Can you Lead with Kindness & Curiosity to achieve Zero Turnover?

When I was 18 I met my first mentor and he was a force, a man who resembled a movie star and had the charisma of one too, we will call him Mr. H. I remember our first introduction as I sat for my interview, so nervous my hands trembled under the table as I was seated across from Mr. H. With each question I found myself a little calmer, a little more collected and by the end, I would give anything to work with him and learn from him. He had that element of "je ne sais quoi", we can thank my junior high French class, for teaching me this wonderful saying which translates "to a quality that cannot be described or named easily".

When I started working for Mr. H I observed the way he walked into the room and without saying a word, he commanded the presence of a team of 30+ people in their 20s and 30s wanting to be his protege. His words were very intentional and with a calm and confident tone, in all the time that I worked with him, he never raised his voice and when he was upset you could see it in his eyes and whoever was responsible for that look in his eyes, he would graciously ask them to take a walk and they would always return with a smile and a handshake at the end of their conversation. I never knew what was said, but what I do know is that whatever it was that person would outperform themselves and others, it was as if that negativity was spun into a positive fuel for improvement and more importantly a bond of loyalty to Mr. H. I saw this on repeat and during this year of working for Mr. H, no one ever left. If anyone did, it was to grow into a new position and become an even better version of themself. Mr. H had a way of making each person see themselves achieving more and they did.

When it was time for me to leave this season of my time with Mr. H and the team we sat down and I asked him what was the secret to his leadership. What did he say to everyone to make them want to stay and work hard for him? That one answer helped shape my leadership style for the future if I were to become a leader one day. When the time came I remembered his words and throughout my career, I have made it my priority to be inspired by Mr. H, to lead with zero turnovers, and to create a strong and everlasting team, leading with KINDNESS.

I believe, it is a privilege to lead others and isn't a title to chase but must be earned and learned with an open mind to change and grow. I have developed my method throughout the years through observation and implementing various styles and strategies in my teams. These experiences have allowed me to take what I learned from Mr. H and become a leader with Zero turnovers.

When a leader experiences high turnover, this is a red flag and must be addressed immediately. It cannot be delayed or ignored and should be a KPI for a leader, I would also love to see this on a leader's resume. When someone is experiencing a high turnover, they must pause to reflect and admit to themselves that they are doing something wrong but it isn't impossible to correct and figure out what is happening to your team. You'll need a big slice of humble pie to ask for help from people around you who have zero turnover or find a mentor to guide you.

The only thing I know is that I know nothing - Socrates

This is the time to channel your inner Socrates. Remember, the most important thing is, you must have the genuine desire to improve yourself and the team you are leading. If you don't care, you're in the wrong position. A leadership role is selfless, it comes with no reward or acknowledgment, and most of the time it is a thankless job. The role of a leader is to support everyone, wear all the hats without complaint, and carry through with all that needs to be done and achieved. It isn't a title on a business card or an update on your profile, it is a complete change in your lifestyle most of the time and it impacts you and your loved ones, including your pets. The money will never be worth it, because you can't buy time and you will rarely have time off even when you have more paid vacation days as a leader. Sometimes a leader will ask themselves on the hardest of days, "Why am I doing this?" The answer is simple, making the lives of your team better because you are at the helm of this team ship, that is why you do it, they are happy and happiness provides results... even when you're covering all the sick callouts and are without a day off and your mind and body are exhausted, you still feel joy and fulfillment. If this is not your answer, it is your responsibility to let go of this role and find your purpose elsewhere. You cannot be responsible for the lives of others as a leader if it does not bring you joy.

People leave managers, not companies - Marcus Buckingham

Can you lead with Kindness & Curiosity to achieve zero turnovers? You absolutely can, it all begins with you and your curiosity in wanting to learn how to make it possible.

Be curious and lead with kindness!

Kristy