Develop people so that they can leave. Treat them well so they won’t.
Richard Branson
There are moments when a leader must say “Enough”. Input is too much; ideas are too many; options are too weak; opportunities are too few.
These moments usually arise in the midst of crisis or great need, and they definitely manifest in winds of changing times.
Dear leader, this is that time.
People are quitting their jobs. Remote and hybrid work is still raising issues and demanding attention. The quest for talent is challenging. Competitors are stealing from your workforce. And all is being done while past challenges remain: employee satisfaction, workplace harmony, political maneuvering, long-term strategy dependent on key staff longevity.
The turnover is killing you.
I wrote an article a few weeks back in which I encouraged you to consider bringing in or raising up advocates for your employees. I have appreciated the feedback. People saw the benefit.
As a result, I want to give a little more attention to the strategy that can change the way you develop and retain people forever.
A brief review of the problem
- People are leaving
- Burnout and emotional health is alerting us to deeper issues that demand our attention
- Proposed solutions are weak because they assume too much or address too little: Specifically, companies are giving people more time off. The problem is that people don’t know what to do with time off. Other companies are implementing wellness programs (think Yoga, etc). The problem is that it represents a one-size fits all approach.
- Hybrid and remote work is supposed to give people more flexibility. Instead, it’s promoting less work-life balance. People don’t know what to do. I spoke with a remote nurse manager recently: She never feels like she can get away from work.
One CIO recently surveyed some employees and discovered that he needs to minimize employee’s periods of doubt, whether the doubt is rational or irrational. Some of his findings were that people wrestle between the following statements of confidence vs. doubt:
- I have a good future here vs. I can’t see how this job is good for me long term.
- My work is appreciated here vs. No one seems to appreciate what I do.
- I am empowered to make decisions vs. No one listens to my ideas.
- I get a chance to improve my skills vs If I stay, my skills will become obsolete.
- I like the training plan vs. I guess I’m on my own.
My friend’s conclusion was that these employees need more attention. Much of what they voiced is answered from within themselves but they are looking for solutions outside of themselves. He wants to give them the attention they need, but there is only so much he can give.
Employees are looking for listening, empathy, regular affirmations, training, and coaching and mentoring.
Introducing: Advocacy
An advocate is a combination of coach, resource-connector and champion. They are skilled in helping people to identify real and real-time needs, and to customizing a solution that works for them.
Advocates help people in areas of personal growth, relational health and work-effectiveness.
Advocates lead people through a simple assessment, and then help employees identify what they want to work on that makes the most difference for them.
Advocacy benefits employees and employers:
- Equip people with the skills they need to promote their own wellness
- Increase retention by addressing the core issues behind burnout
- Save money by avoiding band-aid solutions
- Increase talent-acquisition through reputable investment in employees
- Decrease turn-over by equipping people with better decision-making skills
Wellness is not a program. Mental health is not a fad. Productivity is not a given.
An advocate meets monthly with a person, and then communicates in-between sessions as needed. Not only does the person and company benefit, but the families behind your employee benefit as well.
How do I know this works? Because I have an advocate in my life. He has played a crucial role in my development personally and professionally. CIO Mastermind is a fruit of our work together.
As a result, I am incorporating Advocate as a service CIO Mastermind offers to CIOs and CEOs who are willing to say “Enough,” and are seeking to promote long-term wellness for long-time corporate success.
Stop the fads. Put away the bandages. Cease from reading articles and ideas, one after another, about how to meet the needs of your employees.
People need to know what to do with what they are given and how to communicate with what they feel and believe. Anything less is herding cats.
An advocate comes alongside another to promote their success. They compliment you, they don’t compete with you; they don’t replace your heart but they express your heart.
Contact me to figure out how this will work for you.
I am familiar with common objections, but I also have considered responses. Let’s talk.
As Henry Ford said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”
So is the best company.
