Entrepreneurs are working amongst you. Hang on to them.

With the current young professionals growing up in startup culture, it's no wonder they're seeking higher wages, more challenges, more PTO, etc. The question for those in leadership roles is - 

How do you retain your younger workforce while encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit? 

I was speaking with a young colleague that recently left her company abruptly. Below are a few points of concern for her that, unfortunately, might be more common than we care to admit.

• "I wasn't heard." 

I get it; we're busy. It's challenging to find time for your to-do list much less to listen to your employees' concerns about theirs. The simple fact is, you must, and cursory attention won't cut it. Face-to-face, eye-to-eye contact is what's needed. I often try to finish a text or email while someone is bending my ear. I rarely get away with it. My team will call me on it with their facial expressions, if nothing else. I immediately stop what I'm doing, apologize, and ask them to repeat themselves. There's no sense in trying to play it off. They deserve my attention. 

• "I wasn't valued." 

We've worked hard to get in this leadership role, and it's easy to EXPECT everyone else to work just as hard out of obligation and not of choice. Remember this - if you've hired correctly, your employee can get a job anywhere, anytime. You don't want the guy that's stuck with you. Make it a point to recognize their performance. Be genuinely grateful that they've chosen to work with you today, and work hard to help them make the same choice for tomorrow. 

• "My concerns were dismissed."

Okay, this is a big one. It is far more common for an employee to leave and tell you they have issues well past the point of no return. Maybe they were hinting, perhaps not. Either way, you were oblivious and surprised by their resignation. Don't just listen for their input; request it. Initiate that conversation and create an action plan before you walk away. Stick to the program and retain your valuable employee. 

Our current young workforce is limitless. They're highly educated, resourceful, and motivated. They're looking for the same things the previous generation wanted; they're just willing to go out and get it. Don't make them search for it. Bring it to them and let them thrive in your environment - not someone else's.

Enjoy and stay safe.