??? Why Top Talent Walks Away: A Leadership Reality Check Think your best employees leave for a bigger paycheck? Think again. More often, they leave due to leaders who only appear to uphold company values. In my recent conversation, HR expert Maggie Carrington —a pro with 35+ years in the field—reveals how surface-level culture alignment is driving great people out the door. She shared a story of a manager who was a master of “managing up,” creating a facade of unity and teamwork that leadership bought into fully. But underneath, their team was crumbling, frustrated by unmet promises and unaligned actions. This resonated deeply with me because I’ve seen it myself: culture is built in everyday actions, not in big mission statements or leadership meetings. It’s in the consistent, authentic behavior of leaders when nobody’s watching. Maggie’s insights bring it home: ?? Get to the “Why” – Leaders must dig into the real reasons behind disengagement, not just the visible symptoms. ?? Measure What Matters – Focusing on numbers is one thing, but are we measuring how our values are truly lived out? ??? Play the Long Game – Culture doesn’t shift overnight. It evolves through steady actions and authentic commitment. As an executive coach, I find Maggie’s approach both practical and powerful. Leadership isn’t about maintaining a polished image—it’s about fostering genuine alignment, especially when it’s difficult. ?? Curious about how to create real cultural impact? Catch the full episode of Get Unstuck & On Target for the full conversation. (Link in comments) ?? Ready to take your leadership to the next level? DM me to discuss how coaching can bring clarity, authenticity, and long-term impact to your leadership journey. #TrueLeadership #CultureMatters #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceCulture
??? This post resonates with my experiences as an instructional designer and leader. I’ve seen top employees leave—not for money but because leaders failed to build trust and empathy. Leadership isn’t just about processes; it’s about relationships. Trust erodes without aligning actions with company values, and even the most loyal employees may leave. Some organizations no longer prioritize retaining top talent. They may replace experienced employees with entry-level staff to cut costs or adapt to new business models. While this might meet short-term goals, it often harms long-term growth. Top talent employees are responsible for recognizing organizational changes that no longer value their experience and tacit knowledge. Yes, they should walk away! Empathy and trust aren’t optional—they are essential for sustainable followership. Leaders who genuinely care and act with integrity create cultures where talent thrives. ?? How is your organization fostering trust and authenticity today? I’d love to hear your thoughts! hashtag#LeadershipMatters hashtag#TrustAndEmpathy hashtag#OrganizationalGrowth hashtag#LeadershipDevelopment
Mike--thank you again for the opportunity to reflect on and share thoughts around transforming culture! I look forward to continuing the conversation!
As the leader, I always looked to create a culture that made the grass so green here, there was rarely a better offer. And always an exit interview if needed! Love this conversation! Thank you both!
Mike ONeill, your conversation with Maggie Carrington hits home. Authentic leadership is crucial; real progress comes from consistent, genuine actions. It's about aligning values with everyday practices. This approach not only retains top talent but also fosters a thriving culture.
Mike & Maggie, Great points to remember and implement. “Ask” So many people fail to do that simple action. When people feel safe in a conversation they will respond and tell you everything. Build safety in the conversation and get you pen and paper out… you can learn a lot about your company culture from an employee whos leaving.
Mike ONeill love this conversation. Most companies think an occasional pizza party takes care of the "culture problem" but as you discuss it's so much more. I reminds me of the statement "people don't quit companies, they quit bad bosses"
Such a powerful message! Maggie’s insights really hit home—true leadership goes beyond just words and polished images. Culture is built in the everyday actions of leaders, not in mission statements. Mike ONeill
Executive Coach Guiding C-Suite Leaders to Leadership Excellence ??? Host, 'Get Unstuck & On Target' Podcast
2 周https://www.unstuck.show/195.