This email will save you money and time.

I fired someone this week.

It was an agency looking after a section of our marketing.

They’d been working with us for the last 12 months.

When it comes to hiring (or promoting) everyone has a habit of talking a good game.

They tell you how good they are.

They rattle off past results.

But, the only test that matters is this:

Are they actually getting results and growing the business?

Every person in your business should have one key number they’re accountable to.

In marketing, it’s new audiences or sales opportunities.

In sales, it’s conversion or cash collected.

In customer success, it’s lifetime value.

And for your core team, it’s peace of mind for you as the founder.

Because the real purpose of a team is to make smart, growth-focused decisions without pulling you back into the weeds.

Your peace of mind and freedom are the ultimate KPIs.

The agency I let go weren’t hitting targets.

Lots of excuses and justification. Lots of noise. But here’s the big lesson.

There are hires in your business right now that are convenient.

You’re tolerating them because:

• You can’t be bothered hiring or training someone new

• You fear the short-term disruption if they go

• You don’t want dragged back into the work

So you settle. You tolerate underperformance.

But here’s the truth: Tolerating underperformance is 10x more expensive than replacing it. The cost is hidde, in missed growth, wasted energy, and lost time.

You ever kept someone on just because replacing them felt like too much hassle?

I have been guilty of this. It always costs more in the end.

So here’s your challenge this week. Run this exercise.

Write down the names of your key team members and put each one into a category.

🔴 Holding the business back

They make mistakes. They’re reactive. They drain time and energy.

🟡 Ticking boxes

They follow instructions but create no momentum. No drive. No growth.

🟢 Driving expansion

They solve problems. They generate ideas. They grow the business without being asked.

Screenshot this and do it.

Your business should be filled with expansion players across every department: marketing, sales, delivery, ops. If they’re not expanding your reach, revenue, or peace of mind, they’re a cost.

Anyone ticking boxes? Set them a 90-day challenge. See what they’re made of. In the background, start mapping out what a better hire looks like.

Anyone holding things back? They need to go.

Anyone driving expansion? Treat them well. Surprise them. Pay them more. These are the people who buy you freedom.

One more truth. Most underperformers don’t even know they’re underperforming. That’s on you. Great leadership means setting standards, checking in, and calling things for what they are.

If you’ve related to this, I’d love to hear your story.

Type me a quick email of your current challenge.

I’d love to hear it.

I read and reply to every email.

You’re not building a team. You’re building freedom or friction. Choose wisely.

Phil

PS. Quick update on my first ever Business Growth Event, Expansion 5th September. We’re currently building the landing page, finalising the curriculum and preparing to launch tickets the week commencing June 16. Keep an eye out for the email that drops around that time. First come, first serve. If a competitor of yours got a hold of a ticket, I’d be worried.