Hello,

Something beautiful is happening and I need to shout about it.

Founders are raising their standards. Actually raising them. Not talking about it. Not planning to. Actually doing it.

And the mediocre performers who’ve been coasting for years? They’re shook.

watts not working: That exhausting era where “someone is better than no one.”

I remember this pain. I had someone who was consistently 60% effective. Not terrible enough to fire. Not good enough to celebrate. Just… there.

I kept them for eighteen months because the thought of having NOBODY was scarier than dealing with their half-assed efforts. Every day I’d lower my expectations a little more. “At least they showed up.” “At least they responded to emails.” “At least they’re not actively destroying things.”

That’s not management. That’s survival mode.

watts really happening: The power dynamic has finally shifted back.

Three clients this YEAR – THREE! – called me to say they’d finally fired their “meh” performer. Not for cause. Not for some dramatic failure. Just for being consistently mediocre.

“I’m done accepting bare minimum effort,” one told me. “I want people who actually care.”

Another: “I realised I was spending more energy managing around their weaknesses than it would take to find someone better.”

The celebration in their voices? Chef’s kiss

watts working: Here’s what changed everything: AI gave us our leverage back.

Not because it replaces people. Because it handles enough of the baseline work that losing someone isn’t catastrophic anymore. AI keeps things moving while you find someone who actually wants to excel.

Founders are remembering what standards feel like. They’re saying:

• “Actually, no, that’s not acceptable”
• “This isn’t the quality we deliver”
• “If you can’t meet these expectations, this isn’t the right fit”
• “I need people who are excited to be here”

And they mean it. They’re not bluffing anymore.

watts the real game changer: We have options now. Real options.

That person with the shitty attitude who knows you need them? They’re wrong. That consultant who does just enough to not get fired? Their time’s up. That employee who sighs dramatically every time you ask them to do their actual job? Bye.

AI didn’t replace them. It just made them replaceable. Big difference.

We don’t have to tolerate mediocrity anymore. And honestly? It’s bloody liberating.

Have a week of unapologetically high standards!

Sel Watts

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