The #1 Reason People Leave Their Jobs

"Why are you looking out?" - one of the most common questions asked in a job interview setting.

Guess what is the most common reply?

I don't feel appreciated.

The need to be appreciated is a strong emotional need. But the problem with many employers or managers today is this: "If they are doing what they are paid to do, why should they expect any word of appreciation?"

I read a very interesting story about the Korean War in which this war produced the worst Prisoner of War (POW) stories of any war in U.S. history. The death rate of American POWs was alarmingly high, depression rates were high, and suicides were high. But the war camp conditions were not cruel and physical torture was minor. What's wrong? Dr. William E. Mayer did a study and discovered why. The prisoners were dying because they simply lost the will to live. The North Koreans had discovered the ultimate weapon of war: withholding all emotional support from others. No word of encouragement was ever spoken. Not only did the prisoners stop caring for one another, they stopped to even care for themselves. How sad.

We thrive on compliments, whether we are leaders or subordinates. "I've told him in the past that he's good in his event management. Do I have to affirm him every time he did a good job?" Well, the answer is yes. Just because you praised someone in the past doesn't mean they're motivated for life. People need to know they are valued right now.

Words of affirmation is very powerful. It encourages the recipients to repeat the same behavior in the future. It was said, "Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul." Besides, you don't lose anything by encouraging others. Instead, it makes you feel good too. "Those who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" - a proverb saying.

If only employers and managers would leverage on this tool and apply them more frequently at the work place, there will not be so many unhappy people leaving their jobs today.

Some tips on giving affirmation or compliments:

Be sincere
Be specific
Be personal
Make them public, if possible

Further reading:
10 Things The Best Bosses Have In Common