Retention Dimensions 2023 - The Attention Dimension
RETENTION DIMENSIONS 2023
Retention Dimension #3: THE ATTENTION DIMENSION
How Can I Ensure That Employees Feel Heard?
In case you missed part one and part two of my Retention Dimensions series, be sure to catch up about the status of the Great Resignation in 2023 and steps you can take to ensure your best employees stick around. In part 3, we’ll move on to the third dimension - The Attention Dimension.
When it comes to the manager’s role in development, talk is actually the most precious and results-driving commodity you have to share. Reams of research strongly suggest that a key predictor of organizational success is management’s ability to demonstrate that they are not only listening to but actually hearing an employee’s career goals and related development needs.
How many key performers have you lost because you hadn’t really internalized their goals, concerns, and values? Are there valued contributors in your organization who would trade you in for a manager who says, “Tell me your career goals and I’ll tell you how I’m going to help you realize them.” If you don’t know the answer to these questions, the following self-assessment may help you figure it out. Rate the accuracy of each of the following statements for you.
If you answered “FALSE” or “NOT SURE” to any of these statements, you have some work to do. The good news is you have a place to begin. But, if you’re like the vast majority of managers expected to operate at the speed of business, it’s good to remember that you don’t have to hold lengthy summits with employees, solving all of the career problems of the world in one big meeting. In fact, in many cases less really can be more.
When you reframe career development in terms of ongoing conversations—rather than procedural checkpoints or scheduled activities—suddenly you have more flexibility and the chance to develop careers organically, when and where authentic opportunities arise. An interaction doesn’t require a minimum threshold to count as a conversation. You don’t get more points for length. You get more points for stimulating thinking and gathering important insights into your treasured talent.
THE ACTION DIMENSION:
This week notice what lights your employees up and say something. Catch them in the act of enjoying what they are doing and ask them what they like about it. If you find them struggling or disgruntled, ask them why. Then together you can help them create more opportunities that bring them joy, build on their strengths, and help them grow.