How Do We Keep Our Employees?

In a leadership program that I have been facilitating in 2021 we asked hundreds of people, What makes them feel like they belong?

The #1 answer by far is “knowing someone at work cares about me as a person.”

Gallup has been sharing the same data in their polls on engagement at work for the past decade. The Power of Gallup’s Q12 Employee Engagement Survey.

What does this have to do with retention? Only everything.

The relationship an employee has with their manager is the most important factor in whether they choose to stay or leave. It’s not the only one but it is VERY important. So as a leader with many things on your plate, what can you do?

Take the time to get to know each employee – what matters to them, what do they enjoy, and what are their goals. Not next week or next year – but now.

Start scheduling regular one-on-ones. They are THE best way to connect with your employees and create trust.

In our current virtual, stressful, ever-changing work environment, the most important thing you can do is to let people know you are there for them. If you prioritize your meetings and to-do list over getting to know and develop your people, you will be prioritizing hiring new people because your current ones will walk right out the door to find someone who cares about them.

If you are in senior leadership, your to-do list should include:

1. Invest in developing your leaders
2. Model excellent leadership by connecting with your direct reports
3. Equip leaders with the right tools to enable them to make the most of their one-on-one meetings.
4. Order everyone a copy of The Connection Blueprint.
5. Discuss the book at your next staff meeting. 

The Connection Blueprint contains

• A Selection of Options for Each One-on-One Session
• Best Practices & Leverage Points To Maximize Your Results in every one-on-one meeting
• New Employee One-On-One Meeting Tips
• Virtual Employee One-On-One Insights
• Monthly Check-Point Questions
• A Guide to Troubleshoot Challenging One-on-Ones
• 50 Situation-Specific Questions — For 27 Common Management Goals & Issues

How do we retain our employees? By treating them as our most important asset because they are. #ConnectionsMatter 

For more information on improving relationships and results through one-on-ones, check out The Connection Blueprint or contact: debbie@nodusinc.com 

Debbie Waggoner, CEO of Nodus Performance Consulting has a solid track record of success with Fortune 500 companies working with individuals, teams, and organizations to improve performance in the areas of leadership, talent development, and teamwork.