New York, NY, January, 2012 – 2011 saw more organizations lose employees after 20 months than 20 years. We passed the tipping point of settling into the same office, at the same company, and putting in your 40 years. Does this reflect a cultural trend, as American’s quest for instant gratification leads to jumping from one “It” company to the next? Maybe it is a result of the ever-present volatility, manifesting in erratic stock prices, uncertain national credit ratings, Occupy protests at home and the Arab Spring abroad. Whatever the source, this trend is reinforced by a change in how we process and receive information. A greater breadth of news is more immediately accessible and instantly updated than ever before. It compels us to digest short, condensed slices, and experience a fleeting feeling before moving on to the next 140 character emotion. But aren’t careers supposed to be longer than 140 characters? As in previous years Retensa identifies the “Biggest Quits” across all industries highlighting the year’s most important departures spurred by poor planning, poor support or poor talent strategy on the part of the organization. We are pleased to present the seventh annual publication of Retensa’s Top 10 “Biggest Quits” – the most intriguing turnover stories of 2011.
Steve Jobs (Co-Founder and CEO): Apple
Steve Jobs (Co-Founder and CEO): Apple
Pioneer. Visionary. Ruthless. Genius. When Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple in August many words were echoed by both those who knew him personally and those who competed with him. Jobs passing away in October, after his eight year battle with pancreatic cancer, created an unprecedented outpouring of appreciation for a corporate CEO. Jobs’ list of business accomplishments is extensive. However, his contribution to advancing of modern technology is incalculable. Jobs was synonymous with the Apple brand. With the two so tightly intertwined, removing one would have to damage the other. Apple must now move forward without the man who was the face of their organization for (most of) the last 30 years. It is clear that no one can step into Jobs’ shoes. What is possible, is leadership that builds from Jobs’ legacy, while separating itself from it.