I leaned back in my chair, tapping a pen against my desk as I pondered his unexpected announcement. Losing him would be a significant setback; his skills were unparalleled, and his commitment had driven numerous projects to success. My mind raced through various incentives and counter-offers, but they all felt inadequate. Then, an idea sparked.

“Before you make your final decision,” I started, pausing for effect, “I have a proposal for you. It’s unconventional, but hear me out.” His curiosity piqued, and he nodded for me to continue.

“I’ve noticed your passion for innovation and how you’ve always wanted to push boundaries. You’ve mentioned before how you felt constrained by the scope of your current role. What if I offered you the chance to lead a new project? One that aligns with your interests and aspirations. This would be your baby — you’d have full autonomy, from concept to execution. Plus, a significant bump in your resources and budget.”

I could see the gears turning in his head as he processed the offer. His initial surprise slowly morphed into contemplation. It was clear he hadn’t expected this direction of conversation.

“Think of it,” I pressed on, “this could be a defining moment in your career. You’d not only be cementing your legacy within our company but also in the industry. And, of course, your compensation package would reflect the importance and the scale of this project.”