Are You Managing to Retain Your Best Talent?
Posted by Sitkins Advisor on Thu, Aug 18, 2011 @ 05:00 PM
I recently had a client ask me “How do I make sure I KEEP my best staff?”. I thought about my career and how I have worked for so few companies - why? What is that makes me want to stay? I always say I will only work for a company that aligns with my values but when you really think about it – it comes down how well the company is managed.
As I started thinking about the leaders in my life, I started to develop a list. Here are my thoughts on how you can keep your best talent:
Positive Start – This begins with hiring the right person, helping them understand the culture, having a great on-boarding program that includes orientation to make them feel very welcomed, and of course, a good basic training program.
Create a Great Environment – The atmosphere in an organization is so critical. It’s up to leaders to create an environment where people want to work.
Communication – Open Book Management. Share information about the business, about the financial performance, about strategic initiatives. This tells employees that you trust them and that they are important.
Give people Autonomy – If expectations are clear, let people have a longer leash.
Set Stretch Goals – Most people, especially your high performers, enjoy a challenge and respect that you have entrusted them with a bigger responsibility. Stretch them and give them the support they need to succeed.
Be Flexible – We have got to be okay with some on the spot flexibility that can range from workflows to time off. Remember, at the end of the day, it is always about the performance.
Career Development – Continue to provide great training and career development. High performers will move if they feel they are not being challenged and do not have long-term opportunities with the organization.
Lose the Messiah Complex – If you look at the 80/20 rule - how much time are you spending with your top performers? We usually spend most of our time with the low performers. Your best employees need your time - not from a micro-management aspect, but from a position of being challenged, stretched, setup for success, etc.
Managers can make a big difference if they are “Managing for Retention”!
Looking for more information on Employee Engagement? Click here!
The Author, Bonita Argent, is a Vertical Growth Advisor with Sitkins International.