Julian’s Business Tips: The Train Is Leaving
“I’m not going to train them and then have them leave for a better job!”
That’s what an old boss of mine said when I suggested some soft skills training courses for the staff. He didn’t want to spend money and time on something that he didn’t consider was necessary. He thought that if it wasn’t actually part of their job description, or more specifically, clearly generating him income, then it was a waste. Was he right?
Well the argument that I put to him was that it was better to have happy, trained staff leaving, than having unhappy, untrained staff staying! What kind of a workforce would that be!
I was talking about this last week to someone who’s business didn’t offer any career progression to the team – and it was now full of middle-of-the-road journeymen who just came to work to pass the time until they retire.
Is that what you want for your business?
Ambitious and energetic staff will always leave for a better job – unless what you’re offering is good enough that they aren’t going to find anywhere better!
And it isn’t just about the money – quality of life, career progression, developing new skills, or the time to pursue an interest (while still young enough to enjoy it) are all very powerful drivers.
The rationale is clear: if you want to keep the best, you need to give them what they want. And to do that, you need to understand what makes them tick – so talk to your team!
I remember a major Cambridge tech company offering their best staff, paid sabbaticals – significant time off to pursue their passions. The person I was speaking to was just about to go travelling for six months on full pay!
I wonder if he went by train?
