“But Paul, you’re different. You like that technology stuff.” That’s what I get when I bring up a new way to manage a process with a new project management tool. Or when I try to introduce a web-based collaboration platform. Or even when I suggest we use group collaboration in Office 365. Real truth? I don’t always like “that technology …
Utilize Your Network as Free Consultants
Think about the best professional advice you’ve ever received. Where did it come from? A how-to YouTube video? A TED talk? Your spouse? An executive coach? Maybe a lawyer? A book? A keynote speech at an HR/talent conference? Likely not. Or… from a fellow HR/talent colleague? Yep, that’s what I thought. Networking is all the rage. So are conferences, podcasts, …
“Do you like essential oils?” Is NOT a Legitimate Interview Question!
After being twenty minutes late for our long-awaited connection, she opened the conversation with: “About me, prior to coming here, I worked at a day spa.” “Do you like essential oils?” “I feel like we’ve met before?” “Oh, November is your birthday? That’s Sagittarius, I’m a stereotypical Capricorn.” “Do you have any pets or young children? Good, because we work …
The Ball Is In Our Court
This isn’t a post about women vs. men. Nor is it about the color of someone’s skin or ethnic background. It’s not even really about tennis. This is a post about teaching moments, and how frequently they seem to occur (and blur) in our professional and personal lives. The U.S. Open Women’s Championship match was one of those moments. As …
Smart Leaders Know That Letting People Fail Can Help Them Improve and Grow
Raising children isn’t easy. Leading people is equally as challenging. In a lot of ways, leadership is very similar to raising a child. The big goal is to build people who are self-sufficient and self-reliant, but the trick is knowing just how much help you should give along the way. Although it seems to be improving, LinkedIn has a mixed …
I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!
“Daily Affirmation with Stuart Smalley” is one of the reasons I continued to watch SNL in the 90’s. Al Franken invented and acted out Stuart in a way that made you laugh and cringe at the same time. I’m not an affirmation gal. The closest I get is coaching my daughter to tell me to “Buck up, Mommy!” whenever I …
HR In The New World Of Work – Through The Lens Of A Customer
Nike has been in the headlines lately. Emerging from those headlines is the story of a significant loss of opportunity within a key segment of Nike’s customers. Nike is the biggest sports footwear and apparel company in the world, commanding $34.4 billion in revenue last year. And yet Nike’s women’s business made up only about a fifth of the total business. …
You Hate Your Job: Welcome to Camp Suck It Up
It’s the end of 2017, and there’s one trend I’ve picked up on. A lot of people in my life are generally negative about work. A little mad, a little disenchanted about where they find themselves in life–and work is always a part of it. Is that you? Are you having a Christmas break pity party for yourself? Welcome to …
Telling High Potential Employees That They’re High Potential
One of the cool things about writing at FOT is that I get to meet tons of folks from around the country. I often get questions from those awesome HR pros…tells me that all of us are trying to figure out this talent game and make a difference. The question below that came up a few weeks ago is one …
5 Truths You Can’t Change About Learning in the Workplace
Let’s be honest – a lot of organizations (most, in fact) play lip service to the concept of learning and development. We say it’s important, but our spend per employee is a fraction of what’s reported by the Bersins of the world, our managers can’t generally make time to pull people off the floor/out of the field for L&D activities …