#284: How to lead an ambitious employee

The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

Ambitious team members can be exciting to lead, but they can also be tricky to manage. So how do you support them without burning out yourself?

In this episode, I explore what to do when you’re leading someone with big goals, a strong drive, and a desire to move quickly.

These employees often have great potential but without the right leadership, they can become frustrated, disengaged or even disruptive to your team.

If you’ve got a team member who’s eager for more, this episode will help you navigate their energy in a healthy, productive way.

What You’ll Learn:

• Common challenges leaders face with highly ambitious employees
• Three key principles to lead with clarity: honesty, accountability and follow-through
• How to help your team member see the real gap between where they are and where they want to go
• Why telling them to “just be patient” is usually a mistake
• Practical ways to give effective feedback and keep expectations clear

🎯 Key takeaway: You can support ambition without over-promising or overextending yourself. Leading well means being honest and realistic – while also being encouraging and fair.

Resources & Links:

• 10 Simple and Effective Tips for Giving Feedback
• The Useful Thinking Journal
• Team Accountability Builder Online Course
• Episode 71 – A Simple Model for Team Motivation
• Episode 254 – Prioritising the Career Conversation
• Private Leadership Coaching

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