IDD Leader

Ep. 55 - One Simple Question Doubled Staff Retention w/ CHI Friendship

Nate Beers

 

What if one simple question could change your entire organization? 

In this episode, leaders from CHI Friendship in North Dakota share how they saw dramatic improvements in staff retention—simply by asking one question over and over again.

Through real stories of appreciation, mentorship, and leadership, you’ll hear how this one shift sparked a ripple effect across every level of the organization. From retirement celebrations that reignited purpose, to 40-year milestones, to empowering DSPs to lead from the front lines—this conversation reveals what happens when recognition becomes a habit, not a program. 

You’ll also hear how CHI Friendship flipped its org chart upside down to put people supported and direct support professionals at the top, and how they used feedback surveys to make meaningful changes to onboarding, scheduling, and staff culture. The result? First-year retention more than doubled. 

If you lead in human services, disability services, or any mission-driven organization, this episode will leave you rethinking what’s possible when leaders listen deeply and act consistently on what they hear. 

Learn more about CHI Friendship at https://chifriendship.com/ 

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