Retaining Talent in a Down Economy

How an Investment Bank Held on to Talent During an Economic Downturn
How to Retain Managerial Talent in a Down Economy | Inter-Actions Blog
This excerpt is from a discussion I had with a participant in between sessions, in which he was apologizing for not doing the homework. I was fine with him not doing the homework — which was basically to apply what he learned and share with us the results — because quite often, things come up. However, the participant said, "Roth-san … I know my job. I've been doing it for a long time. What I don't know is how to manage and develop a team. That's why this work is important, and I need to change and make time for it." I respected his response, and so I compassionately replied, "Well, next time, do your F'ing homework!" :-)

Overview

Due to the economy and its impact on business performance, an investment bank needed to come up with innovative retention solutions for its key performers. 

I helped the company retain high-potential individuals in key roles during the economic downturn. 

Situation

Retaining talent was critical to the company, not only so they could weather the economic storm, but also to prevent people in instrumental roles from being cherry-picked by competitors. 

I worked with the bank to develop a solution that focused on developing the management capabilities of the targeted audience. They received training and coaching which participants saw as critical to their career advancement and an opportunity they wouldn't get anywhere else.

Action

My program: 

  • Partnered with the internal client team to create a strategy and approach that appealed to the target audience.
  • Developed and delivered practical managerial capabilities to highly educated, well compensated, and motivated individuals.
  • Aligned with the company's pre-existing mentoring program, solidifying the learning and solidifying connections between departments.

Result

A post-course participant survey results indicated participants were "very likely" to see "a future with this company."

Post-course survey of participants' managers indicated that 100% felt confident recommending moving their participants into a role with more people responsibilities (if the business warranted it).

Best of all, in the following six months after the program, 90% of the participants stayed with the company.

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