Football fan or not, if you are living in Melbourne it’s hard to escape the Dustin Martin “Decision” that has plagued football headlines and kept Tiger fans up at night with worry.

Dustin Martin – one of the best players in the league, Brownlow Medal favorite, and key to Richmond’s premiership hope has made a remarkable choice to remain with the Richmond Football Club and turn his back on an “uber” counter offer of $11 Million from North Melbourne. In doing so, he sacrifices almost $2 million dollars of career earnings. Just imagine being 26 years old and walking away from two.. million.. dollars.

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Tiger fans who have no doubt mulled over the question, “What would you do?”. “Take the money..or stick with your team?”.

And it’s a question that many of us will face in our own career journeys when faced with an enticing new career offer (perhaps..minus the million dollar stakes). 

So what can employer’s wanting to retain their “Dusty’s” take out of this? What values have been created that over-ride monetary incentives?

Investment

Richmond as a football club has shown enormous faith in Dusty as a player, which has been repaid over recent years and in his recent interview he pointed to the incredible journey both he and his club have been on during his tenure. He mentioned that his negotiations with other clubs felt “Like he was cheating on his girlfriend”. Employees that feel like they have been invested in, have been strongly valued and have been given unique growth opportunities are going to feel indebted, and will reflect on this when considering competitive counter offers.



Flexibility

Dusty has a unique backstory, and it’s a story his employer understood and accommodated. The club knew his family situation well and they worked with him, allowing him leave on a number of occasions. Employers that help manage the competing priorities of work and home-life are going to build employee loyalty. We speak to many candidates who aren’t interested in counter offers simply due to the fact that they “won’t get the same flexibility” that works with their life stage or family commitments.

Achieving something great

Surely a big factor in the “Decision” was the potential to win an AFL Premiership Flag with Richmond. The momentum that Richmond has achieved this season is hard to walk away from. Likewise, employees that feel they are part of a growth plan or are given unique career experiences will want to stick it out with their employer and question if the lure of a salary bump would outweigh the value of experience.

Teamwork

Finally one of the key considerations mentioned as part of Dusty’s decision -making process was the special bond he had with his teammates, coach and fans. Starting at a new club with $11 million dollars worth of pressure on your head without the support of your teammates on and off the field would be a considerable burden. There’s a big factor in the culture and friendships created at work that keep candidates committed to their role…

It’s been a wonderful story for football, and a refreshing tale of loyalty. What are you doing to retain the “Dusty’s” in your team?