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The path to leadership includes not being the smartest in the room
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementExperts can become successful leaders; so can non-experts. The path to leadership for the former includes understanding the limits of their expertise. Conversely, the path for the latter includes recognizing the value of their non-expert contributions. Both paths, thus, require an understanding of the benefits of specific and general knowledge and how they should be combined and used as the diverse tools they are. In other words, the path to leadership includes not being the smartest in the room.
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Do you really need to check an applicant’s references? Absolutely
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWe've all been there: a job candidate looked perfect on paper and sounded perfect during the interview. But soon after, you realize that this picture-perfect employee probably won't reach the one-year milestone at your company. You probably shouldn't be surprised. According to research by Monster, 85% of recruiters say that candidates exaggerate skills and competencies on their resume. Whether this is intentional or "accidental," the result is the same: an employee who is ill-equipped to do the job. So, what's the solution? Checking references.
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How to measure association success
Bob Harris and Nana Berdzenishvili Association ManagementNo country has more nonprofit organizations than the United States at 1.5 million. That number includes nearly 150,000 associations and 7,000 chambers of commerce. Around the world, when others hear about the size of the nonprofit sector, someone always asks, "With so many organizations, do they have an impact?" It is important to remind associations of their influence. Frequently they are focused only on getting their daily work completed.
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On-demand pay: A budding phenomenon
Grace Ferguson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIn an era of instant gratification, the concept of on-demand pay couldn’t be timelier. Payroll technology plays a huge role in this desire for instant satisfaction. The vast majority of American workers can immediately access their wages on payday via direct deposit or payroll cards. They can also retrieve pay stubs, update their payroll data, and make payroll requests at the touch of a button, thanks to employee self-service. So, getting paid on demand seems like a natural fit.
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How to keep association sprawl in check
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementUrban sprawl is described as unplanned growth. Little thought is given to how the elements combine to add value. A gas station next to a hospital and apartment complex does not add value. Instead, a planned community increases quality of life and value by strategically integrating components. Sprawl can affect associations. Components are often added by successive boards and strategic planning retreats. How the elements integrate or add value are not considered.
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Workplace boundaries: Some workers don’t like your hugs or your pets
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementYou may spend more time at work than you do with your family, but that doesn’t mean employees want to be treated like your family members. According to the 2019 Workplace Boundaries Report by Udemy, some workers are overstepping boundaries, and it’s making their co-workers very uncomfortable. In an effort to make the workplace feel more like home, many companies are relaxing their rules. However, some workers think organizations have gone overboard in certain areas. For example, 66% believe co-workers shouldn’t be allowed to bring pets to work, and 65% believe that workout or athleisure clothes are not appropriate for work.
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The terrible nature of expedient principles
Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe word "principles" is bandied about often, as in, "It’s against my principles to do XYZ," or, "My life is built on solid moral and ethical principles." Principles are good. They are a guideline how to live your life consistently to the standards you profess to espouse. Not having any principles is typically not good. It's fairly easy to discern the principled from the unprincipled people, and you can easily choose which group of people you'd prefer to associate with. What’s tricky is discerning the people with expedient principles.
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Tips for planning a reduction in force if the economy loses steam
D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOur economy has been hot over the past few years, but signs indicate a slowdown may be coming. Employers planning a reduction in force must consider the possibility that a third party may eventually judge the lawfulness and "fairness" of their decisions and that such judgment could result in significant consequences. It may be impossible to avoid litigation, but employers can do some things to make litigation less likely and reduce potential liability, as outlined in this article.
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10 things to start and stop doing in 2020
William D. Pawlucy Association ManagementWe cannot continue to do what we have done in our nonprofit organizations and expect to provide value and relevance to our members. Competition is greater and unmerciful to weaker organizations. As we move into 2020, what should we start doing now to gain major traction for our members and stop doing so we can focus resources on our core competencies? Let’s explore.
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How to have a career development discussion with your boss
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOver the past two decades, much work has been done to understand what causes some employees to have high engagement with their employer — actively realizing personal and professional growth — while other staff members are disengaged and feel tired, stagnant, and disinterested in their work. Most employees want what they do for a living to serve a greater purpose for both personal and professional growth. Not just something to do to fill time and earn money.
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