More Articles

Spring 2003 Newsletter

Where Have All Your Workers Gone?

This news is old news. The birth rate in the US is dropping; there are fewer new workers entering the workforce. In addition, immigration has tightened and fewer internationals are entering the US workforce. In response, many companies are spending time and effort on incentive programs, flex hours, telecommuting, cafeteria benefit plans. While these programs have some impact, they are not a make or break factor in an employee's decision to stay or go.

Even older news-"Employees join companies; they leave bosses." The deciding factor in your organization's ability to keep workers is leadership competence. Building on a 20-year history of job analysis work along with in-depth collaborative research with five top corporations, TalentKeepers has identified "Ten Leader Retention Competencies" that are vital for a high-retention culture. A full description of each one may be found in ASTD's December T+D Magazine:

1. Trust Builder
2. Esteem Builder
3. Communicator
4. Climate Builder
5. Flexibility Expert
6. Talent Developer and Coach
7. High-Performance Builder
8. Retention Expert
9. Retention Monitor
10. Talent Finder

Quick Hits

• Forget New Years' resolutions, just do what your mom taught you to do:
  • Send hand written thank you notes, promptly, to everyone who has given you a gift or rendered a special service
  • Say please, thank you, and I'm sorry, every time they are appropriate
  • Be polite to everyone, especially your elders
  • Don't air your dirty laundry in public-private conversations should be private. Cell phone users take note!
  • Don't go out looking like a saggy, baggy elephant. (My Mom used to say that and I have no idea where she got it.)