Learning Corner: The Stay Conversation

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes per conversation

Objective:
To learn what matters most to each person on your team and act on it before they start looking elsewhere.

Materials Needed:

• A list of your direct reports

• A quiet 30 minutes with one person

Activity Steps:

1. Prepare your questions (5 minutes)
Pick four: What do you look forward to at work? What would make you think about leaving? What do you want to learn next? What can I do more or less of?

2. Set the tone (3 minutes)
Tell the person you want to understand what makes work good for them. This is a conversation about them, with no performance review attached.

3. Listen and take notes (17 minutes)
Ask your questions and listen more than you talk. Write down specific things they say matter.

4. Commit to one action (5 minutes)
Agree on one thing you will do in the next month based on what you heard, and follow up.

Key Takeaways:

• Asking early is easier than trying to save someone who has already decided to leave.

• People stay where they feel heard and growing.

• One small action shows you took them seriously.

Reflection Prompt:

Who on your team have you not asked about their goals in the last six months?

Want help bringing this to your team? Book a free 30-minute conversation with Tony.