Retain Your Top Talent, Part 2

The increase in productivity by having motivated employees is the best ROI any company can receive. So how do you motivate your top talent to achieve the company’s goals? How do you keep them from contacting recruiters? How do you keep them engaged day after day?

The answer to all of these is “culture.” Even in difficult times top talent, by definition, will always rise to the occasion. However, even top talent can burn out, get frustrated, not see the light at the end of the tunnel or wonder if they are really contributing. It is the role of all CEOs to ensure these things don’t happen.

Yesterday, Promotional Consultant Today shared three ways CEOs can retain their top talent: a culture based on performance, teamwork, respect and appreciation. Today, we share three more.

1. Consistent feedback. This includes regular and structured one-on-one feedback sessions. Not standing in the hallway having conversations, but actually sitting down and focusing on them. Giving them feedback, encouraging them, listening to what their needs are, taking an interest in their career and building a shared bond. This makes them feel their manager cares about them as a person, not just an employee.

2. Praise. You may have experienced a manager with this philosophy: “That is what they get paid for. Why should I thank them? They should thank me for having a job.” How did you like it? Compare that to a manager with this philosophy: “Thank you. I know it is just part of your job, but I appreciate the pride you take in your work. It helps everyone in the department.” How do you like that? A little praise goes a long way to motivate people.

3. Education and Growth. Top talent insists on getting better. They know once their learning curve flattens out, future opportunities can become limited. Top talent does not like to have their growth potential limited. Giving your best people the opportunity to take some additional classes, lead a project outside their normal job, challenge them with new opportunities, give them a chance to serve on a cross-functional team or take an online class will ensure they are becoming better. All these not only ensure your top talent is growing, but also makes them a more valuable employee.

The increase in productivity by having motivated employees is the best ROI any company can receive.

Are you looking for ways to improve business? Then read PCT tomorrow.

Source: Brad Remillard is a speaker, author and trainer with more than 30 years of experience in hiring and recruiting. Through his corporate workshops and industry association speaking engagements he demonstrates how organizations can effectively attract, interview, hire and retain top talent. Remillard is also the co-founder of Impact Hiring Solutions and co-author of You’re NOT the Person I Hired: A CEO’s Guide to Hiring Top Talent.