Good Leaders Increase Retention – and Outcomes

By: Randy Wolken, President & CEO

Did you know that 1 out of 2 workers say they left a previous job to escape a manager?  This is what Gallop found in a survey of 7,200 adults in 2015.  Wow.  That statistic is startling – and really bad for business.  One of the most important outcomes of good leadership is that people stay at your business.  With the increasing complexity of our businesses, we need our teams to develop expertise in our business and to grow in their relationships with our customers. Retention can certainly make our companies more productive.

Another key aspect to good leaders is that they increase engagement with their people which results in better outcomes.  Gallop learned some important lessons in how we achieve more engagement from our teams.  They determined that workers whose leaders hold regular meetings are three times more likely to be engaged. That resulted in feeling involved in and enthusiastic about their jobs. In fact, workers said they want to be in contact with their bosses on a daily basis, and not just about such things as sales targets.  They want their managers to take an interest in their personal lives.

So, do you regularly meet with your teams and direct reports?  Is it possible to talk to the members of your team on a daily basis?  How could you interact more frequently with them? Do you take the opportunity to chat with them about their personal lives and share what’s going on in yours?  All of these behaviors will likely increase retention, engagement, and outcomes in your organization.

One of the greatest joys of my work here at MACNY is the great team we have assembled.  Over the years, I have increased the amount of time I spend with each of the team members.  I share what is going on in my life and listen for what is going on in their lives.  We have increased the number of regular meetings and encourage leaders to interact with their team members on a daily basis, if possible.  It has helped build a highly cohesive, engaged, and passionate team.  Our services and outcomes have never been greater.  It is truly amazing to see.

What I have learned is good leadership increases both retention and outcomes.  Despite the popular belief that technology is somehow reducing the need for people, our MACNY member companies cannot find enough of them.  Good leadership has never been more important in both finding great people and keeping them engaged and productive in the job.

Looking for more? Download my Amazon Bestseller, Present-Future Leader:  How to Thrive in Today’s Economy.