Sandra sat at her desk, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood surface as she stared at the list of names on her screen. Alex's name, highlighted in bold, stood out. It had been weeks since her conversation with the head of analysis, and ever since, she had been carefully laying out a plan to keep him—and a few other key players—securely tied to the company.
Alex was a mystery in many ways. He was quiet, didn't demand attention, and kept to himself most of the time. His talent was undeniable, though. In the last month, the crypto division had seen remarkable success, thanks in large part to his input during volatile market periods. But talent like his was at risk—especially in an industry like crypto, where competitors were always on the lookout for rising stars.
Sandra's plan was simple, but it had layers. The first step had been subtle. She'd increased Alex's perks—nothing too obvious, but just enough to show him that the company valued him. It started with a better office, conveniently closer to the analysis team where he'd be more integrated into the core decision-making process. He wasn't just some consultant anymore—he was part of the bigger picture.
She had also worked with the finance team to arrange a performance-based bonus. The trick with Alex, she'd noticed, was that he didn't respond well to overt praise or grand gestures. So instead of making it a big deal, she slipped it into his paycheck without much fanfare. When he'd inquired about it, she downplayed it, calling it a "small thank-you for the recent results."
Step two was more personal. She'd assigned one of her most trusted team members to casually befriend Alex, easing him into social engagements within the company. Building a personal connection was key. People were less likely to leave if they felt connected to their peers. She wanted Alex to feel like this wasn't just a job—but a community where he belonged.
Sandra glanced back at the screen, her eyes scanning through the list of other high-value employees. While Alex was the priority, she couldn't ignore the others. Some of them were valuable in different ways, contributing steady work to the company's overall success. People like Jacob from the data team or Marissa from compliance—solid performers, but without the same star quality Alex possessed.
Her strategy for them was different—less personal, more practical. She'd arranged flexible working hours for Jacob, knowing he valued work-life balance, and had adjusted Marissa's responsibilities to focus on more high-profile projects, giving her a sense of importance and recognition.
But Alex… He was a different case entirely. The usual strategies wouldn't work with him. He wasn't motivated by career prestige or fancy titles. In fact, Sandra had the distinct feeling he'd leave in a heartbeat if he felt too pressured or boxed in.
Her phone buzzed on her desk, and she picked it up, seeing the name of the head of analysis flash across the screen. Sandra answered quickly.
"Hey," she said, leaning back in her chair.
"How's our plan coming along?" his voice came through, a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Slowly, but it's moving in the right direction," Sandra replied. "Alex is still here, which is a good sign. I'm keeping things subtle—don't want him feeling like we're breathing down his neck."
"Good," he said. "He's important to us, especially with the way the markets are moving. The elections done and the aftermath's wrapping up, and there's going to be a lot of volatility in the crypto sphere. We need people like him on our side."
Sandra nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I've got a few things in motion—some small perks to make him feel valued, a social connection so he's more integrated. But we've got to be careful. He's not the type to be swayed by big bonuses or promotions."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before the head of analysis spoke again. "Let me know if there's anything more we can do. We can't afford to lose him right now."
"I've got it under control," Sandra assured him, ending the call and setting the phone down.
Weeks of planning had gone into this, and while things were progressing smoothly, she knew the game wasn't over yet. Alex was sharp, and he had a quiet independence about him that made him unpredictable. That was why Sandra's approach had to remain flexible, adjusting as needed without being too obvious.
As for the others—Jacob, Marissa, and the handful of other talented but less critical employees—they'd be fine with a few perks here and there. It was Alex who required more thought, more nuance. If all went well, by the time he considered his options, he'd already be too integrated into the company to seriously think about leaving.
Sandra took a deep breath and returned her focus to the list on her screen. It was a balancing act, but she was confident that, with time, her strategy would pay off.