Yesterday, I highlighted a simple technique (the stay interview) every organization should be using to help retain their agents. 

If retention is still a concern, you may want to implement another one of Dr. Sullivan’s retention techniques.  This one is more complex, but also effective.

Identify the flight risks…

Develop a process for estimating who among your most valuable [agents] are most likely to leave.

Someone within your team always knows who is frustrated. Ask your “superknowers” (internal gossip trackers) to provide you with guidance.

…and introduce them to the brown-grassers.

Many [agents] leave because they mistakenly think that the grass will be greener at other organizations.

Those who rejoin the company after such an experience are known as brown-grassers.

To execute this technique, you’ll need to maintain a close relationship and open dialog with many of the agents in your office.

Not surprisingly, these are also the foundational components of all other retention techniques.

Authentically connecting with those on your team is the true retention secret sauce.