Performance Issue
Manager
Warm
Responding when your best employee gets a competing offer
A top performer just told you they have an offer elsewhere.
Strategy
Thank them for telling you, then find out what the offer represents before you talk money. Counter the reason, not just the number.
Thank you for telling me instead of just leaving. That took trust. Before we talk about matching anything, I want to understand what pulled you. Is it the money, the scope, the manager, or the ceiling here? Give me until Thursday. I will come back with what I can actually do, and I will be honest if it is not enough.
If they push back
If they say it is mostly money: "Then let me find out my real ceiling rather than guess. If I cannot get there, I will tell you straight and help you leave well."
What not to say
- After everything we have done for you
- Is this a negotiation tactic
- You would really leave the team like this
- Let me see if I can beat it
Follow-up
Thursday as promised: here is what I can do on base and scope. If it does not clear their offer, I mean it about the reference and the introduction.