Staring Down the Barrel: Retaining Your Best Managers in Turbulent Times
To Maintain Top Talent, Focus on Your Superior Leaders' Development
The 2013 Gallup poll made it clear: it's not the organization that employees are leaving, but their managers. In a world far from calm, managers today grapple with an array of challenges - mass resignations, looming economic uncertainty, encroaching mental health issues, lingering epidemics, and more. In times like these, employees turn to their team leaders for support and guidance. Yet, many managers are ill-prepared for this responsibility, often under-trained and overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities. To retain these crucial intermediaries between top management and the field team, companies must invest in skill development and motivation.
Uplifting the Manager's Role
For many managers, connecting with employees is viewed as an extra burden, thus barely making it onto the agenda. It is time for companies to make it clear that this is not optional, but a basic responsibility of a manager. Trained in the principles of unity, innovation, and ethical decision-making, managers must be empowered to think critically about how to put these principles into practice and seek constructive feedback from their team members.
Creating Space for Growth
Many managers find themselves in the role because of their expertise, not because they have honed the skills necessary for managing a team. In the midst of pandemonium, even seasoned managers struggle, and this is particularly true for newcomers. Hence, it becomes essential for managers to develop their people management skills. They must engage with experienced managers who can share their experiences and help new managers forge connections across the organization, leading to opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Offering a Helping Hand
Even the most seasoned managers are faced with a constant barrage of options and need help finding the best solutions. Regular peer sharing of experiences and ideas can help alleviate some of the burden and bring fresh perspectives to the table. These sessions, held monthly, help manage uncertainties, facilitate personal and professional growth, and foster a strong support network among managers.
In an increasingly unpredictable world, managers are more important than ever, serving as vital links in the organization's chain. Companies must pay heed to these crucial connections and invest in their skills development and provide peer-to-peer support to help managers strengthen their connection with their teams.
In times when employees are seeking support and guidance from their managers, it's crucial for companies to recognize the significance of a manager's role and encourage the development of skills beyond just business acumen. By fostering a culture of ongoing learning and peer-to-peer support, organizations can empower managers to create a conducive environment that encourages growth, both personally and professionally, for themselves and their teams.
