Did you ever go to a dance with someone you liked, and after an hour saw your partner lost in someone else's arms?

The big issue of 2010 will be retention of the organization's most valued contributors. If they leave the party with someone new, they'll take a lot of morale with them.

Job turbulence on the way

During the recession, fear trapped even the high-producers in their jobs. Now they're growing more confident, beginning to think about who they'd like to dance with next.

That's why HR professionals will be judged this year on whether they contribute to a successful retention strategy, or merely transact the inevitable resignations.

Here's the opportunity: organizations tend to think they can pay people to dance with them, and to an extent, it's true. But HR professionals know that even lots of money can never buy loyalty.

The thrill of being asked

For many people, it's a thrill to be invited to dance. They'll accept a new job mainly because the employer took the trouble to court them, made them feel important. Sure, they like the money, but there's so much more to life.

So ask yourself, what will make your most capable people feel valued? The answer is simple: opportunities to grow and develop themselves.

They'll keep dancing with an organization that gives them 360-degree feedback, helping them assess their skills realistically. They'll be charmed by an organization that makes training and coaching readily available.

Some will be attracted by special assignments that fall outside their usual area.

Getting that kind of policy in place is the strategic advantage of HR.

Policies are not enough

The problem with putting on your best clothes, shining your shoes, and fixing your makeup (i.e. getting your policies in order), is that you can't guess what will appeal to each individual dance partner.

For some, knowing they're being prepared for promotion is highly satisfying. For others, there's no worse fate than being promoted from a successful career (let's say as a star software developer) to become a mediocre manager.

The very best way to ensure they'll want to keep dancing with you, is to ask.

So exercise those special interpersonal skills that HR people have. Talk with them individually, personally. Find out what interests them. Share your hopes for them.

A good talk on the edge of the dance floor can win a person's heart.