Happy 2018!

2018 New Year Greeting Card Template

I love the New Year! Not only does it bring possibilities, it’s a time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t during the last 12 months. For me, one of the new things that has worked well and I’m delighted to share. I’ve had the pleasure of working with 6 companies on coaching.  I […]

A 10-point People Check-Up for Success

Medical concept with stethoscope on keyboard

July marks the mid-point for the year. We have had 6 months of accomplishments, successes, and challenges and we will have 6 more months this year to accomplish our vision. This is a good time to remind ourselves of what we need to keep an eye on going forward. Our people will make us successful […]

Dread Annual Reviews, Skip It, & Get Surprising Results

Review Time Clock Evaluation Rating Words 3d Illustration

Every year companies put themselves through the ritual of asking Managers to sit down with their employees and discuss the past 12 months. The ritual looks something like this.  An announcement, “It’s Performance Review time! Please complete the attached form, send to your Manager, and schedule a meeting within the next 30 days”.  3 weeks […]

Stop? Pause? Go?

Traffic lights

After preparing for six months by analyzing work schedules, reviewing budgets, and staffing requirements to comply with the new overtime requirements, a Federal Judge in Texas has placed a Temporary Injunction on the new rules. December 1st was the date the new Department of Labor regulations were to take effect. As discussed in You Have 30 […]

How to Make their First Day Great

White welcome sign over confetti background. Vector holiday illustration.

You did it, you have gone through the work needed to find a great employee to work in your business. You are relieved to finally fill that open position and get the work done. Now it’s their first day, you showed them to an area to work (their desk isn’t ready), you had to give […]

Office Managers as HR

Corporate business desktop with laptop, digital tablet, accessories and work equipment, flat lay banner

Can’t my Office Manger do HR? I hear this question often. The answer I give – “it depends”. I know that answer probably drives you crazy. I get it. My follow up question is “Do they have an experience or training in HR?”. The standard answer I get it one of two, either, “no” or […]

Lack of Respect and Kindness

  Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying. If you are like me, when you hear these words you cringe. Currently here in Illinois only two of these are against the law the other is not. Regardless, the reason it makes me cringe is not because the law. It has to do with respect and kindness. This has […]

Sex, Politics & Religion

What do sex, politics and religion all have in common? They should never be discussed in the workplace, unless of course your business is a political or religious institution. I did an informal poll with friends/colleagues about topics which shouldn’t be discussed at work – these three were among others mentioned. We all have a […]