Management & 1-on-1s
What to Say When Your Best Performer Hands in Their Notice
When a top engineer or AE resigns, getting angry or begging destroys leverage. How to conduct a high-class retention counter-pitch or transition cleanly.
Amit KasliwalCEO & Founder, Dehurdle
August 19, 20261 min read
The Friction
The moment a star employee says 'I have accepted another offer,' managers panic and start throwing counter-offers randomly. This feels desperate.
The Discovery & Counter Script
Recommended script
"First, congratulations. While I am disappointed to see you go, I care about your career trajectory. To understand the full picture: what is this new role offering that you felt you couldn't achieve here? Is it scope, compensation, or team dynamic? If there is an opportunity to solve that here, I want to explore it. If not, I want to support your transition 100%."
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
2-Minute Spoken Practice
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
Practice handling unexpected resignations with poise in Dehurdle.
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