12 Ways To Keep Good People

The Gallup Organization of Princeton NJ, of opinion-polling fame, has identified 12 questions that appear to measure the core elements needed to attract and keep the most loyal, productive, and talented employees. As you read through them, ask yourself how your organization rates on these points and the effects it might have on recruiting and retaining outstanding employees.

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission of my company make me feel like my work is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, have I talked with someone about my progress?
12. At work, have I had opportunities to learn and grow?

It isn’t that people answering yes to these questions are likely to stay with the organization. Rather, they address factors that are particularly important to the most talented and productive workers. These questions are less interesting to plodders.

For more details, read First, Break All The Rules: What The World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently, a book published by Simon & Schuster, authored by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.

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