I told a CEO to fire his top salesperson.

I told a CEO to fire his top salesperson.

The guy was their biggest closer. Untouchable on paper.

But inside the company? A total disaster.

He hoarded information. Undermined his teammates. Prioritized commission over customers. He smirked at his Sales Manager when given advice or asked questions, rolled his eyes at leadership, and made it clear—he was playing by his own rules.

The CEO hesitated. “But he’s our best! Noah, are you sure?”

I pushed back: “At what cost? I'm sure.”

Reluctantly, he did it.

Morale skyrocketed. Collaboration improved. Sales grew.

Because the wrong “winner” was holding everyone else back.

Audit your A-players.

If you had to build from scratch—would you hire the same people again?

If not, you already know what to do.