Here are a few ways to help keep your rock star’s star from flaming out:

1. Commend
   We often take for granted that our best performers know how much we value them. Be sure you’re recognizing their efforts often or someone else will woe them away. A few words of appreciation go long way.
2. Communicate
   Do you know what your best employee wants next for their career or where they see themselves in a few years? It may not be with your organization if you aren’t talking to them about future growth and your vision for them going forward. Sit down and ask about their career aspirations and how you can make those dreams come true. Who knows. You might be able to make each other’s dreams a reality.
3. Cultivate
   Rather than spending time and resources on fixing problem employees, your employee development dollars are better invested in the same people you rely so heavily day-to-day. Create situations where your top performers can be side-by-side with other high performers by making sure they participate in their professional society, community boards and leadership programs such as a Leadership Posse.

Nurturing top performers is very deliberate and very personal. However, a small investment of time and development dollars in your top performers is inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing your best team members.

We’ve all been there. We wake up half rested, groggy and even a bit disoriented. The fall out of continuously not getting enough sleep leaves us more than just feeling a little groggy in the morning. Lack of sleep can have a detrimental domino effect on your overall mental and physical well-being.

New research is telling us that not sleeping well is much more dangerous to our health than just feeling tired. In the short term, you may find that you make mistakes at home or work and it takes longer to complete tasks. You may experience decreased alertness and experience more stress in relationships. It is even said that work and automobile injuries are more common in people who don’t sleep well.  Lack of sleep is associated with many serious medical issues including high blood pressure, obesity, heart issues, stroke and mood disorders.

Here are 5 tips to more restful sleep:

1. Go to bed at the same time each evening – your body and mind get into their own natural sleep rhythm.
2. Turn your screens off at least an hour prior to going to bed – the blue light from our mobile devices and televisions actually prevent us from winding down at night.
3. Write it down – capture your thoughts on paper about the day’s activities and what is on your agenda for tomorrow.
4. Gratitude – remember all you are grateful for always for connection to your soul.
5. Meditation – take a few intentional moments to wind down – loosen your jaw, let go of tension, focus on your breath and allow thoughts to come & go without any judgment.

As we transition into winter, it’s the perfect time to give our bedtime routine some attention.  Sweet dreams.