Why Top Performers Quit & What They’ll Never Tell You

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer taking on the pressing topic of why top performers quit. Not only that, the two discuss what is often left unsaid in exit interviews.

The two reflect on their own experiences and break down how common it is for high performers to leave without ever opening up about the real reasons. This especially happens if a company lacks a true culture of feedback. The longtime hosts emphasize that truly honest feedback cultures are hard to find. But without them, leaders don’t fully understand what makes their best performers leave. 

The conversation dives into many of the major reasons that drive high performers away, such as declining product or lack of product innovation, poor management,  lack of attention to customer needs, frequent changes to compensation or quotas, and limited career growth opportunities. Carol and Rob reflect on their time in the sales world to illustrate the significant cost (both financial and cultural) when top talent leaves an organization. The two conclude that many of these problems could be avoided if companies truly aligned incentives and roles to individuals' ambitions, listened to their employees and customers, and encouraged open lines of communication. 

Rob and Carol also point out the distinction between  "high potentials" and "high performers," highlighting that excelling in a current role doesn’t mean someone is immediately ready for more responsibility. The hosts wrap up Rob’s final episode with the show by reminding the audience that fostering feedback, alignment, and challenge is key to keeping the best people engaged. The longtime friends end on a reflective note, expressing gratitude for their partnership and urging listeners to build workplaces where honesty drives employee retention and overall success. 

Connect With Host Carol Schultz

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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