Two people I know well, Pat and Bob, were recently offered jobs that came with substantial pay raises. One friend took the new job, the other did not. Both are professional and capable. Both are hard workers, enjoy their work, and make important contributions in their workplaces. Why did one stay and the other leave and create a huge financial loss in terms of loss of productivity, and increased stress on that already under-staffed team?
The Leader.
Pat really needed to make more money. Living in a high rent district was not easy. He told his boss he really needed a raise. He was told a raise was coming, as well as a bonus and more work responsibilities. His work reviews were all very positive and his co-workers really enjoyed him.
He was approached by another company and offered a job that paid over $15,000 more than his current salary. He was offered more responsibility and the access he wanted to others in his field . He would have to give up his 100% remote job and the flexibility that afforded.
Pat’s supervisor liked Pat, appreciated his work, and he let Pat know it. Pat was offered $8000 less money in salary, though there would be a $3000 bonus. He would also be able to keep the flexibility he enjoyed by working remotely.
Rather than take the money, which he does need, Pat chose to accept the lower offer and stay in his current job. When I asked him about staying he made it clear that he knows he is appreciated, respected, and liked. Yeah, the flexibility is nice, still, if his supervisor was a jerk he would have taken the other job in a New York minute.
Bob loves his workplace. He loves helping students where he works. He has been complaining about his boss’ treatment since I’ve known him. But he is a loyal employee. He is very capable and has worked there for almost 30 years! His boss ignores him, berates him, overworks him, disrespects him, and rarely listens to him.
Bob was approached by another institution and offered a substantial raise: almost 30% of his salary worth of substantial! Many people might think this is a “no-brainer” situation, take the job. But Bob has roots and history, and the new job is 800 miles away. He agonized about taking the new job knowing it would require a move and it would be difficult and stressful for his team to fill the hole he would leave.
He took the job. Why? Simply because his boss was a jerk.
I asked Bob if he would have stayed and turned down the money if he was treated better. He replied immediately and with certainty, “I would not have even been looking for a job. I love what I do, and this institution. I have put up with this treatment long enough.”
Now his team is scrambling and his workplace lost a hard working employee. They now have to take the time and expense to replace him. The Gallup organization estimates that the cost to replace an employee is 1.5 to 2 times that employee’s salary, let alone the headache.
I still remember a client of mine who told me that their boss actually said, “To be a good leader, be a jerk.”
So naive.
So wrong.
To be a good leader, be a good person. Here are 5 easy things you can do to be a good person.
- Engage with what your team members have to say. Take their input seriously and provide thoughtful feedback.
- Express appreciation with your words and actions
- Provide growth opportunities aligned to their goals, whether personal or professional
- Work with your team to align tasks and create job descriptions based on the skills and design (CliftonStrengths/CoreClarity) of your team members.
- Remember, you are leading people, not things. Treat them with the respect they deserve and the respect you want from your leaders.
Good people make good leaders. If you want to be a good leader, be a good person.
I will leave you with this possibly troubling quote from Dr. Henry Cloud, “The leader is ridiculously in charge.” At work, as a parent, even leading yourself, if you don’t like what you see, then part of the solution may require an honest look at yourself.
To explore these ideas and more, feel free to schedule a free 30-minute coaching call. Also, check out the free sources and blog topics on my website.
Have a great day being your amazing self.
