Afraid of What?

We know what you’re thinking. Why would I ask a question like that? What if my treasured, talented employee asks for something I can’t give?

My boss told me how much he values me and asked what would keep me here. I answered honestly: a 10 percent raise would do it. He turned pale, paused, then said, “Sorry, but you’re at the top of your pay scale.” I was gone six months later.

So there you have it. This manager cared enough to ask, and look where it got him. He was not yet prepared for a challenging request.

Most of you aren’t conducting stay interviews because you fear one of two common responses: a request for a raise or a request for a promotion. In some cultures, tough-to-deliver-on requests might also include such things as flexible work hours or location, extended leave opportunities, or job sharing. What if you can’t deliver on those kinds of requests … at least, not right now?

The next time one of your talented employees asks for something that you might not be able to give, respond using these steps: