Category: HR/Associate Development

There will be a variety of posts, encompassing everything from hiring checklists to training ideas and documents based on more than 25 years of experience and learning from the best people in the business.

“Nobody seems to want to work today!  We can’t find anyone who wants to work for us.”

Paul Wagenaar

The real problem is some organizations are struggling to find people using tools and strategies that worked in the past but these tools haven’t been updated for the employment environment that exists today. It doesn’t matter if the organization is a “for-profit” or “not-for-profit.” In many ways the problem is a basic supply and demand problem, however, there are many more variables in the equation today than ever before.

Job Loss Trauma … finding a way back

Paul Wagenaar

My posts are about things that I know, things that I have seen, experienced, or situations where I helped people and organizations. This post is about a trauma that is common, many people have suffered through it in the past, some are experiencing it right now, and still, more will experience it in the future.

Organizational Fear … what are your people afraid of?

Paul Wagenaar

Admitting fear makes someone vulnerable. Being vulnerable is not something that many people are willing to discuss.

To reveal the fears in your organization there must be a culture of non-judgment, open communication, and earned trust. If those three elements are in place, then by listening and watching it is possible to identify fears and the people who are suffering.

Revisiting Red Teams

Paul Wagenaar

Looking at new ideas and concepts through the eyes of the fearful and the critical can better prepare organizations for unintended consequences. Taking this empathetic approach can reveal weaknesses and potentially fatal issues. This process is called RED TEAMING.

Period Poverty

Paul Wagenaar

As a society, we have two responsibilities; the first is to illuminate period poverty so everyone can help to reduce the stigma that exists in schools, at home, and in work environments. Second, we can ensure that the supply of the right products in the right quantity is accessible to anyone who needs them.

A Short Guide to Avoiding Self-inflicted Interview Mistakes

Paul Wagenaar

Many of us have been there, we took the time to have a “kick-ass” resume, nailed the cover letter, had some great references, got an interview, and then got to the interview … and something happened, with the job in sight, just like an overconfident race car driver, we crashed in the final corner and didn’t get the job.

Want to know why? How to prevent it from happening again, or to help someone else?

Checkout this short guide …

The small things make all the difference

Paul Wagenaar

Hiring the right person for any position is part craft and part science. You are dealing with experiences and trying to gauge potential. Reviewing these few points at the end of each interview with your co-interviewer can give you insights into the applicant that might just be enough to influence your decision on who to hire. They can make the difference between hiring someone who “could do the job” and hiring a person “who can excel at the job and grow with your organization”.

Using Theatre to Train Your Team

Paul Wagenaar

Everyone joins an organization with varying levels of skills and experience.  The effective use of role-playing can generate incremental leaps in capabilities through fostering interactive learning between co-workers.