What do you do with that one high performer who brings in results but burns bridges while doing it? The one who’s smart, essential even, but also impossible to coach, manage, or talk to? This episode tackles one of the most frustrating leadership challenges: managing the brilliant but toxic—and offers a real solution. This high-impact episode pulls back the curtain on what most leaders and executives avoid: addressing the destructive behaviors of their “uncoachable” top performers. It explores how difficult employees quietly drain morale, erode culture, and drive out great talent—even while hitting their KPIs. But here’s the truth: difficult people don’t fix themselves. And avoiding the problem only lets the damage compound. This episode offers the real solution: professional executive coaching. It breaks down the five-phase framework for coaching even the most stubborn, ego-driven, high-achieving personalities. From earning trust and uncovering blind spots to shifting mindset and building accountability, listeners will discover the game plan for turning brilliant jerks into respected leaders. It also introduces a powerful new system: the 90-Day Manager to Leader Jumpstart Program, designed to transform accidental managers into intentional, people-first leaders. This isn’t about feel-good theory—it’s tactical, real-world leadership evolution with serious ROI. 👉  For any executive tired of tolerating bad behavior because “they get results,” this episode is your blueprint for sustainable change. The talent is there—now it's time to shape it into leadership that lasts. &nbsp;  ⏱️ Episode Timestamps   00:00 – The toxic high performer problem most leaders ignore   02:15 – How difficult people quietly wreck culture and engagement   04:10 – Why traditional correction fails (and what actually works)   06:00 – The ROI of executive coaching: stats that silence skeptics   08:15 – The power of outside perspective: why coaches succeed where managers fail   10:00 – Strategy #1: Building awareness through tools like DISC and 360 reviews   12:05 – Strategy #2: Gaining permission and creating psychological safety   13:55 – Strategy #3: Co-creating agreements for lasting behavior change   16:15 – Strategy #4: Unlocking new possibilities and challenging fixed mindsets   17:55 – Strategy #5: Building accountability without pressure or burnout   19:30 – Introducing the 90-Day Manager to Leader Jumpstart Program   20:45 – Final takeaway: Why coaching is your most powerful leadership lever   &nbsp;  &nbsp;  Join our mailing list to receive our team's latest news and updates. Don’t worry; your information will not be shared. &nbsp;We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information for any reason.   Contact&nbsp;&nbsp;for a Free Consultation

How COACHING Transforms Difficult People

Vaughn is the co-founder of Results-Driven Leadership. He is a leadership development expert, podcaster, and author. His methods are brought from his real-world experience working on the front lines and living the role of being a results-driven leader and manager.

There is no theory, just common-sense advice, and direction from someone who developed the team that scaled a $2 Billion business with 3000 employees. CarMax is the world's largest and most respected auto industry companies and is a Fortune 100 Best Places to Work.

Vaughn's mission is to improve the impact of executives and other managers by increasing their knowledge, skills, and abilities. His motto is "No matter what business you're in; you're in the people business."

How COACHING Transforms Difficult People

The Business Mechanic