Truly Understanding Retention

I have patronized many establishments lately where I constantly see knew faces. The constant faces are no longer working for that company. Where did they go? In a recession, is likely that many people will quit their job? Maybe if there is of course something much better. That 'something much better job' may not be easy to find or acquire if you do get an opportunity to interview but when you do, how fast do you move to the new organization?. So did these employees get fired? That could be the case but many employees are on their P's and Q's and dotting their I's and crossing their T's to ensure they keep their jobs.

So for those employees who are leaving due to receive a new job, what does this move say to management? Maybe some of the following:

• I am unhappy with what I do
• I don't like my boss bc he or she is not a good one
• I am not getting paid enough and working very hard
• I hate my hours
• The work environment is just not a good one

Retention is very important for management to not only understand but important enough that serious thought and action need to be taken. Many managers believe that just having your job is enough for you to stay. Definitely not! Retention means valuing your employees and doing things that will make them happy with their working situation so they don't want to find work elsewhere. Many managers don't invest enough time in retention strategies and only look at the bottom line being achieve. That bottom line can be achieve much better if you have employees working and performing well! When an employee feels valued and are treat well (even beyond financial means), they will perform better and love what they do.

Why don't all managers get this? They need to or they will continue to loose valuable employees and constantly hiring new ones. It will be a never ending cycle.

The Manager is the Expert or Not?

In some organizations, there are managers that are politically placed (due to who they know and are friends with). Others are placed based on merit and qualification. Those that are the former tend to not work as hard, don't know what they are truly doing even though they act like they are the expert on everything, are not as organized, not successful at motivating their team, and do not produce results as they should to meet organizational goals. So why are these people in position and with this situation, how long do they stay?

The managers that are in their positions because they are qualified and truly want to make a difference and produce successful outcomes, tend to be the ones that will do just that. They know what to do and how to operate their business. Yes, they truly are an expert. They understand that in order to have employees perform well that motivation strategies are required as well as providing clear direction and sound guidance. These managers know that communication is key and they are willing to roll their sleeves up and get in the trenches with employees to meet department or organizational goals. Such managers are involved and believe they have to contribute to the bottom line as well.

Which type of manager do you want? The one who will end up not working hard thus making you work harder or the one who understands the expectations of his or her employees and is willing to do all they can to see you succeed?

What type of manager will you be?

I look forward to your comments.