And there's the rub. When employees leave, they leave managers, not companies. Just because someone starts and develops a company to a point where there are real employees does not necessarily mean he is the best person to manage those employees. Unfortunately, that same energy and passion that brought the company so far may actually create anxiety among employees who go crazy trying to figure out where to go with the boss's ideas. As a corporate trainer and executive coach, I have seen the wrong type of manager almost ruin a company, and I have seen companies with a shaky business plan prosper under great managers.
Good employees make the manager look good, so it is in everyone's interest to keep good people.
In strong economic times, when there are many options open to employees, it is more important than ever that companies keep valued employees. And because it is up to the manager to keep talented employees, he must develop a pattern of managing so that each employee feels a commitment to the company. A good manager is one who makes employees feel that they are seen, heard and recognized for their successes. A good manager is a coach who finds a way to help employees make a contribution, and who develops his people on a consistent basis. A good manager knows how to motivate and inspire.