They Can't Handle It

by Scott Harper

“People adjust to the level of demands made on them.”

Peter Drucker

February 4, 2026

“I’m not going to ask him to do that,” Rick stated.

“Why not?” Dale asked.

“Because he’ll fold like a cheap tent if I put that on him—and my boss will chew me out.”

Not convinced, Dale pressed. “Why do you think that?”

“I just don’t think he’s got it in him. He’s not ready for that yet. Maybe one day—but certainly not yet.”

“I hear ya, Rick, but why do you think that?”

“Well, Dale, he’s young. He’s immature. He’s never done anything like that before. I don’t want him embarrassing me when he fails. Should I go on?”

Dale stared deeply. “No, I think I understand you.”

Sharper Leader:

1.      When you lower your standards for someone, is it due to their lack of ability— or your lack of faith?

  • Action Step: Without setting someone up to fail miserably, challenge someone to do more than you believe they are capable of—regardless of the outcome.     

 

2.      Are you afraid of being embarrassed if someone lets you down?

  • Action Step: After you’ve properly equipped someone, give them the opportunity and get out of their way. See if they surprise you.  

 

3.      If someone doesn’t meet your standard, what’s the worst thing about that?

  • Action Step: Give someone a little more than they can handle. Afterwards, discuss it together and see what they learned from it.

 

Recommended book: The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter Drucker

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Growth can be painful but productive. Reflect on ways in which you grew by trying to take on more than you could handle.  

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