Personally, I think companies should do whatever possible to retain their Superstar, A-List players. But, most companies don’t have that mindset. They consider you replaceable. In fact, they consider you replaceable by someone younger, greener and willing to do the job on a smaller salary.

But, if you’re in the business of hiring A’s and keeping them, it simply requires 3 things:

1. Give them lots of responsibility. Allow them to grow and take on new tasks.
2. Pay well. Don’t insult them with a salary that’s not in-line with going rates or simply average.
3. Give kudos. Everyone needs a pat on the back. People are insecure by nature. Everyone wants to know they’re doing a good job, you enjoy working with them, etc.

Honestly, it’s that simple.

2 Responses to “Retaining Talent”

1. Rob S says:

   May 4, 2009 at 1:16 pm

   Expect your A players to perform like A players. Don’t lower your expectations. If anything, increase them. But give them the ball and let them deliver.

   Fail to hold A players up to a higher standard and they’ll either stop being A players, or leave.
2. vegasbab says:

   May 5, 2009 at 1:36 am

   Totally agree. That’s kind of my point in #1… if you micromanage to the point that they can’t deliver and hold them to average standards, you’ll lose your A Players to the competitor who is willing to hold them to higher standards.