How a Series B Startup Cut Turnover by 40%
Applying the LHRP Framework to a 120-person tech company
When the VP of Engineering at a Series B SaaS company reached out, the situation was clear: they were losing 2–3 senior engineers every quarter, and the hiring pipeline couldn’t keep up. Exit interviews pointed to “culture” and “management”, but no one could pin down what that actually meant.
The Diagnosis
Using the LHRP Framework, we mapped the behavioral chain. Leadership communicated speed and innovation, but the engineering management layer operated on risk avoidance and process compliance. New hires were selected for creativity and autonomy — then placed in a system that punished both.
The behavioral gap between what leadership said and what managers did was the root cause. Turnover was the symptom.
The Intervention
Three changes in 90 days
Leadership behavior audit
We conducted structured interviews with the C-suite and engineering managers to map the actual behavioral signals being sent — not the intended ones. The gap between stated values and daily behavior was documented and shared with the leadership team.
Hiring criteria realignment
Instead of hiring for abstract “cultural fit”, we redefined hiring criteria to match the behavioral reality of the engineering organization. This meant being honest about what the system actually rewarded, not what the job description promised.
Feedback system redesign
We replaced the quarterly review cycle with a continuous behavioral feedback model. Managers were trained to give feedback based on observable behavioral standards rather than subjective impressions.
The Result
Within nine months, senior engineer turnover dropped by 40%. More importantly, the company stopped losing people they wanted to keep. The engineers who stayed reported higher alignment between what was promised during hiring and what they experienced on the job.
Turnover is a lagging indicator. By the time people leave, the behavioral disconnect has been active for months. The LHRP Framework helps you catch it early.
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