What does a rusty old tool forgotten in a shed have to do with your best employees?
Let me tell you about Grandpa’s Weeder.
I hate yard work. HATE it. And yet we managed to buy a house with an acre of land that’s the opposite of manicured—more like a botanical showcase of invasive weeds. Thistle, mullein, you name it.
That’s when I discovered this beat-up tool the previous owners left behind. Long handle, iron claw, nothing fancy. But it pulls weeds like nobody’s business—no bending over, no dirt under my nails.
The irony? A day after using it, Instagram served me an ad for a high-priced “revolutionary” weeder. Shiny, complicated, expensive.

As I walked the yard with my dependable tool, it hit me: this is exactly what your most valuable employees look like.
- They’re not the flashy new hire everyone’s talking about.
- They’re not the next big thing with all the certifications.
- But they’re absolutely irreplaceable.
This insight was perfectly timed—I was heading to facilitate talent calibration sessions with a client. What impressed me most? How much they valued their solid performers alongside their stars.
Here’s what I see too many leaders miss:
Yes, we need high performers to drive innovation and growth. But we also need the people who show up every day, execute flawlessly, and keep everything running.
- The “Steady Eddies” who hold the line while others chase the next opportunity.
- The quiet experts who solve problems before they become crises.
- The reliable performers who make everyone else look good.
They may not generate the most buzz in talent reviews, but without them, nothing sustainable gets built.
So here’s your challenge:
When was the last time you truly celebrated your dependable performers? Not just your superstars, but the people who make excellence look effortless through consistency?
Sometimes the most valuable resources—and people—are the ones that have been there all along.
Looking to increase the cohesion, trust, and impact of your leadership team? Reach out and let’s discuss The Compass Team Experience and how I can help.
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