Eventually, all leadership teams come to a realization that if they “win” in attracting higher caliber people than their competitors to their company then they will also “win” in their marketplace. Having a better team of people in place than your competitors is a sure-fire way to create a sustainable competitive advantage. But doing so is tricky. Why? Look no …
ickelback For Christmas
Some of you are getting ready for (or already had) the Christmas gift exchange at your office holiday party. You know the drill – buy something worth $20, then if your location is really wild, you do the white elephant or dirty Santa thing where you either pick a wrapped gift or take something from someone else. Humanity ensues, and …
Are You Brave Enough To Teach Leaders To Not Treat Everyone Equally?
Leadership slang time, people. Let’s give you a term you can text your fellow HR/Talent pros in response to hearing that they’re stuck in a time-suck they shouldn’t be in. The term/acronym? NINA. “No Influence, No Authority.” NINA refers to people who really can’t get things done in an organization, and it’s position/situation specific. Consider the following: – Authority is downward sloping. People with …
Hello 3-Day Weekends!
If you’ve been in the workforce for 20+ years, you probably grew up thinking working longer hours meant you were more productive, or helped you advance your career. I spent many years arriving at and leaving an office in darkness. Microsoft has put a bit of data behind the fact longer hours do not equate to higher productivity (or happiness). …
EB Champion or Cheerleader? There’s Only One Choice
I realized today that I have been looking at the part I play in promoting a company’s employment brand all wrong. I believed this years ago, that one of my skills as a sourcer was to be head employment brand cheerleader. And whether working for a staffing agency or a corporate entity, my role was to always chat up how awesome …
Supporting Employees in Crisis – A Hidden Gem in Retention Strategy
Companies have long sought actions they could take to increase engagement and retention and keep good people. Among these strategies – above market compensation, stock options, long term incentives, work flexibility, work from home, lunch subsidies, comprehensive and fully-paid benefits packages and a really cool and hip workspace – all these help support retention efforts. But one overlooked strategy is …
The Office Halloween Party Rules!
Is your office dressing up for Halloween? Mine isn’t. It’s not that I wouldn’t. Okay, I wouldn’t. But if others wanted to, I wouldn’t say “no”. I mean everyone has that one person in their office that’s a little way too excited over Halloween. I get it. I have kids. They lose their minds at the thought of free candy and dressing up. But you’re …
4 Reasons Why Startups Struggle at Recruiting
In 2019, 63% of startups claim that access to talent as their most critical issue and I don’t see the talent issue getting better in 2020… There are reasons and theories as to why, but here are my top 4 reasons why startups struggle to find top talent. 1–They do not look hard enough and settle for the brother and sister-in-law discount. In the …
4 Critical Steps for Success as a New CHRO
Starting anything new is a bit daunting. A new exercise program. A new school. Sporting a new hairstyle. The internal questions of “Am I ready for this? Will I make friends? Is the “Rachel” really back?” will bubble in the pit of your stomach. Starting a new gig, especially a leadership role, builds even more intense emotions. Starting a new …
Transgenderism In The Workplace: The New Not-So-New Normal
Many years ago I met a co-worker, Terry. Terry was quiet, but friendly enough, a bit of a loner, but social enough. Terry was introverted, but just outgoing enough to be someone to look forward to chatting with. We crossed paths frequently in the kitchen, the men’s room, the elevator, Starbucks, etc. We would chat about everything from food, life, …