You’re the manager of a high-performing team of great people. The team has hit its stride; members have even developed a bit of a shorthand with each other that helps them weather challenges and nail deadlines.
When a Top Performer Wants to Leave, Should You Try to Stop Them?
Fighting to keep them isn’t always the best move.
March 25, 2019
Summary.
When a beloved member of a high-performing team announces that they are leaving the company, managers tend to assume that finding a way to retain them is the best outcome for the company, the team, and for them. They try offering promotions and raises or other benefits to entice the person to stay. But leadership coach Dacia Faison Roe argues that when managers face this situation with humanity and empathy for the individual team member — prioritizing their needs and letting them go if that’s what’s best for them — the result can often be a more positive outcome both the individual and the company.
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New!
HBR Learning
Attracting and Cultivating Talent Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Attracting and Cultivating Talent. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Discover how to attract, hire, develop, and keep talented people who will grow and thrive throughout their employee journey.