Based on what he says, end of the free sodas is a lagging indicator that is significant only for the reason that it serves as a "wake up call" for the "heads-do

Based on what he says, end of the free sodas is a lagging indicator that is significant only for the reason that it serves as a "wake up call" for the "heads-down" talent. Unless the talent is entirely clueless (which makes you wonder about the "superstar" qualification), at some point they will realize that they are no longer a good fit for the company and will leave. So it seems the moral of the story is that hold off on sending overt signals to your employees until you have prepared for their (inevitable) exodus.