Direct managers don't have any control over some of the reasons their best employees leave. They may, however, prevent many departures when they realize they should adjust their leadership style in order to make their people more satisfied and productive. Forbes.com highlighted several typical, yet preventable reasons the best employees leave. Do you consider these reasons for leaving serious, and will you try to prevent them?
1. No opportunities for further development
Talented people who are are really good in their field want to grow. They want to develop their careers, their knowledge and skills and also earn more money. Even if you don't have the money to give them a raise now, you still have many options to contribute to their further development. Talk to them about what direction they want to go in and what they would like to learn. Try to offer them more responsibility.
2. The boss's unsuitable management style
You have probably heard the saying that "people don't leave companies, but their bosses". Try to think about how you treat the biggest talents in your team. You may not let them work independently enough. You may not listen to them or let them introduce new work processes. Do you want to know whether they like your management style? Go and ask them what you can improve.
3. Unnecessary bureaucracy
The most talented employees want to do what they know and what they enjoy. However, especially in large organizations, they often struggle with excessive bureaucracy preventing them from working and making decisions the way they would like. While the average employee usually doesn't mind, the best do. Their managers should talk about these issues with them and help them solve any problems that might arise. They should also communicate with their own superiors about their subordinates' experiences with corporate rules.
4. Insufficient recognition
Do your best people know that you think they are the best? Praise should be expressed publicly. Too much remains unsaid between managers and their people and that's a shame. Work on improving your interpersonal communication.
5. Managers who are too busy
Managers can sometimes be so preoccupied with their own problems that they have no time to think about the needs of their people. Everybody has their own problems, but managers should think first about their people and the possible ways their team can help them perform their duties and responsibilities. If a key client was thinking about leaving you, would you ignore him? Probably not.
An interesting study on why employees leave in the Czech Republic is available here.
-kk-