Rethinking Retention: Why People Leave Great Jobs (CEO Magazine)
Published August, 2024
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson explores why employees often leave strong organizations in search of opportunities elsewhere—and how this “grass is greener” mindset can lead them to overlook the potential already within their reach. Drawing on psychological research, she highlights how people tend to focus more on what they lack than on the opportunities available to them, even though fulfillment is largely shaped by how they engage with what they already have.
She introduces coaching as a powerful solution to this challenge, describing it as a way to help individuals rethink their assumptions, uncover hidden opportunities, and build greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. Rather than relying solely on external coaching programs, Dr. Larson emphasizes the critical role leaders can play by adopting a coaching mindset in everyday conversations.
By helping employees recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and explore growth within the organization, leaders can shift how people see their roles and futures. Ultimately, she argues that organizations that develop leaders who coach are better positioned to retain talent, strengthen engagement, and unlock the full potential of their people—before they look elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
The “grass is greener” mindset drives unnecessary turnover.
Employees often leave not because opportunities don’t exist—but because they can’t see them.People underestimate the opportunities already in front of them.
Fulfillment is shaped less by what we gain, and more by how we engage with what we already have.Coaching helps people rethink what’s possible.
It brings clarity, confidence, and perspective—unlocking opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.Leaders are the most powerful coaches in an organization.
Everyday conversations can help employees recognize their potential and explore growth internally.A coaching mindset strengthens retention.
When leaders help employees navigate challenges and expand their roles, people are less likely to look elsewhere.Growth doesn’t always require a new job.
With the right support, employees can evolve, stretch, and thrive within their current organization.Retention is built through guidance, not control.
The most effective leaders don’t tell people where to go—they help them see more possibilities.
Authored by Carylynn Kemp Larson,