I get bank flyers in the mail every so often. “Open an account here and we will give you $100.” For really only a few minutes worth of work, I could be $100 richer! 

I never take them up on the offer. Why? It’s the same reason I wouldn’t consider laterally switching jobs for a few thousand dollars more per year. There’s simply too much hassle to make it worth my time. “Hassle” herein is defined broadly. 

And yet, I have lost team members who have told me that they found a new gig that pays them a bit more. Likely you have too. Here’s a little secret: It’s not about the Benjamins. There is always something else driving the decision-making. The money is just icing on the proverbial cake. 

Think about it. What would be worthy enough of going through the job switch hassle? Money? Yes (easy). Prospects for professional growth? Yes. Leader behavior? Yes. Work/life balance? Yes. Benefits? Yes. Workload? Yes. Some combination of these and other issues? Always. 

So, when I hear of somebody leaving for slightly greener pastures, I always treat it as an opportunity to reflect on our organization. Sometimes the mirror reflects nothing. It was just the right time for them to go. Sometimes the mirror tells me a lot more. 

The point is to hold the mirror up in the first place.