Category: Entrepreneurs

Suggestions for Small/Medium-Sized Organizations

Paul Wagenaar

The United States is no longer the shining beacon of trade, hope, and freedom it was only a few months ago. Countries like Canada seem to be its new enemy and are subject to uncertainty, economic blackmail, and threats to its sovereignty. At a micro-level, many small and medium-sized organizations are facing decisions that were unthinkable previously … how to survive in a hostile trading environment.

In 1500 words or less, I can only suggest the beginnings of a new path, a way written expressly for a friend who operates her own business. My advice though, could help both “for profit” and “not-for-profit” organizations chart a new path, not by denying our new reality, but by “turning into the US-lead economic skid,” and begin working towards a future not based on US reliance.

It is always worth the effort …

Paul Wagenaar

Hiring a student or welcoming a coop student into your workplace is an investment in our collective future. The practical skills and knowledge they gain builds on their academic abilities. Take the time to prepare and anticipate the work involved and collaboratively make them part of your team.

Train them and allow them to demonstrate to you they can make meaningful contributions when provided with opportunities.

Recognize the signs and decide what to do about it.

Paul Wagenaar

It’s an easy trap to fall into. You tell yourself in the beginning that it is just for a little while until you get caught up. You’re a hard worker and the work you do is really important. Soon the extra becomes the normal and you might not even notice for a while … and then you’re caught.

This brief post talks about how it happens, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly how to start to escape the cycle.

30 Small Steps

Paul Wagenaar

Finding a new job is not something many of us do well or fortunately isn’t something we get a lot of practice doing. However, when we do find ourselves having to look for a new job, there is help available and it is a learned skill. Consider this post to be a short introductory guide to thirty small steps that can help you or someone you know.

MORE TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Paul Wagenaar

I work assisting people who are experiencing barriers to employment overcome them and find jobs that either accomplish their goals or take them to the next step on their individual journeys.

My role as a coach and mentor constantly reminds me of the lessons shared with me during my career, this post is the next chapter on “lessons learned” from my November 24th post.

“Yes” and so do many other hiring “practices.”

Paul Wagenaar

Have you ever considered how biased our hiring practices are toward people who do not experience barriers to employment. How difficult it is for people who are from outside the “colonial bubble” most of us never even notice?

When you start to see and think about those barriers you can see the intrinsic discrimination that happens every day.

Black Friday and Boxing Day (BFBD) … one merchant’s least two favorite days of the year

Paul Wagenaar

As a merchant, the end of November and the beginning of December is part of the most exciting time of the year. The holiday spirit infuses people and there a more of a willingness to make purchases during this period than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately, there are two events, Black Friday and Boxing Day (BFBD), that have come to represent the only shadow on this season. From a merchant’s perspective, let me share why BFBD are my least two favorite days of the year.

Why would anyone work for free …

Paul Wagenaar

I am writing this on a Saturday.  I did two hours of work today and two hours last night. I have already worked many hours over my allotted workdays this week. It is unlikely I […]

Seeing all the people, seeing all the possibilities

Paul Wagenaar

When you or your organization goes looking for new people, what do you see? Do you see everyone who could meet or exceed your requirements? Do you include people from different backgrounds, ethnicity, cultures, people who experience barriers to employment. Hiring people is about seeing people without bias, misconceptions; it is about seeing the humanity behind the cover letter or resume.

I was involved in Human Resources for most of may career, I made mistakes; but with help I learned some lessons that might help you and your team.

Stepping back from the edge …

Paul Wagenaar

I have been here. Painfully unaware that I was teetering on the precipice. I was lucky, I had good mentors, I had key people who took a chance and told me what I needed to do and gave me the space to change. It wasn’t always smooth but I listened, I learned, and I became better.

As managers and supervisors, we will all eventually find ourselves in this position; how we react determines if we can step back or if we will plunge into the abyss.

What follows is what I was taught, what I learned, and what I continue to use. I hope it helps you.