Exit interviews don’t retain talent, stay interviews do: below are 12 TOP questions to ask your team before they are out the door or window.

1. What part of your work feels like play rather than work?

Reveals: What energizes and excites them. Helps align tasks with their passions for greater engagement.

2. What’s one small change that could make your day-to-day work easier?

Reveals: Practical, often overlooked barriers that you can quickly address to improve their experience.

3. When you think about your future, where does this role fit in?

Reveals: Their long-term career aspirations and alignment with your organization’s path.

4. If you could redesign your role, what would it look like?

Reveals: Their hidden frustrations and creative ideas for job improvement. A window into their ideal work setup.

5. What’s one thing we’re not doing as a team that you think could make a big difference?

Reveals: Opportunities for innovation and gaps in team dynamics. Encourages ownership of improvement.

6. What’s something you’ve accomplished here that you’re most proud of?

Reveals: What they value in their work and how they measure success. Reinforces their sense of achievement.

7. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do here but haven’t had the chance to yet?

Reveals: Untapped potential and interests. Gives you the chance to create new opportunities for growth.

8. What’s one thing you’ve learned recently that excites you?

Reveals: Their curiosity and growth mindset. Shows you care about their development.

9. How do you prefer to be recognized for your contributions?

Reveals: Their preferred recognition style, helping you celebrate them in meaningful ways.

10. If a friend offered you a similar role elsewhere, what would make you hesitate to leave?

Reveals: What they value most about working with you—and potential areas to double down on.

11. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do here but haven’t had the chance to yet?

Reveals: Untapped potential and interests. Gives you the chance to create new opportunities for growth.

12. If you could change one thing about how I lead, what would it be?

Reveals: This invites candid feedback about your leadership style and helps you grow as a leader.

Bonus question:

13. What’s one thing you’re afraid to tell me, but feel I need to hear?

Reveals: This creates space for tough conversations, building trust and transparency.

Stay interviews work.

Why?

Because they show employees you care.

Before they reach their breaking point.

Don’t wait for an exit interview to learn what you could have done differently.

Start these conversations today.

Oh, and take action on the answers.

Arpad Szakal - Principal Consultant at Cormis Partners
Arpad is a Principal Consultant with extensive experience in executive search and leadership consulting, specializing in placing senior leaders in high-impact roles across various industries.

We specialize in finding leaders who drive success. We root ourselves in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each sector, to identify talent that not only fits but fuels growth and innovation.

Let us help you build a future powered by exceptional leadership.

www.cormispartners.com