In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , Stephen Covey states that next to physical survival (food, clothing, shelter), the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival--to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated, and to be appreciated.

Similarly, trainer and speaker John Maxwell says that every child needs to be raised with a sense of belonging, a feeling of being special, and a feeling of being loved.

Unfortunately, this is not happening on a broad scale in our society today. Therefore, people are starting to look for these feelings in the workplace. If they receive this affirmation, more than likely, they won’t leave you. If they don't find it, they probably will.

So, how do you keep good people?
Be prepared and committed to meet their psychological needs through your culture, people, systems, processes, and leadership … every decision made in your company must take all of these into consideration. The company with the best people and leaders will WIN THE GAME!

So, how do you find and retain the best?
Each strategic decision must be made with your people in mind and an understanding of how a decision will affect them.

Remember Aesop's Fables and The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg ? Think of each of each person on your team as a goose ... make sure you nurture, feed and fuel it, so it will produce more golden eggs!

Bottom Line – you must get results!

Make a play today to make someone feel special by helping them feel understood, affirmed, validated, and appreciated.