An article I ran into at BusinessWeek.com talks about when employees know they are being cared about, they will in turn step up their efforts around the office. Also, it says to be careful not to neglect a valued employee because they can probably go elsewhere and make the same amount of money, if not more, doing something similar or more compelling.

With that said, you must be thinking, “what can I do to make sure my employees aren’t going to leave me? You are in luck. Another section of the article gave a list of suggestions for managing the type of valued employees that fit the about criteria? Rank-order each of your direct reports in terms of his contribution to your customers and your company.

• Ask yourself, "How many of these people could leave our company and get another job—with a pay raise—in three months?"

• Make sure you express your sincere appreciation for the contribution these great people are making to your company.

• Make peace with the fact that you need them more than they need you.

• Ask each of them, "What can your manager do to create an environment where this is a great place for you to work?"

• Don't focus on what you cannot change. Focus on what you can change. Let's say you can't give them a raise. Accentuate the things you can give them: recognition, educational opportunities, the chance to work with a wider range of people, both within the company and outside of it.

• Listen to their ideas, and do whatever you can to keep them coming to work with you.

• Treat them as a great human services leader would treat valued volunteers.