Keeping Your Best Talent Longer – Don’t Wait for the Resignation Letter
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
Don’t wait for your best people to change lanes.
We’ve all had that sinking moment: the unexpected resignation from someone you thought was settled, thriving and irreplaceable.
Truth is, it’s rarely truly unexpected. The signs - subtle disengagement, reduced enthusiasm, less sparkle in their voice - often show up long before the official “we need to talk.”
The problem? Many leaders don’t take action until it’s too late. Once someone has mentally moved on, a counteroffer or last-minute promise is usually just a polite delay, not a fix.
If you want to keep your best people, you need to invest in them before they start polishing their LinkedIn profile. Here’s how:
Have the career conversation early… and often
Don’t save the “what’s next for you?” chat for annual reviews. Ask now. People leave when they can’t see a future - so show them one.
Recognise, even in small ways
It doesn’t have to be champagne and speeches. A genuine “I noticed what you did there, and it mattered” can mean more than you think.
Challenge without burning out
Top talent loves growth, but not to the point of exhaustion. Give them new challenges and the support to thrive, not just survive.
Be human, not just a manager
Remember birthdays, know their coffee order, ask about their weekend. Connection builds loyalty that money can’t match.
Do “stay interviews”
Why wait for an exit interview? Ask now: “What makes you stay?” and “What might tempt you away?” You’ll learn more than you expect.
Because here’s the thing:
Retention isn’t about scrambling when someone’s leaving - it’s about creating the kind of workplace they don’t want to leave in the first place.
My Passing Thought
The resignation letter is just the end of the story. The good news? You’ve got the power to write all the chapters leading up to it. Make them worth staying for.
Don’t let your high performers rev up for the exit.
Why wait for your stars to take the off-ramp?
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Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Provider of Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sector | Australia-wide | Solutions that are all about 'U' (Clients and Candidates)