Most managers are not able to list the three most important work-related values of each of their direct reports. As a result, they are not able to tailor their management approach to individual needs and aspirations. Retaining employees means moving from managing groups to managing individual employees. That requires managers to take the time to uncover what's important to each employee, whether it's working with leading edge technology, having the opportunity to lead or achieving an agreeable work-family balance.

• To uncover employee values, ask questions like:
• What are the three most satisfying aspects of your current role?
• What causes you to lose sleep at night? ¨
• If you could wave a magic wand and change three things about your work, what would they be?
• What would you like to do more of? Less of?
• What would you most like to be doing a year from now?

Asking these types of questions shows your interest in the employee. The next step is to take action to help that employee move in the right direction.