In partnership with
Hey Unfiltered Folks,
Leadership Challenge - ""WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY BEST PERSON THREATENS TO LEAVE?"
Answer: Ask them what they need. Then decide if you can give it to them.
If you can, do it immediately. If you can't, let them go gracefully.
Don't beg.
Don't make promises you can't keep.
Be honest.
Respect goes both ways.
If they're threatening to leave to manipulate you, that's different. Call it.
"If you want to leave, I understand.
But I won't negotiate under threat.
What do you actually need?"
Question to Consider: Are they threatening or negotiating?
Why: There's a difference between "I need X or I'll leave" and "Give me X or else."
Here's what's happening: your best person comes to you. They say they have an offer. They're thinking about leaving. You panic. You promise raises. Promotions. Anything to keep them. But you didn't address the real issue: why were they looking? If they were happy, they wouldn't be interviewing.
The cost? If you cave to the threat, you've taught them threats work. They'll do it again. Meanwhile, the rest of the team sees it. They learn: threaten to leave, get rewarded. Now everyone's threatening. Or, you let them go. They leave. You scramble.
The real cost? You didn't see the warning signs. They were unhappy for months. You ignored it. Now it's a crisis. That's on you. Good leaders see problems before they resign.
Action: Talk to them today.
"What do you actually need to stay?"
Listen without defending. If you can give it, do it now.
If you can't, be honest: "I can't give you that. I respect your decision.
I hope you stay, but I understand if you go."
Then let them choose.
Start building a pipeline of talent so you're never held hostage again.
Stay Unfiltered,
— Andy
P.S. Train them, trust them, or stay a micromanager and watch everyone quit.
If this is you, sign up for the free newsletter.
www.andyunfiltered.com
