The great recession tempered employers concerns' about the retention of executives and other professionals because everyone got conservative and focused on keeping their jobs versus looking for their next great opportunity. However, today is a different story as employers are slow to adjust to focusing on retention, especially of top performers.

Interestingly, in a recent Wall Street Journal report, research shows that executives tend to stay longest with those companies that offer the greatest opportunities to enhance their employability. On balance, a company will keep more talent by helping its professionals grow rather than maintain the status quo.

There are two key approaches that can be used to provide growth opportunities. First are new responsibilities. Providing a broader, more challenging role is a great elixir. Second is training to broaden a professional's skill set. Top performers need to be challenged and universally want to grow.