Should I get rid of my Grade B staff?

Dear Aunty B,

I met a fantastic entrepreneur over Christmas who talked to me about how important it is getting fantastic people.

I have come back from holidays determined to stick this business on steriods and take action on the weak performers in our company.

I have composed a list of our ‘A Grade’ people to keep and the ‘B Graders’ who I will let go.

Two of the B graders are actually in important positions. Do I keep them and try to improve their performance? They will never be A graders and I know this because they have worked for me for years but I think I can get them to B plus!! Or do I bite the bullet and insist only on As?

Can Bs become As? The entrepreneur I met says they can’t.

Alphabetically challenged,
Melb

Dear Alphabetically challenged,

Now, just a minute. I am a bit concerned about your definition of As and Bs.

We can all spot an A Grade star from 50 paces. But you are dreaming if you think you can have an office full of them.

For starters what will it be like? A graders can be like footy players, journalists and academics – and who wants to manage them?

A good B grader can bring a lot to a company. They are often loyal, know the place inside out, have the DNA running through their veins and in a quiet unassuming way hold the whole place together while the A graders run around being stars, insisting on attention and building their careers.

Don’t be in a hurry to get rid of your B Graders. In fact I would regrade into stars, must haves and need to improve – or if you like A, Bs and Cs. More of the alphabet to think about but less challenging.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B