Relevant Articles on Hiring, Leadership and Employment: November 2010
Succeeding at Succession
Selecting your organization’s next leader is part science, part art. Some look within; others seek an outsider. Some say succession decisions are guided by too little data and too much reliance on rules of thumb, anecdotes, and even fads. This Harvard Business Review article breaks down general findings of a comprehensive study by executive search firm Spencer Stuart. We think you will find surprises. READ
New Strategies for Keeping Your Staff Engaged
This BusinessWeek column offers great ideas on how to keep your workforce relatively happy even when employees have to deal with reduced hours or pay. One company in the piece lets employees “donate” their unused emergency leave to coworkers who need to take an extended leave of absence. READ
A Leader Learns What He Wants From His No. 2
Here is a great New York Times Business “Case Study” that follows a business owner through the hunt for an employee that will help him grow and manage the business. As Mark learns, sometimes a business leader needs a little outside help to determine what they really need from the next person they hire. READ
A Disappointed Generation Enters the Workplace
A large number of Millennials – the 15-to-30-year-olds entering the workforce – are beginning their careers with a dose of disappointment. They’re struggling to find work out of college, learning professional skills less quickly, and ultimately forming more modest aspirations for the future. If you work with a Millennial or are thinking of hiring one, this article from Knowledge@Wharton offers insights about their challenges and professional outlooks. READ
Stop Being a Control Freak
There’s a point where your passion for your work can turn against you – and turn you into a control freak. SmallBiz.com offers some thought-provoking tips on how to be less of a control freak with your staff while remaining firmly in control. READ
Beating the Competition
Bad news: A competitor just snagged one of your top employees. What’s your next step? This article from Workforce Management offers smart, reasonable strategies for protecting your company and your accounts. READ
Smart Talk From Military Leaders
Harvard Business Review recently published an excellent series of advice blogs in which military leaders offered tips on how managers and business can better coach their employees and execute projects. Ed Barrows, a Boston College lecturer and retired Marine lieutenant colonel, offered tips on keeping your staff focused and your goals clear even during chaotic situations. READ
A New Concept for Nonprofits
The traditional nonprofit model is flawed because it flies in the face of sound business practices, argues Fast Company blogger Alice Korngold. Instead, an emerging model may help nonprofits build sustainable revenue and use better business planning practices. READ