Your top performer just quit without a backup plan. They're driving Uber while they figure out their next move. Why? Because the pain of staying became greater than the pain of change.

In 2025, 35% of Gen Z workers will quit without another job lined up, and 1 in 4 employees have considered quitting due to mental health concerns. The gig economy changed everything—your people have options now, and being a "nice boss" isn't enough.

Host Colby Morris reveals the critical difference between bosses who lose people and people-first leaders who retain them through the contrasting stories of David (who lost his top performer despite "checking in") and Marcus (who spotted real struggles because he actually knew his team).

You'll discover:

• The three warning signs employees are struggling—and why you can only spot them if you know your people
• A four-step conversation framework for addressing mental health without overstepping
• Why "Are you okay?" fails and what to ask instead
• The business case: workplaces prioritizing mental health see 13% higher productivity

The truth: Being nice doesn't equal being connected. People-first leaders know their people well enough to recognize when "I'm fine" isn't true.

Key Questions This Episode Answers:

• How do I support employee mental health without being invasive?
• What are the warning signs of burnout and mental health struggles?
• How has the gig economy changed leadership dynamics in 2025?
• What's the difference between a boss and a people-first leader?
• How do I have mental health conversations without crossing boundaries?
• What can leaders do versus what requires professional help?
• Why do employees quit without backup plans and what does it mean for me?

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Connect with Colby Morris

Keynote speaking, coaching, and training: nxtstepadvisors.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris

About Things Leaders Do

Practical, people-first leadership strategies for managers who want real results. Host Colby Morris shares insights from his executive coaching practice to help you build stronger teams and create workplaces where people actually want to stay.

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
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