There are always two types of reasons why people quit: The surface reason, and the core reason.
The surface reasons always sounds like this: “They offered me a pay increase.” “Their office is closer to my home.” “The hours fit better into my schedule.”
The core reasons always sounds like this: “I don’t think I can advance here.” “I don’t like my boss.” “People here can be mean.” “I need something more stable.”
To be nice, most of us offer surface reasons when we leave. Nobody serious wants to kick their firm before they walk out. And that’s fine. A little theater is fine because leaders shouldn’t fixate on surface reasons anyway. That’s putting Band Aids on skinned knees.
Leaders should look deeper. Especially if we are losing somebody great. If we can articulate the core reason(s) to their surface reason(s), we have a shot at fixing the problem before others fall prey to it.
Business is always personal. People are complex. When we become aware of the ever-present subtext, we can learn so much more.
