In this week’s episode, I’m talking about something that does not get said out loud enough in our industry.
Technical competence is not the same as senior performance.
I share a real scenario from inside a growing firm where a senior team member was objectively capable, but the emotional load, the defensive responses and the constant need for owner involvement were quietly draining capacity.
We explore what senior really means. It is not just about producing technically correct work. It is about client tone, team impact, ownership and whether that person reduces pressure or creates it.
I walk you through the three lenses I use to assess senior performance, the scoring criteria that replace vague frustration with evidence, and the decision point every founder eventually faces. Do we coach, redeploy or exit?
If you have ever thought, “They are technically fine… so why does this feel so hard?” this episode is for you.
If this episode lands for you, it pairs beautifully with my previous episode How to build a leadership programme inside your firm, which paid subscribers can revisit alongside this one.
And if you’re realising that performance issues often start at hiring stage, my First interview & vibe check toolkit is designed specifically for accounting firms who want to assess cultural fit and leadership behaviours properly, not just technical skill.
📩 Paid subscribers: the full episode will be in your inbox Monday at 6am
🎙️ Free subscribers: Upgrade for the full episode, action points and our exclusive community.
see you Monday,
Rach x
