In the competitive landscape of today's job market, attracting top talent is a perpetual challenge for small businesses and organizations. While large corporations often wield substantial resources for recruitment, smaller enterprises and organizational leaders must rely on ingenuity, culture, and strategic positioning to entice skilled professionals. However, with the right approach and innovative tactics, small businesses and organizations can successfully compete for top talent.
Read MoreRecently, a dental crown came loose.
It filled a gap from a tooth that I lost years ago due to neglect.
Root canal and all.
Back in the day, I would brush less frequently, drink soda, and view dental visits as things to avoid.
The result was that I lost a couple of teeth and had some others that needed much help to save.
Since then, my personal dental care has improved significantly.
And, thank God, I haven't even had a cavity in quite some time.
So, when it became clear that I needed to replace the crown (and went through the process of fitting for a new one,) it brought me back to that time when it seemed like I was in for a rude awakening every time I visited the dentist.
In contemporary contexts we have increasingly come to think of leaders as well-positioned people with strong connections. These men and women are in ample possession of intellect, charisma, power, and wealth. More often than not, we judge them (and, consequently, they judge themselves,) by what they have, or what they have been able to achieve in advancing their institution’s bottom line.
Read MoreThe terms leader and manager are often used interchangeably. But are they the same? Most leadership experts say “no.”
Read MoreBy prioritizing the well-being of their people, exceptional organizations motivate their workers to give everything they’ve got to advance the organization. Peter Drucker once described it as, “lifting a person’s vision to high sights… raising… a person’s performance to a higher standard… (going) beyond its normal limitations.”
Read MorePerhaps more so than in any era of human history, modern society has placed a pronounced emphasis on the study of human leadership. Few foci have consumed the collective interest of university researchers, think tanks, executive coaches, corporate consultants, business magnates and internet bloggers more than identifying the special mix of qualities and actions that produce and sustain strong headship.
Read MoreIf you are like most people, you will take some time on New Year’s Day to reflect on the outgoing year and set some resolutions for the year ahead.
Maybe you’ll decide to make a lifestyle change, such as eating healthier and exercising more.
Perhaps you’ll determine that it is time for more work-life balance or to travel more often.
You may set some business-related goals, such as making more sales calls or taking other action steps that will improve your bottom line.
These, or any other constructive goals, are the first step in living a better, more fulfilled life.
Read MoreIf you are like most people, you will take some time on New Year’s Day to reflect on the outgoing year and set some resolutions for the year ahead.
Maybe you’ll decide to make a lifestyle change, such as eating healthier and exercising more.
Perhaps you’ll determine that it is time for more work-life balance or to travel more often.
You may set some business-related goals, such as making more sales calls or taking other action steps that will improve your bottom line.
These, or any other constructive goals, are the first step in living a better, more fulfilled life.
Read MoreFollowing are more tips to help keep feedback conversations constructive.
Be growth oriented – The primary purpose of feedback should not be assessment. Rather, it should be on coaching employees to grow and set new goals. Once goals are set, use them as a baseline for future conversations with a focus on how the employee is progressing towards his/her goals. If insufficient progress is being made, use the conversation to figure out why and what can be done to help get things on track.
Be reasonable – Even if there are many correctable items that you’d like to discuss, avoid overloading. Too much information will only dilute the conversation and reduce its effectiveness. Choose the 2-3 most important elements that require attention and leave all others alone. Less is more.