1 min readStop Managing Problems. Start Amplifying Excellence
by Susan Stutzel | April 27, 2026 | Business, Client Experience, Leadership
A well-known McKinsey study found that high performers can be up to eight times more productive than their peers. That’s not just a statistic – it’s an opportunity. Within every firm, there are individuals quietly elevating everything around them: delivering exceptional work, strengthening client relationships, and creating stability for their teams.
The question isn’t whether you have high performers. It’s how intentionally you’re developing them.
When you invest in your best people, the impact compounds.
- Invite them into leadership earlier. Give them the chance to lead teams, shape client experiences, and take ownership of meaningful initiatives.
- Support their growth through professional development and one-on-one coaching that expands both confidence and capability.
- Create space for consistent, high-quality feedback so they know where they stand and where they’re headed.
And most importantly . . .
- Help them see a future within your firm. When people feel a sense of ownership, they commit at an entirely different level.
High performers often don’t ask for more, they simply continue to give more. That’s why it’s so important to recognize and develop them with intention.
The most effective firms don’t just solve problems; they amplify excellence. When you align your time and energy with the people driving the greatest impact, you don’t just grow performance – you build a culture where your very best people thrive.
Read Related Blogs:
Not A Replacement Of Your Purpose
Technology has always reshaped this profession. Every generation has faced a tool that seemed poised to change everything. Calculating manually gave way to the calculator. The calculator gave way to the computer. Today, artificial intelligence is the next evolution....
What Comes After Technical Expertise?
Technical expertise has been the foundation of the accounting profession. And it should be. It’s the knowledge, accuracy, and judgment CPAs bring to their work that make this profession one of the most trusted. But the world around us is changing. Technology is making...
Would AI Hire You?
Step into an interview with an AI bot who is interviewing a CPA for a position in the AI’s firm. AI: I’m looking for a strategic hire that will allow me to serve clients and build this firm. CPA: Perfect. I’m your person. I have great experience that will be most...

