Why Good People Leave Good Jobs

How to Create a Company that is Too Good to Leave

In today’s marketplace talented contributors are a hot commodity. How do you keep your High Potential employees (HiPos) challenged, engaged and committed to your organization so they don’t take their talent elsewhere?

According to the Corporate Executive Board the best companies focus on four areas to retain HiPo talent, and turn potential into exceptional performance.

Provide high-risk opportunities in a supportive environment.

HiPos need highly challenging development opportunities that allow them to advance their career and a supportive work environment to mitigate risks and drive success.

Help your managers to identify critical engagement risks.

Many managers don’t understand the diverse reasons that can affect turnover risk. Train your managers on the importance of maintaining a regular, ongoing dialog with employees (and especially high-potential employees), to proactively identify and address those risks.

Encourage HiPos to commit to the organization.

Establish a “talent deal” that provides them with a variety of special opportunities, benefits and commitments, and expect organization-defined commitments or responsibilities from them in return

Align HiPo and senior leader expectations for compelling HiPo career paths.

HiPos value fair, diverse and structured career path. Institute a standard process to facilitate their movement across the business. Don’t forget to ensure senior leader buy-in so they don’t get derailed.

Retaining and developing existing talent saves money, increases loyalty and can lead to innovation. Implementing one or more of these recommendations will help make your company one that is too good to leave.

Jennifer Albrecht, Vice President of Professional Development, has been teaching and consulting with Learn iT! since 1997. Since joining Learn iT!, Jennifer has built and facilitated all of Learn iT!’s Professional Development classes including Communication, Leadership, Negotiating and Decision Making.

Jennifer strongly believes in Learn iT!’s 8 Step Model for Learning and applies it in all of the classes she builds and facilitates. Further information on the 8 Step Model can be found here.