The 12 Early Signs (Early Warning)
- Robinson De Jesús
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Your best talent quits mentally 3-9 months BEFORE official notice. But signs are there. Maria's case (VP of Product): 6 months before resigning, showed 8 signs. Nobody intervened because “they seemed small.”
THE 12 SIGNS:
(1) Stopped proposing new ideas in meetings.
(2) Canceled 1-on-1s repeatedly.
(3) Finishes exactly 5:30 PM (used to stay).
(4) No questions about long-term strategy.
(5) Updated LinkedIn (skills, endorsements).
(6) Dress more formal (interviews?).
(7) Volunteered less for new projects.
(8) More critical/cynical in conversations.
(9) Less engaged team events.
(10) Increased PTO usage (interviews).
(11) Less proactive communication.
(12) Responds "It's fine" to everything.
TRACKING FRAMEWORK:
Create a simple scorecard for each high performer.
Track 12 signs monthly.
0-2 signs = Normal.
3-4 signs = Yellow flag.
5+ signs = Red flag - intervene NOW.
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