When I chose to march down the HR career path, I didn’t anticipate I’d become the “go-to” for all HR and career-related questions from family and friends. Don’t get me wrong, it’s as a privilege to be someone that family and friends can lean on in this area. But while it’s a privilege, it can be exhausting and quite tricky …
To Squash Fears of Failure, Discipline Yourself to Keep Moving.
“Action cures fear” – Mike Kim. I am someone who needs structure. And you do to. For the last 18 months, I’ve been on my own workwise. Before you roll your eyes, this isn’t a missive on entrepreneurialism. However, going from larger corporate environments to working for an organization of one (me) has forced me to analyze every nuance of …
Employee Improvement Plans: Should They Always Be Viewed as a Death Sentence?
Did I miss the memo? When did the venerable Performance Improvement Plan — a managerial non sequitur that often has little to do with performance OR improvement — morph into the more concise but equally Orwellian “Corrective Action?” I bumped into this new terminology for what most managers lovingly refer to as a “PIP” a couple of weeks ago when …
More Candidates are Rejected than Hired.
Many of us only hear about the interviews, offers and hires when it comes to recruiting, but more candidates are rejected than offered. For every 1 hire, 46 people were reviewed, 12 were phone/video screened, 3-5 were interviewed, and in the end, one person is ultimately hired (stats from an actual CFO role I worked on). What’s the only action …
The Plane Isn’t Free Falling, But You Still Need to Put Your Oxygen Mask on First.
The person who gave me my start in HR also gifted me with a book, “Managing Transitions” by William Bridges. At the time I was going through a professional change and my organization was in flux–the book was much appreciated. Fast forward almost 28 years (yes, I started my career at 12) and I still revisit that book whenever I …
The 5 Qualities Needed to Be a Really Great Manager
I’ve had a lot of jobs so I’ve worked for a lot of different managers — the good, the bad, and the really ugly. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of them, it’s this: it’s rare when you find one that you would really want to work for again. In fact, when I try to count the good …
My Candidates Don’t Want Me to Text Message Them!
I was speaking to a group of HR pros and leaders recently and this 50-ish-year-old guy says this to me, “Tim, I hear you telling everyone we should be texting candidates, but my candidates don’t want me to text them!” Really!?! What I really say: “If you are in talent acquisition today and you are not texting candidates, you should …
Dear Staff, Just Because It’s Legal, Doesn’t Mean You Can Smoke It At Work – Sincerely, HR
I have known that distinct smell of marijuana ever since I was in middle school. The year was 1975, and I was spending the night at my very popular older brother’s house (known for his infamous parties). I happened upon that plate beneath to sofa that contained, among other things, a pack of funny little thin papers, little round seeds, …
Have You Hired Chris Stapleton or Florida Georgia Line?
I live in Austin, home to many awesome live entertainment venues. In the past month I’ve been able to see many musicians and some wanna-be musicians for the first time. Going to see an artist for the first time is like the first few weeks with a new hire. You’re excited and probably nervous at the same time. What if …
Want Employee Engagement? Just Ask.
Employee engagement continues to be a challenge for organizations of all shapes and sizes. The road map to tackling this challenge is right in front of you if you are willing to involve your employees in the solution. But what should you be asking your people to get that answer? What they value, of course. Pretty simple, but nearly impossible …