Strategy #44: Watch for subtle signs of trouble (and remind your managers to do likewise)

Research shows that people decide to quit a job well before actually submitting their resignation, and that this decision is typically just the end-point of a longer process of growing dissatisfaction. You can avoid losing good people by watching for small signs of trouble brewing – changes in attitude, indifferent body language, unhappy facial expressions, all can be early warning signs that action is needed to prevent loss of a valued team member.

What do you do when you see such signs? It would be hard to beat simply asking the person if anything is wrong, and then addressing those concerns that they identify.

“The greatest chance for success lies in reminding people or organizations of an existing strength, and getting them back on track while instituting a management strategy for the weakness.”

Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson: Soar with Your Strengths

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