From crafting job descriptions to conducting interviews, you likely invest a substantial amount of time to attract the best promo pros. Once they’re on board, how well do you keep them engaged and fulfilled? David Mattson, CEO and a partner of Sandler Systems, Inc., says this is a key challenge: retaining mission-critical talent.
When employees feel valued, they’re more likely to stay and contribute their skills over the long haul. How do you retain your best and brightest? We share Mattson’s ideas in this issue of PromoPro Daily. Read on for the questions he recommends all leaders ask themselves.
- Do we let only excellence in the door? Mattson says that every employee and channel partner is an ambassador for your brand, so carefully evaluate who you do business with. Make sure you work with people who represent your internal values and the value you deliver externally.
- Do we engage? If you want to keep your top performers, check in with them often. It’s essential to provide regular engagement and support. Make it part of your culture.
- Is our communication multi-modal? Mattson says that his organization uses different kinds of communication, including texts, in-person meetings and town halls. He says this multifaceted approach ensures everyone stays informed and engaged, regardless of their communication style or platform preferences.
- Are there clear economic growth paths? Annual salary reviews are a good place to start, but make sure you go beyond this by outlining the path forward. Mattson says that career paths are never about memorizing product features but getting better over time and adding value.
- How is our conflict resolution? High-performing professionals want to work in environments that address issues head-on with clear and open communication. Conflicts will happen — it’s how you handle them that can make or break relationships, Mattson says.
- Are we metrics-focused? Your top talent is driven and motivated. By setting clear, measurable goals for them to work toward, you provide a roadmap for success and create deeper engagement.
- Are we committed to ongoing learning? The promo industry is ever evolving. Make sure you give your team members opportunities to expand their knowledge, whether it’s attending The PPAI Expo or pursuing industry certification. Mattson says this helps keep people motivated and encourages them to push their boundaries.
It’s crucial to retain your top talent. Consider the questions above to decrease turnover and ensure you keep your key players for the long haul.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: David Mattson is CEO and a partner of Sandler Systems, Inc., an international training and consulting organization. He’s a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and sales and management
thought leader.
