The Key to Retaining Top Talent

If you're committed to retaining the people on your team, consider conducting "stay" interviews quarterly. In these discussions, you ask loyal employees key questions to understand their level of engagement. The information you gather will help you tackle common retention issues. Here are four questions to try:

• What’s your frame of mind today? No matter the response, positive or negative, don’t negate their experience or move too quickly to solve the problem. Take a deep breath, listen, thank them for being honest, and ask for more information before moving toward a solution.

• Whom do you feel connected to at work? Identify ways you can help them deepen the connections and widen their list.

• What would you like to learn that will excite you and help you grow? This question shows you care about their development and want to help them achieve their goals.

• What barriers can I remove that will help you do your job better? Brainstorm with them on how you can be most helpful.