Many times while you are doing the whole interview dance the company will ask you why you left a former company or client.  But how often do they ask you what you need/want to not leave your NEXT place?  Sure some times they may ask what makes you happy, or what type of place do you like.  But how often to they ask you point blank, what can WE do, what can WE provided for you not to leave this company (assuming you were to hire on)?

Over the years of working/consulting for various companies I have learned a thing or two about what I am looking for to not make me leave a company and I thought I would share them.

Allow my voice to be heard 
As someone how is relatively opinionated (shocking I know) I like to know that my comments/thoughts/concerns will be heard.  I need an environment where I can feel free to voice both my happiness as well as my displeasure.  If I do not feel that I can be heard, I do not feel like I can make a difference (more on this below).

Put me in a position to succeed
Every employee wants to feel like they can succeed.  No-one wants to or likes to fail.  In order for me to be happy I need to feel that the team I am on is put into a position where we can succeed.

One example of how to do this is by having reasonable expectations on what can be done both both me and the team.  Nothing puts you in a place to fail fast than unreasonable expectations.

Put me in a position to make a difference
I want to feel that all the blood, sweat and tears I pour into my work is going to make a difference.  I like to know that something I did had a direct positive affect on someone else's job being better, easier or faster. 

By allowing me (and others) to make a difference we will work just that much harder and take just that much more pride in our work.  And when this happens, watch out cause the success is about to start flowing like a tidal wave.

Make effective communication must be priority
I need a place that believes that open and honest communication is the key to success.  I want to be kept in the loop on all things that directly relate to the project I am on and the department I work in. 

I want a manager that will let the team know what is going on and is willing to share information that pertains to the team openly and freely.

Manager that will battle to the death for their team
I want a manager that will stand up for and fight for their team.  This shows me that they are not afraid to try to do what is right.  If I have a manager that will fight for either me or the team, I will in turn fight for them, and am also more willing to go not only the extra mile, but even the extra 10 miles.

Team members that challenge me
I want to work with people that challenge me both as a developer as well as a person.  I love to learn, and I want co-workers that want to be the best because this will in turn challenge me to up my game and force me to learn something new.

Cool technology
Do I really need to explain this? 

FYI, cool technology does not have to be the latest version of XYZ language, it could simply working with something that is new to me or different.  It could also be doing something that I have done before, but in a new way.

I am sure my list seems like mostly obvious things, but sadly many places lack some if not many of these.

Till next time,

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