How to Engage Your Superstars

4 Min Read By Bruce Tulgan

If you are in charge of a superstar, then you must be a super superstar. Right? That’s a lot of pressure. One of the awkward secrets of managing superstars is that many managers are not 100 percent sure they really have what it takes to continue leading that superstar.

Even superstars need guidance, direction, support and encouragement.

Sometimes managers fool themselves into thinking that their superstars are so talented, skilled, and motivated that they don’t need to be managed at all. But even superstars need to be managed. Just like everyone else, superstars have bad days and lapses in judgment, and sometimes they go in the wrong direction. Even superstars need guidance, direction, support and encouragement. Most of all, superstars want to be challenged and developed.

Sometimes managers tell me, “This superstar is different. She is so talented, skilled and motivated that I have nothing to offer her.” If that’s truly the case, it doesn’t mean the person doesn’t need a…