Why would anyone work for free …
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 […]
Category: Operations
Seeing all the people, seeing all the possibilities
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 …
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.
What ailments are you causing or ignoring?
Organizations experience major and minor ailments just like people do. Many are the result of external pressures; however, some like “Meeting Narcolepsy” are internally generated. Left undiagnosed and/or untreated these ailments can limit growth, cause decline, and even cause the organization to “die.”
Simple Truths – Nobody is born with a good work ethic.
This past week I attended a meeting where some people were lamenting that their new hires didn’t have a good work ethic and they seemed not to know how to function. Their comments inspired this post because “work ethic” is a learned skill and knowing what and how “to work” is also something that organizations should teach rather than assume.
An Insider’s guide to preparing for winter.
Today was a hot humid day in mid-September … not a day many people are thinking about winter. It doesn’t have to be today, but before the month is over, consider your plans for dealing with winter for your people.
An open letter of help to an entrepreneur and a friend.
People who start a new enterprise are rare and worthy of our praise. Only a few survive, fewer still thrive; however, that does not diminish their bravery. They are committed to making their dream a reality … sometimes they need a little help and that’s what this post is all about.
More than doing just one thing …
I began as a good manager but a poor leader. I benefited from good mentors and people who believed in my potential and through hard work, and many missteps, I have become a better manager and a good leader. In a small way, I hope this post repays their faith and helps you.
Success does not result from a single action, success is the cumulative result of hundreds of small intricate actions and decisions; but most importantly success comes from treating your people well.
Navigating Leadership Traps
Leadership has many rewards and many costs, in striving to achieve success we can develop habits that seem worthwhile and often cross boundaries that we aren’t aware of.
Consider this post, a brief guide to remembering “How you achieve success” is as important as the “Success you achieve.” Please feel free to comment and add your own suggestions.
Employment Common Ground
What does it take to get a job? The answers are as varied as are the number of careers and opportunities. There are however, some universal ground rules that transcend virtually very sector.