If you were happy enough at your firm before the acquisition was announced and your intent was to stay put, then that 100 percent windfall is, essentially, found money. However, if there were frustrations that you were dealing with—and they were impacting your ability to serve your clients, grow your business, and/or your professional quality of life—then even a 500 percent retention package won’t necessarily make your life any better."

Mindy Diamond, President and CEO, Diamond Consultants