Craig Groeschel: Stop Losing Your Best Team Members
Retaining Your Best Team Members Through Biblical Encouragement
In today’s fast-paced, demanding work environments, keeping your top team members can feel like an ongoing battle. Why do so many gifted, hardworking individuals walk away from roles that seem perfect for them? Too often, the subtle, quiet power of affirmation is overlooked. As followers of Christ, we are called to build others up—to reflect the love and encouragement of Jesus in every relationship, including the workplace. In this article, we’ll discover three life-changing directions of affirmation every leader should practice: affirming down, affirming up, and affirming inward. When these habits become part of your daily leadership, you just might find you’re not only retaining your best people—you’re raising up the next generation of Christian leaders.
Why Leaders Lose Good People: The Missing Piece
It’s common for leaders to assume that hard work alone will keep their teams strong and committed. However, Scripture teaches us that while diligence is crucial, words of life are equally vital (Proverbs 16:24). Most supervisors only remember to encourage those who report directly to them, offering praise in a single direction—down. While essential, this direction isn’t enough. People are wired for connection and meaning. If a leader’s appreciation for their team isn’t expressed regularly and sincerely, even the best employees may quietly drift away, feeling like their contributions go unseen and unvalued.
Here’s an undeniable truth in leadership: if you neglect to affirm and cherish your most talented team members, another leader will. High-performers have options; someone else will recognize their gifts if you don’t. And when your affirmation only focuses on output instead of the person, you risk creating a culture of mere performance rather than empowerment and transformation. Jesus constantly saw the heart behind the action, not just the deed itself.
Three Directions Every Christ-Filled Leader Affirms
If we want to follow Jesus in how we lead, our encouragement must flow in three directions: to those we lead, to those who lead us, and within ourselves. Each direction unlocks a deeper level of unity and effectiveness in the body of Christ.
Affirming Down: Caring for Those Who Serve With You
The most familiar way to affirm others is to share encouragement with your direct reports. This is foundational leadership. When we take time to notice, celebrate, and verbally value the people who propel our mission forward, we reflect Christ’s love and see extraordinary commitment in return.
Genuine affirmation means going beyond a generic “good job.” Instead, make it:
- Personal: Address their unique strengths and character.
- Timely: Don’t wait for a milestone—encourage daily.
- Specific: Point out the exact actions or traits you appreciate.
Consider this: When positive behaviors go unnoticed, they often fade with time. Hard work, consistent effort, and acts of excellence that aren’t acknowledged gradually diminish—not because your team doesn’t care, but because they don’t know you do. It’s your role to prove that their dedication matters, both to the mission and to you personally.
Let’s put this into practice in a novel way. Instead of only offering encouragement directly, try what’s called “affirmational gossip.” Brag about your team members behind their backs—but in the most positive sense! Whether it’s sharing someone’s accomplishments with their spouse at a work event, praising a colleague to their parent, or commending a team member to your own supervisors, these words often carry unique power when relayed secondhand. When your affirmation reaches someone through someone who loves them, it touches them on a deeper level. Don’t be afraid to get creative in how you show others their value extends beyond just the job description.
And don’t forget: It’s important to praise not just results, but the effort and character behind them. Recognize when your people show up early, put in the work, and display honesty, integrity, and resilience—even when the tangible wins aren’t obvious. Waiting for only major victories to celebrate means missing out on the small daily choices that build true leaders.
In truth, if you only affirm outcomes, you’re building performers. But if you affirm people, you’re building leaders. Consistent affirmation of character, courage, and growth sows seeds that bear fruit for years to come.
Affirming Up: Encouraging Those Who Guide You
It might feel awkward or even unnecessary to affirm those above you—your boss, supervisor, board, or pastor. Among Christians, insecurity can creep in: “Why would my leader need affirmation from me?” The answer is simple: because they’re human, too.
The higher the position, the less honest encouragement leaders usually receive. As responsibilities stack up, so do pressures and expectations—often without the comfort of genuine affirmation. Most senior leaders hear constant requests, complaints, or veiled flattery. Sincere gratitude is rare, making it all the more precious.
Recognize that affirmation upwards should never be manipulative. This isn’t about gaining favors or recognition—it’s about expressing authentic appreciation for guidance and sacrifice, reflecting Christ’s call to honor and serve one another in love (Romans 12:10).
Here’s how to make your encouragement meaningful: Be consistent, specific, and heartfelt. Share, “The way you handled that tough situation really inspired me,” or, “Your vision and integrity help me grow in my faith and work.” Occasionally, go deeper—write a note of thanks, offer a thoughtful gift, or express your gratitude in a way that shows you understand the weight your leader carries.
And if you’re tempted to withhold affirmation simply because your leader rarely praises you, remember: As believers, we give not to receive a return, but because it’s right and Christ-honoring. Be the exception. Jesus told the story of ten healed lepers—only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19).
