The Hidden Cost of Protecting High Performers

The Hidden Cost of Protecting High Performers

From The Leadership Hustle by Revela Group

February 24, 2026 · 16 min · Season 1 · Episode 76

About this episode

This episode discusses the hidden costs of protecting high performers in the workplace and the impact on team dynamics.

When does "high performance" become a liability? In this episode of The Leadership Hustle , Andrea Fredrickson and Michelle Hill tackle a workplace blind spot that affects nearly every executive team: the protected high performer. These individuals may deliver results or have influential connections, but their behavior, if unchecked, can slowly corrode team trust, culture, and retention. Discover why leaders protect certain people, how bias clouds accountability, and what it's really costing your company to look the other way. If you're protecting someone you think you can't afford to lose, this episode might make you rethink everything. For more resources on developing leadership skills visit us at Revela . Where we've helped hundreds of executives lead productive teams and thriving organizations. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative .

People in this episode

Hosts: Andrea Fredrickson, Michelle Hill

Topics covered

  • high performance
  • workplace culture
  • team trust
  • leadership accountability
  • employee retention

Keywords

  • high performers
  • workplace blind spot
  • team trust
  • leadership
  • employee behavior

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Revela Group, Two Brothers Creative

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