Roses are red. Violets are blue. And I’m leaving you!

Prevent your best people from going to the competition.
7 ways to show the Love.

The economy is improving and call centers are beginning to hire again. That means some of your best and brightest employees who have been waiting get back into the job market are dusting off their resumes.

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Seven ways to say “I value you!”

1. Show you care.
High performers do a great job without a lot of help from you. That’s the good news.And the bad news. Your best people want to stay but may feel unappreciated. You can fix that — have a conversation with them.

2. Keep them in the loop.
Share what’s happening and invite their input. Your best people are also smart people. Smart people want to know what’s going on

3. Don’t ask them to do more and not pay them.
Sure, it’s okay to ask a talented employee to help out with a project or take more responsibility — occasionally. But do it too often and they feel used.

4. Pay them what they deserve.
I know you hear how you have to keep personnel costs down. Don’t wait for your best people to ask for more. Be proactive. Go to bat for them to get them the compensation they deserve. 

5. Deal with your low performers.
Since your best people are extremely capable it’s too easy to ask them to pick up the slack for others who aren’t meeting the standard. After awhile they’ll resent it and leave.

6. Give them the visibility and recognition they deserve.
Part of your job is to recognize and cultivate the talents of your employees. Advocate for your best people and help them advance in their career. Get a reputation as a people-developer and you’ll attract the top tier of talent.

7. Offer honest feedback.
While giving praise is important, so is providing your best employees critical feedback and advice. Help them develop their true potential. Don’t just be the boss, be a mentor.

Be generous. Show the love.

Barbara

Copyright 2011 Barbara Burke. All Rights Reserved.