idea might seem paradoxical, another way to convey the same sen-
timent is to say that employees want to feel that they are making a
valuable contribution at work. In many cases, being needed and
having one’s needs met are closely related.
Some of the survey respondents indicated that more money,
regardless of other factors, will keep them loyal to a job for some
time. But organizations have to be careful with this option; buying
loyalty can have implications beyond the immediate benefit of
keeping people in their positions. For example, who isn’t getting
the raise? Even if you try to prevent discussion and comparison of
compensation packages, you know that people talk with each other
and find out if someone in the same position is getting a better
deal. Employees do in fact get raises (and other perks) when they
come in with an offer letter from another company (what people
used to call “telegram-waving”). But how does this make their peers
feel? Unfortunately, getting some people to stay by paying them
more may have an unintended adverse effect on the whole group.
What should you do if there is someone whom you really want
to keep but who you know is going to leave no matter what? Why
not tell the person how great you think she is, and how impressive
it is that she is taking control of her own development and career?
As we discussed in the chapter on loyalty, why not tell her that she
should call you in a few years to discuss coming back to the orga-
nization? Even if she never calls, she will leave feeling that you re-
spect her and appreciate her talent and contribution. An employee
leaving with a good impression of the organization (and of you as
someone in that organization) can do nothing but good things for
your reputation as a boss and for the reputation of your organiza-
tion as a place that respects and appreciates talent.
If You Are an Employee on the Verge of Changing Jobs
If you are an employee who is increasingly dissatisfied at work,
there are a few things you need to think about. You might even
want to write down your thoughts—sometimes forcing yourself to
write everything down makes the situation clearer.
• What exactly is it that you aren’t happy about? Be specific.
Is your boss the problem? If so, can you move to report to
someone else?
168 RETIRING THE GENERATION GAP