Being the biggest, the best, or paying the most is no longer enough to secure and keep good talent. Instead, companies and their leaders need to focus on much deeper things like company culture, belonging, benefits, and work-life balance.

Here are some things you as a leader should know:

People Affect Customer Service

Before we jump into the talent race, we first need to understand why we need to join the race in the first place. While we could mention the better output, the contacts of the talent, the experience, or similar; it all boils down to something similar. People who are passionate and motivated provide much better customer service than those who aren’t, as they genuinely want to make their company look good.

Build A Company Culture

Company culture is fast becoming one of the most important parts of the company, as without it they will lack proper talent. Company culture includes the atmosphere, working conditions, comradery, teamwork, and the overall way the company operates internally. Google is well known for a company culture that embraces people’s comfort zones and creates a workspace that employees never want to leave. The result is good talent is lining up to join the company.

As a leader, you need to build a company culture that addresses the needs of the talent:

• A sense of Freedom
• A feeling of Belonging
• A Strong Support System
• Autonomy
• A sense of Openness
• Trust

Focus on adding these to your company culture and you will start your journey to building a company talent is begging to join.

Construct The Winning Formula

The truth is everyone likes to win. Maybe for different reasons, but we all want to win. And companies with the winning formula often attract top talent who want to learn how to win. It’s the same reason soccer teams gain so much support when they are winning compared to when they are not. People want to be a part of a winning team, part of a winning formula.

Find your winning formula and build on it. This will attract the best of the best.

Focus on Benefits, Not Money

The days of throwing money at people to attract them are gone. While you may attract some, they will quickly move on when you lack everything else. It’s the same as helicopter parenting. While your child may appreciate the new iPad, what they would rather have is you there with them.

People in the workplace are the same. While money is great, they would prefer to work for a company where they feel appreciated, heard, and valued; a place where they belong and have a purpose; a place they have a family. If you want to attract the best talent, focus on the benefits.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to leadership. Your actions as a leader make and break your company and its image. Focus on leading well and the rest will fall into place.