Expert Advice
The Key to Getting Hired: Examples of 'Flawless Execution' (not Perfection)
By Barry Deutsch Tuesday Jun 22, 2010One of the three core traits we insist our clients focus on in the interview process to measure top talent is flawless execution. Flawless execution is not about doing your job perfectly — it’s about the ability to overcome problems and other issues standing in the way of delivering results on time, on budget and on target.
Rehiring an Employee Who Quit Can Be Smart Business
By Ira Wolfe Monday Jun 21, 2010Just a few years ago, using the axiom “time heals all wounds” and boomerang worker in the same sentence seemed so… contradictory. Today, many employees who have left a company to pursue opportunity elsewhere have shed the label “traitor” and have been ordained “alumni.”
The Question that Should Keep You Awake at Night
By Barry Deutsch Monday Jun 21, 2010After each recession, there is typically a wave of turnover as advertised jobs increase and dissatisfied employees seize the opportunity to leave. So what if some of your best people walk out the door? What you doing right now to ensure your company is capable of retaining your best talent as the job market expands?
Why You Should Hack Your Own Business
By Kevin Beaver Monday Jun 21, 2010Ever thought about hacking your own network to see just how vulnerable your systems are? There's a process called "ethical hacking" that allows you or an employee to peform various security checks so the flaws can be uncovered before there's an attack.
Manager's Dilemma Solved: Are Employee Sabbaticals Good Business?
By Jay Forte Monday Jun 21, 2010In this week’s Manager's Dilemma, I looked at an employee benefit that's becoming increasingly popular even in this down economy: corporate sabbaticals. I outlined a scenario involving a vice president at mid-sized construction company who requested a four-month sabbatical, arguing that it would add value to him personally and to the company. I asked if you agreed and, if you were the CEO, would you grant his request? Here is what actually happened:
Should You Ban Facebook at the Office?
By Kevin Beaver Friday Jun 18, 2010In the whitepaper "To Block or Not. Is that the Question?," Palo Alto Networks explores the issue of "Enterprise 2.0" applications such as Facebook, Skype, Twitter and YouTube and howusers are now in control of the network. Meanwhile, IT staff is saying "just block it!" and users say "just don't block it!," but it's not that simple.
When Hiring Techies, Beware the Charlatans
By Kevin Beaver Thursday Jun 17, 2010Last year, Gartner predicted that IT spending would increase in 2010. I'm certainly seeing it in my consulting work. This will likely lead to hiring new staff, or at least new consultants for your IT and information security projects. Just don't fall for the "I'm certified, therefore I'm all you need" persona.
3 Common Pitfalls of Pre-Employment Tests
By Ira Wolfe Wednesday Jun 16, 2010Hiring managers, seeking the special ingredients in what makes a top-performing employee tick, are turning to pre-employment testing more and more. But like a promising recipes, the proof is in the pudding. Many employees don’t work out even if they “pass” a pre-employment personality test. How can that be, you ask?
Can't Find Good Sales Reps to Hire? You're Looking in the Wrong Place
By Barry Deutsch Tuesday Jun 15, 2010A recent post, "How to Hire the Perfect Sales Rep," caught the attention of a lot of executives and managers. Many emailed me, saying they finally understood how to hire the right salesperson. But that didn't solve their problem entirely. To paraphrase, they asked: "How do I even find a decent candidate to put through these great hiring best practices?" You request — I respond. Let's jump right into the subject of finding a great sales rep.
Why Rewarding Employee Loyalty Can Be a Mistake
By Ira Wolfe Tuesday Jun 15, 2010Which is better: employee retention or loyalty? The answer isn’t as obvious as one might think.