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• I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You - Book
• I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You - Learning and Implementation System

I Quit, But Forgot To Tell You
Attacking the Spreading Virus of Disengagement

 

 

 

 

 

Summary: As customers, we have been served by people who quit but never left. As employees, we have been managed by bosses who quit, but managed to stay. As managers, we have managed people who physically attend, but mentally pretend. We call them "disengaged workers" a deadly virus that's spreading throughout businesses worldwide. Let's face it. No one takes a job intending to fail. No employer hires with the intent to fire. Both parties want only the best. They both want to succeed. So what happens? Disengagement statistics are telling, but they don't convey the entire story. You must look at the human issues behind the numbers. That's why much of I Quit But Forgot To Tell You is premised on Terri's real-life experiences-first as a professional in the field of retail, then as a retail strategist and advisor. The ideas and recommendations, however, are equally suited for all industries; they are straightforward, logical truths that utilize the logic of human nature to achieve the goals of both the individual and the organization.

Download Chapter 3 (pdf)

Reviews:

"Every retailer in America is facing critical problems in the areas of employee retention, development and motivation and Terri Kabachnick meets these issues head on, digs to their core and offers realistic ways of addressing them."
-Garrett Boone, Chairman - The Container Store

"I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You" is a fine example of people in the workplace today. Terri's broad retail experience along with her keen sense and knowledge of human behavior marries to accomplish this simple straightforward and telling reality. We have all lived these experiences Terri describes. Learning the practice of engagement through Terri is a 'must have' for any and all executives."
-Suzanne Johnson, President - Saks Off 5th

"I Quit... is a handbook on both diagnosing and curing the symptoms of employee disengagement in your business. Read it! Use it! And, you will reinvigorate your workforce."
-Mickey Lord, Director of Organization Development - Suburban Energy Services

"Terri Kabachnick has written a superb book that really hits home. It walks the reader through the signs of employee disengagement and then offers meaningful and actionable advice about how to get the employee back on track. Anyone who manages people will recognize some of their employees and possibly themselves among the pages of the book and will not want to miss a single word. I found it very compelling."
-Tracy Mullin, President & CEO - National Retail Federation

"Terri Kabachnick has written a superb book that really hits home. It walks the reader through the signs of employee disengagement and then offers meaningful and actionable advice about how to get the employee back on track. Anyone who manages people will recognize some of their employees and possibly themselves among the pages of the book and will not want to miss a single word. I found it very compelling." -Tracy Mullin, President & CEO - National Retail Federation

"Terri's insight into understanding what inspires employees to do their very best and to "live the brand" is a true gift. She helps you think about employee engagement in new ways, and the approaches she uses to share those insights are both entertaining and motivating."
-Cheryl Holland Bridges, Director, Center for Retailing Studies, Mays Business School, Texas A & M University

"Thank you for the book. I read it immediately and found it great to read and informative. I agree with Terri's conclusion that workers become disengaged. Disengaged employees are the first to steal. Bob was a genius at keeping in touch with the rank and file. He always wanted me to take the fitting room attendants and the custodians out to lunch. He said, and was correct, they like recognition and were a wealth of information. Once they knew and trusted you, their information came forth, because they wanted a better place to work. Today many companies go to "My Space" to read what their young employees sometimes write about them. I know of one company that uncovered a theft ring that way. Stay in communication with the crew and the ship sails smooth.

"I look at today's middle and upper management, many have spent little or no time with the rank and file. They do not understand their problems as an economic group. They have spent little or not time in a low and medium wage job, except to train.

"Terri, I once again conclude, God in making you placed an incredibly smart brain, in an incredibly beautiful woman and person."

-Howard Randlett, Former Director of Loss Prevention, Bob's Stores

"To stay current with our industry, I read a significant amount of books and articles regarding coaching, leadership, motivation, etc. Usually I find myself skimming to avoid the overabundance of "fluff."

"I have just finished reading one of the most important books on leadership that I have ever read. It's called "I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You." Kudos Terri, well done!!! "I Quit" is articulate, concise, focused and highly informative (a high "D's" kind of book). I bought 15 copies and will send one to all of my top clients. I'm envious, and wish that I had written it (my highest compliment), as it expounds upon many of my beliefs and practices that I share with clients."

- John Birch, President, The Birch Group

"As an employer of many, this book certainly hit home. It is a must-read for employers of any sized company, because what we really look for is the engaged employee. Lots of nuggets to help prevent the employer from making mistakes in hiring, and also strategies for them to identify the warning signs of disengagement before it occurs."
- Marjorie Brody, Brody Professional Development

"Even if you don't have disengaged employees, you should read this book and follow its guidance as a preventative measure. Terri has masterfully described the management challenge and the leadership solution. Read it now and save yourself a lot of headaches."
- Ed Oakley, CEO, Enlightened Leadership Solutions, Inc.

"I have an important disclaimer. I have known the author in a professional capacity for nearly five years. And I was never aware of the knowledge that she had to share with respect to engagement. In any business, the key to success is a happy employee first. I believe this at my core. One cannot have satisfied customers without service providers that are engaged. We are lost as business operators without the commitment and professionalism of our frontline team members. The information contained between the covers of this well written and easy to implement tome has helped me embrace my employee-centric approach to customer satisfaction to an even greater degree. You owe it to yourself, your team, and your customers to read this one twice!"
- Benjamin Friedberg

"Terri not only gives real life examples of how today's employees are not engaged; she also goes deep to show that it's more than just hiring smiling faces. She knows that the key to retailing success and branding lies with the people who meet the customers everyday and any retailer who wants to succeed in today's competitive marketplace should read this book."
- Kenneth A. Banks KAB Marketing

"Thank you Terri! You have packed into one easy to read book a brilliant insight into why staff aren't committed to earning their keep, but even more importantly, what we can do to engage and inspire them. The tools provided are ever so practical, especially the engagement survey that reveals all. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who employs anyone and wants to create both job satisfaction for the employee and improved productivity for the employer. "I Quit" may become the new bible for the "I've changed and ready to contribute..."
-Brian Lee, Founder & CEO, Custom Learning Systems

"Too many companies have employees that are "retired on the job," simply going through the motions and too listless to find a job they are more suitable for. These employees have disengaged their mind from their work. There is a solution and Terri has been showing companies how to engage their employees long before the concept became in vogue. Drawing on solid research and numerous real life examples from top companies, "I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You" clearly and intelligently points out the how and why employees become disconnected from their job and the symptoms to be alert for. What makes this book so valuable is that it provides a blueprint for reversing the tide of disengagement and hiring and nurturing people so that they truly live your brand. The solutions make sense. I am recommending this book to all my clients."
-Bob Romano, President, Romano & Sanfilippo

"Real life tools to heal real life problems in business! What a great way to being your future at work! Read this book, take the engagement test and being performing at your highest level of effectiveness at work!"
- Todd Alexander, Executive Vice President, Retail Advertising & Marketing Associations

"Terri's book is an excellent source in understanding the detached employee and how to motivate positive changes."
- Cynthia A. Billington, Associate Director, Texas A & M University, Mays Business School