CFO asks CEO: “What happens if we invest in developing our people and then they leave us?”
CEO: “What happens if we don’t, and they stay?”
The Lesson: Train people well enough so they won’t leave. Treat them well enough so they won’t want to leave.
Numerous LinkedIn Postings
We see this advice over and over. As leaders, are we walking the walk? Or just more of the same. I talk to colleagues and training is still a problem. Fear of making the investment and watching that investment walk out the door cited as the primary reason.
In today’s economy, junior people are far more skilled than 10 years ago. I see the resumes. We live in times where candidates are highly competitive, highly motivated, and have goals. Financial goals.
Leaders: You are either a part of the solution. Or part of the problem. Invest in your people. Technical and professional. Hard skills and soft. Teach people how to win. Otherwise, your people will move on. And waiting till your top talent leaves you… is on you.
C-Levels: Culture starts at the top. Invest in your leaders. Values and culture matter. Establishes tone. What is and is not acceptable. Mentor the gaps, but hold the line on the winning culture: That you built. Otherwise, your leaders will move on. Waiting till one of your top leaders leaves the organization is on you. Money doesn’t solve the aggravation or feelings of having no support.
Invest in your people. Constantly.
\\ JMM