I fell into Human Resources (it was “Personnel” back then) after taking aptitude tests in the military, and then continued in civilian HR once I left the … Read more
Why We Need Bereavement Policies That Make More Sense
Grab your company’s Employee Handbook and take a look at the Bereavement Leave policy. Go ahead, I’ll wait. It probably starts out by stating how the … Read more
Even Not-So-Great Bosses Can Teach You a Thing or Two
I’m the type of person who remembers just about everything you’ve ever said or done to me. But the flip side of my good memory is, lessons learned stick … Read more
Turning a Micromanagement Problem Into Coaching Success
You’ve no doubt have heard the term “micromanage” before. Most likely it conjures up negative connotations. It’s no surprise that research has shown that … Read more
The One Habit You Really Need to Achieve Long-Term Goals
Are we still doing this? How can you make sure you are still making progress on that goal you committed to in that offsite meeting six months ago? In my … Read more
Focusing on the Real Purpose of Employee Engagement
I’ve been writing and speaking about the importance of employee engagement for well over a decade, years before engagement became the commonplace term it … Read more
What Came First — Happiness or Employee Engagement?
Shawn Achor’s book The Happiness Advantage takes an in-depth look at the way happiness impacts people in the workplace. Much of his research and … Read more
Leadership Isn’t About Making Friends
I had my first real job when I was 20-years-old. I filled a vacancy in a Human Resources department. I wasn’t very good at it. My boss didn’t like me. … Read more
You’re the Boss Now: Here’s What Being a Manager is All About
By Aaron McDaniel Me: “I need you to keep on working.” Jim: “But boss, it’s 10:30 at night and I have been working here since 7 am. We are not going to get … Read more
Is It Counterproductive to Have an Open Door Policy?
“Nothing traps you in the urgency of the moment like availability.” — Sam Raimer, Baptist pastor and blogger. Anyone in a leadership position, from an … Read more