August 2025
August’s hiring tip is a reminder to keep an eye on internal retention and improvement planning. Too many companies focus on hiring while overlooking the ongoing work of keeping and growing the right people.
- Re-recruit your top performers every quarter.
- Redirect your bottom performers through accountability and coaching.
The result? A stronger, more committed team — and fewer surprises when it comes to turnover or missed performance goals.
Re-Recruiting Top Performers
5 Questions to Ask Your Top Performers:
- What part of your work feels most meaningful right now?
- Is there anything in your role that’s slowing you down or frustrating your progress?
- What do you want your next step here to be -and are we helping you get there?
- Do you feel recognized enough for your contributions? What would that look like if we improved?
- Is there another part of the business you’d like more exposure to over the next 6-12 months?
Redirecting Bottom Performers
5 Ways to Guide Bottom Performers:
- Clarify Expectations with Precision
Don’t speak in generalities. Say exactly what success looks like and where the gap is today. - Use Time-Bound Improvement Plans
Set 30–60 day targets. Track against measurable goals. Define what success and failure look like at the end. - Check for Will vs. Skill
Are they underperforming because they don’t know how — or because they won’t? Approach and solutions differ. - Offer Targeted Support (Once)
Provide tools, training, or coaching where needed — but make it clear that the responsibility to improve is theirs. - Make It Clear: Improve or Exit
Frame the conversation honestly: “This is the standard. This is where you are. If that gap doesn’t close, we’ll help you find something that’s a better fit.”
Bottom Line:
Quarterly check-ins with your top performers will increase retention. Structured feedback and accountability with bottom performers will raise the floor. Together, they elevate your entire team.
Need help evaluating who’s ready to grow and who may be holding you back?
Bridgeway Partners can assess your current team, benchmark performance, and help you build a high-performing, resilient workforce.
Let us know if you’d like a custom performance audit or support with strategic hires this quarter.