The counter offer is not about the money, it is about the position and responsibility. “We respect you enough to put you in charge of the 40 million dollar client”. (Never mind they have been interviewing at your competitor’s oval office). Just because your perfect Candidate has signed the dotted line and given you a start date, they are not yet officially yours. When the Candidate hands over the resignation letter the battle begins.

It is a Candidate’s market and employers are working harder at retaining and hiring great people. Companies are short staffed and want to keep their money makers happy. How can you make sure you win the counter offer war? Look deep inside at what is truly important to your talent.

For most it is not the corner office, but the quality of life in a workable space. It is about the responsibility, not about the promotion. Give them something to lead and you will be surprised at how accountability makes the cream rise to the top even in a cup of buttermilk.

Cut through the red tape of titles and give out labels which give people a managerial attitude of their own environment. You are a “Creative Leader”. Will you teach the Junior Creatives a concepting workshop in a couple of weeks? You are “Highly Organized”. Will you write the new employee workbook? You are a “Great Writer”. Will you be part of the new company blog? Sure an extra 5k thrown in makes it tastes even sweeter, but the fact you acknowledged a job well done gives your people pride and control in a place where they spend the majority of their existence in everyday.

You are making an offer to a talented Senior Writer for 7k more than the current salary. Though he may not be qualified for the ACD position, he could be completely capable to be the lead on your most important account. It is a little more money a lot more opportunity to shine.

Though the title Vice President is quite impressive on the mahogany door, there is something to be said about being “Favorite”. We all want a 100 on the test, but the gold star stands out even more in a sea of white papers.