HR Insights
Better isn’t around the corner
Don’t wait, make peace with today.
People with a positive mental mindset tend to believe that in most situations good will prevail. That’s healthy. If it’s true optimism, the person also acknowledges real or potential problems that may stand in the way. There is a thin line however that is easy to...
Be Curious, Not Interesting.
Get out of the spotlight and let others shine.
It’s tempting to take the lead when you meet someone for the first time, run a meeting, or try to resolve a problem. Of course, you want to be interesting and show why you’re in charge, right? It depends on who you want to be the Hero — you or those with you. If you...
The problem with probing and prodding people.
It’s better to listen carefully than dig for fool’s gold.
“If you have to probe, probe, probe with an applicant, and you hire them, it will become prod, prod, prod.” - Tom Chambers, Principal, Greenville County Schools This genuine gold nugget of interviewing wisdom came from a principal in one of our many interview...
Beware of answers with a pretty bow.
Cues can help you filter out the fluff.
Some job candidates and co-workers are really good at answering questions that sound good. But when you ask about how they handle a situation or about their experience, is it real? Listen for a few cues to empty or vague answers. For example: • You messages: “You...
Always the teacher, always the student.
Want to extend your impact as a leader? Humbly listen and learn.
Leaders often invest time teaching their team because they know things. They know how and why and when to do things correctly to keep work on track. This is important, but it’s not the most important part. That first leadership position is tempting to focus on the...
Listen to candidates, not the noise in your head!
How many other thoughts, agendas, lists, triggers, and emotions do you have running through your mind when you interview? How does that head noise impact your quality of hire? If you don’t use a defined process or system to hire, you risk letting your mind and...
Quality still counts! Look beyond the heartbeat.
Yes, I get it. We’re excited if an applicant for a posting applies for the job… and their skills are even remotely close to what we want. We’re thrilled if the person even responds to a text or email. We’re elated when we get a phone screen or in-person interview with...
Blessed are the Bridge-Builders
How often do you help people reach across their gaps?
Avoiding Hire Remorse
Are you hearing what candidates are really saying?
A Buyer’s Market in HR
When there are more jobs than people, it’s time to pivot.