The 2019 graduates are about to take the workforce by storm. If you've been struggling to find the right employees in this tight talent market, this is good news. But how willing are you to consider candidates who are fresh out of college or high school? According to an in-depth survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education, 44% of employers value experience over pure … [Read more...]
4 Steps for Brand-New Leaders
This is a guest post by Zoë Routh, a coach and expert with over 20 years experience in leadership and personal development. If you've moved into a new role where you are more visible and there's a heap more expectation, here are four steps to help you navigate this new level. I call it acclimatizing for leaders. There's always an adjustment period as we discover who we need … [Read more...]
[Infographic] 10 Leadership Lessons From Leslie Knope
If you haven't watched Parks and Recreation (ever or recently), it might be time to binge-watch the show (it's on Netflix!). As Fundera points out in this infographic, we all stand a lot to learn from the shows wacky, but utterly devoted, lead character, Leslie Knope. Check out these 10 leadership lessons she teaches us all. … [Read more...]
Bolstering Equality and Diversity in Your Organization
Today is International Women’s Day, a global day that encourages us to take a minute and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, and raises the question: How can you help forge a more gender-balanced world? For leaders, this question is vitally important. You have the potential to take actions every … [Read more...]
Shape a Work Environment Where Employees Can Thrive
As a leader, you have the power and opportunity to shape your workplace environment in a way that inspires employees and helps to ensure they can do their very best work. David Deacon, in his book The Self-Determined Manager, explains that if you do the following consistently, you will foster an environment where employees can reach their full potential. See shaping your … [Read more...]
The Most Challenging Issue Companies Are Facing Right Now
This is a guest post by by Stephan Schiffman and Gary M. Krebs. I don’t mean to frighten you, but I am about to alert you to a dire circumstance many companies are dealing with right now: turnover. Today’s generation does not have the same long-term commitment to the company as past employees did. They are impatient with achieving career goals and are cavalier about … [Read more...]
8 Qualities the Best Managers Possess, According to Real Managers
What skills do the best leaders possess? The answer might depend on whom you ask, the industry you're in, your organizational culture, and even your team dynamics. Still, it's a question worth considering, and who better to answer it than real managers doing the work everyday. The folks at MindTools.com set out to gain some insight by surveying 15,242 managers and … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Build Your Confidence as a New Leader
If, as a new leader, you're feeling nervous, overwhelmed and out of your element, you may need to "fake it until you make it." In other words, you may need to pretend you're confident until you actually feel that way. But how do you go about doing that? It's not about strutting around like a peacock or proving to your employees that you have all the authority and power. In … [Read more...]
Friendship at Work? How to Make it a Benefit, Not a Problem
Eighty-two percent of people feel they have friends at work, but only 15 percent see those friendships as "real," says research conducted by Olivet Nazarene University. The survey of 3000 people across 21 industries sheds some light on how people perceive their coworkers. You can see more results here, but here are a few highlights: 71% don't consider any coworkers "best … [Read more...]
How to Make an Impact as a Manager
After 30 years of working, reading and studying the topic of manager’s development the quote above is still my favorite when it comes time to characterize how managers need “to be” as they perform their roles. The great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu advised that the fundamental character of a “good manager” (He actually said leader but please allow me the poetic license!) is one … [Read more...]