02/07/2026
FROM POLITICS TO FOOTBALL TO THE WORKPLACE: HERO WORSHIPPING DESTROYS PERFORMANCE.
When people realize that results no longer matter because their history guarantees their place, standards inevitably begin to decline.
Imagine a company where promotions are based solely on years of service rather than customer satisfaction, sales performance, innovation, or ex*****on.
Before long, the hardworking employees begin asking themselves:
"Why should I work harder when poor performance has no consequences?"
That is how mediocrity quietly becomes part of the organization's culture.
The fastest way to destroy a great brand is not through competition—it is by allowing mediocrity to become acceptable for too long.
Customers do not care that an employee has been with the company for fifteen years. They care whether they were greeted with a smile today. They care whether their problem was resolved today. They care whether they received excellent service today.
As leaders, we must stop asking:
"How long has this person been here?"
Instead, we should ask:
"If I were recruiting for this position today, based solely on this person's current performance, would I hire them again?"
If the answer is no, then you already know the decision that needs to be made.
Great football teams don't select players based on past glory. They select those who can perform today.
Great businesses should do the same.
Respect history. Reward performance.
Because while the past may earn appreciation, only consistent performance secures the future.