Why do good employees walk away? You might think you know, but most exit interviews never uncover the real story. People rarely say, “I left because I felt stuck” or “I couldn’t see a future here.” Yet, those are often the true reasons behind turnover.

In this episode, Dr. Bray breaks down a powerful interview framework that goes beyond surface answers and gets to the heart of why employees quit. These aren’t ordinary exit questions; they’re conversation starters that uncover what employees were searching for, what pushed them away, and what might have convinced them to stay.

You’ll discover:

The four “quests for progress” that drive almost every job change

The exact questions that reveal whether someone left for alignment, control, growth, or just to get out 

How to turn exit interviews into learning tools that reshape your culture

Why stay interviews matter more than exit interviews and how to run them effectively

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or business owner, this episode gives you actionable insights and ready-to-use tools for reducing turnover. Understanding why people leave is the first step in creating a workplace where they want to stay. You don't want to miss this episode!

For more information on this topic, read the HBR article spotlight on "Why did They Leave? An Interview Guide," in the November-December 2024 Issue for exact questions to use in your next exit interview.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

"People rarely say, 'I left because I felt stuck' or 'I couldn’t see a future here.' Yet, those are often the true reasons behind turnover."

"Turn exit interviews into learning tools that reshape your culture."

"Whether someone left for alignment, control, growth, or just to get out — the right questions will reveal it."