Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

April 7, 2026

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published Monday to Friday, equipping you to achieve your professional goals faster and without burnout or overwhelm.

The people decision most leaders get backwards

Howdy ,

On Sunday night, I spoke with someone who worked with me about 15 years ago.

We were discussing something not related to work.

But the conversation reminded me of something important:

When she worked with me, I had to change as a leader.

Not because the standards changed.

Because leading her well required a different set of skills from me.

That is the people decision most leaders get backwards.

Most leaders think about people in one direction only:

Who is performing.

Who is not.

Who to move.

Who to bench.

Who to promote.

That matters.

But it is only half the equation.

The best leaders do not just ask:

Do I have the right people?

They also ask:

Am I the right leader for the people I have?

That question changes everything.

Because once you ask it honestly, you stop managing headcount and start building capacity.

You stop labeling people too quickly and start diagnosing what they need.

You stop assuming your message is clear and start communicating in ways that actually land.

High-performing teams are not built by talent alone.

They are built by leaders who know how to amplify the people around them.

That is a skill.

It can be learned.

And it starts with one honest question:

Are the people around you underperforming…or are they underled?

If this question is sitting uncomfortably…it should be.

Hit reply and send me a message. Happy to think through it with you.

Keep winning at work and in life.

Tola Akinsulire

Your Strategic Workplace Mentor