We have a highly skilled developer who is perfect for their seat but they have no interest in learning new AI tools or taking on more responsibility. How do we handle this under the EOS® Grow or Die mindset?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The Grow or Die mindset does not mean every single employee must constantly be promoted or take on more management responsibility. It means the organization must continuously improve, and every individual must adapt to support that growth.

If you have a key employee who is highly skilled, fits your Core Values, and is delivering great results in their current seat, they are a valuable asset. However, if their refusal to learn new tools or adapt their workflow is holding the company back from scaling, then they are no longer right for the seat.

Use the GWC tool to have an objective conversation. Explain how the requirements of their seat are changing. For example, if the seat now requires using AI tools to double code output, they must develop that capacity to keep up with the job.

If they have the capacity but simply refuse because they do not want to change, they no longer GWC the seat. You must decide if you can keep them in a modified role that fits their current skillset, or if the company has outgrown them. Always prioritize the health of the organization over the comfort of an individual. A healthy business requires a team that is willing to evolve alongside the market.