Wow, we have had so much feedback from you this month regarding the topic of Retention and our new eBook with MP3 "Retention Strategies: Keeping Your Best People" which can be found at: http://www.nataliemanor.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=41 .  Many of you are struggling with finding and keeping people to help run your businesses well and create sustainable results.   

Your feedback gave me an idea I’d like to explore with you around the idea of retention.  I call it the “intention of retention” and it explores the idea that maybe you already have all your best answers for the retention issue right in your own organization.   

Lets assume you have three levels of employees.  

• Superstars – the best of the best
• Middle of the road – reliable and get the work done
• Worst of the bunch – they really make your life tough and take up too much time and rarely get their work done

When was the last time you asked these employees what their opinion is about the conditions, benefits and reasons they work within your organization?

Most executives and leaders don’t ask because they don’t want to know what might need to be fixed.  That does sound unusual, but all of you are so busy that you don’t want to do anything to interrupt the work flow.

What if asking your people SOLVED most of your retention issues? 

Superstars and what they might say that they like and why they stay:

• Benefits are great
• Commissions really keep them there
• Like the grounds of the facility so they can run, walk each day
• Recognition and awards on a frequent basis

 

Middle of the road and what they might say they like and why they stay: 

• Like their manager
• Flex time gives them time with family
• The layout of the cubicles
• Annual company picnic

 

Worst of the bunch and what they might say they like and why they stay: 

• Don’t have to worry about anything
• Convenient to their home
• Good schools in the area
• Like their boss

 

Now that you have asked your selected people what works, what about asking them one or two things that they would improve or change about the organization.  Here are the top answers we receive and I think you might be surprised:

 

            #1:  Better communication in the organization

            #2:  Better training for the managers and leaders

            #3:  Recognition for work done for individuals or the team

            #4:  More frequent sharing of how the organization is doing in business

            #5:  Feedback on their work so they can grow within the organization and contribute more

                  fully to the organization 

People are not asking for more money as a top answer, although that might come up.  But it is not a top change that employees would make.  The workplace is so intense now that people want to be recognized for their contributions and to know that they are making a difference.   

I would suggest you identify those employees that you think would be willing to share their thoughts with you about the workplace and take them to coffee or lunch.   If you don’t want to be that formal, ask them in the hall.   

“Sally, you have been here for awhile, what do you think is the best thing about working here?  What is the number one aspect of working here that you would change or improve if you could?” 

“Joe, I have some thoughts about some changes I like to make around here and would really like your opinion.” 

It is classic that we hire people for their skill set and then a year later fire them for their attitude.  Sort of makes you wonder what happened in between.  Many times it is the way we run our organizations that sends a great hire into the place where they are failing.    And another classic is that people don’t leave an organization they leave a manager or boss.  So how are you training your managers and leaders and helping them to use their interpersonal and technical skills for the benefit of everyone? 

I’d really enjoy helping you with your retention issues and having a conversation that just might make your job lots easier.  We have our terrific eBook with MP3 on Retention titled "Retention Strategies: Keeping Your Best People" that can be found at:

http://www.nataliemanor.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=41.  It will get you started with some great tips, techniques and strategies for retaining your best people. 

You have a resource with us – we care.  Let us support you in all of your leadership and communication needs.

My best,

Natalie

P.S.  I currently have 3 openings in my executive coaching schedule.  They won’t last long.  Let me help you develop a ROADMAP to Success.  I would be pleased to be a key resource to you as your grow your talents and your career.