive!' However, over and over again I am confronted in my own coaching with questions from many of you; "How do I lead my best people?  I want to keep them motivated but how?" These 'A' type players are not your 'run of the mill' employees and, unlike the 'B' and 'C" players, have peculiar idiosyncracies. Here are a few helpful hints if you are leading this type of person:

1. If you have some really top notch players, learn to lead like a shepherd (sounds like something from the Bible) . In his book, Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela recalls how a leader leads: "A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that along the way they are being directed from behind." Your most talented don't want to be "directed" but given the freedom to lead themselves.

2. They know the value they bring to the company. Don't be fooled, individuals with talent didn't get that way by accident. Your responsibility is to create an environment where everyone knows they bring value. Teach everyone the principle of 'the whole is always greater than the sum of the parts'.

3. They don't like corporate hierarchy or bureaucracy. In other words, "don't weigh me down with all the 'stuff' that will distract me from achieving the goal at hand." Your responsibility in leading them is to assist in streamlining the rules and promote a culture of simplicity.

4. They expect instant access to the decision maker(s). If they don't get immediate access they think the company doesn't think they are important.

5. Don't expect a 'thank you' anytime soon. If you think you're going to be told thank you for all you've done for them, forget it. Remember they don't have to be led by you, they can lead themselves 'thank you very much.'

So, learn to lead from behind. Lead by allowing your top notch people to unleash their talents while, at the same time, harnessing their expertise and influence.

What do you think?

(For more information on these ideas go to Harvard Business Review, March, 2007; Leading Clever People by Goffee and Jones).