Carolyn Courage, CHRP
This blog post was written in response to the May 2013 Coffee Shop HR World Café topic: “What will it take to retain the best talent over the next 5 years?”
A training program called “keeping the good ones” advises Managers how to be Leaders to retain their employees. It focuses on the Managers as they are the biggest tool to keep the good ones.
The training speaks about checking in with your employees, talking about their goals and what is going well and what could go better, reinforcing good behaviour and showing appreciation. Good leadership is the key to retaining talent.
This philosophy is one I hold to be true as I have seen the effects of using it and the effects of not using it. People don’t quit jobs; they quit Managers.
This is especially true with the current generation entering the workforce; the trick is to understand what they want out of a job and how the Manager can meet those needs. The younger generation likes to be challenged, they like feedback and they like to be recognized. They also want opportunity.
How do we foster this as HR people? We coach Leaders on how to be good leaders! Have they checked in with their new hires? Are they training and working with them on opportunities? Leaders are so busy these days they forget to work on the “people side” of things, but if they don’t – they won’t have any people to work with.
How do we gauge if our people are happy?
There are three questions that according to Marcus Buckingham are the biggest indicators of employee engagement and why the Leader makes the difference.
1) At work do I have the chance to do what I do best everyday?
2) Do I know what is expected of me?
3) Are my colleagues committed to quality work?
Buckingham says that asking these three questions will help you gauge if your employees are happy or if a change has to be made. All three have to do with Leadership. Are the employees encouraged and given enough autonomy to do what they do best? Are they checked in with?
Creating a work environment that fosters learning and growth and great Leadership is key to retaining GREAT talent.
Keeping the good ones:
http://www.media-partners.com/management/keeping_the_good_ones.htm
Marcus Buckingham: Heard him speak at the Art of Leadership
Related Pages
To Retain the Best Talent: Find the Right People, Gauge Engagement and Consider Velvet Handcuffs by Geraldine Sangalang, CHRP
Coffee Shop HR World Café: What Will it Take to Retain the Best Talent Over the Next Five Years?
