Despite a lull in hiring across many industries, now may be the ideal time to consider pre-hire assessments. Why? Because when things do open back up, there will be a flood of talent knocking on your door and asking for a job. This period reminds me of my grandfather, a farmer, who seemed to stay justContinue reading “Now is the Time for Pre-Hiring Assessments!”
While we wade through this new normal stemming from COVID-19, perhaps we can take some time to review where we are with regard to some long-standing business practices. One of the most vilified practices is, of course, the annual performance evaluation. Some of you have heard me talk about getting rid of these things completely and instead,Continue reading “Ten Common Pitfalls of Performance Reviews”
Growing up and learning to cope with her mother’s alcoholism had created habits that were destroying her work relationships. She was both unpredictable and volatile. Some days she was collaborative, other days she was distant and biting. Most days she avoided those people she did not like, or more aptly put, those people she hated.Continue reading “Bringing Demons To Work: An Executive Coaching Story”
February 2017…women marched in over 600 cities totaling approximate 4.2 million. It was arguably the largest demonstration in American history. Signs and banners read: “Keep Your Little Hands OFF Our Rights.” “Men of Quality Don’t Fear Equality.” “I Will NOT Go quietly back to the 1950s” “Super Callow Fragile Ego, Trump You Are Atrocious” AtContinue reading “Is Harassment Finally Getting The Attention It Deserves?”
Unless you have [enviably] been living on a remote South Pacific island the past eighteen months or so, it is obvious that sexual harassment and gender discrimination has recently been a huge topic. Brought up by both parties in the race for the white house, the mistreatment of women seemed to be a major issueContinue reading “Sexual Harassment: Revisited Again”
Some time back, I composed a couple of newsletters that basically proposed the elimination of performance appraisals. Needless to say, these were the most opened newsletters we’ve sent to you. These were also the most controversial, not because of the belief that performance appraisals are the best thing since sliced bread, but because it willContinue reading “OK…..So You Want to Keep Your Appraisal System”
“You’re bombastic, caustic, uncaring and domineering. And those may be your good points,” I started. He just laughed. “I embrace all of those things,” he said. “But I’ll tell you one thing; I get a lot done. By the way, how long is this meeting supposed to last?” The individual sitting in front of meContinue reading “Changing The Asshole a.k.a. Executive Intervention”
Recently pondering the motivation dilemma that most all organizations face at one time or another, I remembered my father’s mantra about creating the right organizational climate: “Just check with the plumber about which way it runs,” he would say. “It starts at the top and quickly goes downhill.” Apathy is one of the most seriousContinue reading “Key Ability for Today’s Leaders? Adaptation Tops The List!”
Zombies really exist you know. Just walk among your corridors and cubicles and you will see some. Their lifelessness and stilted guttural emanations bring a halt to the energy and passion that underlies forward movement. What’s worse is that they impart a kind of virus that creates other zombies. Pretty soon there is an epidemicContinue reading “Factors Influencing Employee Passion…Or…There Really Are Zombies Among Us!”
With Thanksgiving right around the corner many of us will embark upon a considerable gift buying spree for the Holiday Season. Some of us will practically break the bank in an effort to show love and appreciation for family members and significant friends. But what about the other people in our lives that are significant due toContinue reading “4 Unique Gifts You Can Give Your Employees During This Holiday Season”