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Top 10 mistakes made on résumés
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhile résumés have evolved over the past decade, some of the same old mistakes keep popping up! For example, the purpose of a résumé is to make it easy for an employer to determine if someone is the right candidate or not. An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will reject it if it is not a high-percentage match to employer requirements, and employers will not try to guess how nonemployer-centric content might be applied to them. Employers should be able to easily see how you will be an asset to their organization.
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It’s not perfectionism that’s hurting us. It’s our approach…
Julian Reeve Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementFinding a perfectionist that isn’t in some way proud to be one is like finding out you’ve won $100 million on the lottery. It’s not unheard of, but it’s rare! Why? Because perfectionists believe their strong work ethic, superior attention to detail, and ability to achieve more than everyone else puts them in a class above the rest. For the most part, they’re right! Numerous studies have shown that perfectionists outperform non-perfectionists, and there is an increasing belief that society’s largely negative portrayal of perfectionism now requires an update. But while these positive qualities of perfectionism continue to garner support, the negative aspects must not be ignored.
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Fit the association into a box
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThere is a way to insert all the key elements of an association into a single box to gauge strengths and weaknesses. It is not the kind of box you use to send a package. This box is a grid. Associations have many guiding documents, including mission, budget, strategic plan, and committees. Seldom are all the elements assembled on a grid for comprehension by volunteer leaders. The grid is positioned horizontally on 8.5- by 11-inch paper. The number of columns will depend on how many goals are in the strategic plan. Most strategic plans have four to six goals.
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‘Impairment’ at work means more than just alcohol and other…
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhen describing "impaired" workers, there’s a tendency to limit this term to alcohol, opioids, or cannabis. But according to the National Safety Council (NSC), the definition needs to be expanded. And 93% of employers who responded to a recent NSC survey agreed that workplace impairment includes more than alcohol and drugs. First, we need to define workplace impairment. According to Claire Stroer, MPH, CHES, NSC Impairment Program Manager, workplace impairment impedes the ability to function normally or safely.
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Who invited Elmo to the meeting?
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThere is a fascinating practice among association leaders responsible for convening meetings. They invite Elmo. The red Muppet named Elmo has a seat at board and committee meetings. Elmo’s name doubles as an acronym for the phrase, "Enough, Let’s Move On." Meeting discussions can wander. When the keeper of Elmo, or any board member, knows they can call an ELMO, the conversation will return to the agenda items. Introduce Elmo at a meeting by asking the group if it is OK to include him. Most volunteers appreciate a friendly way to keep discussions focused.
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Infographic: Building the network of the future to support the work-from-home…
Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementA large portion of workers had only dreamed about working from home and avoiding the commute before last March — and it all happened so suddenly. The danger of this is that many security precautions were hurried along and not thought through properly. Now that many are getting vaccinated and are considering coming back to the office — but in a flexible way that still allows for a good deal of distributed work — it’s important to have a proper plan in place for a more secure internet solution during the flexible work revolution. See more about building the network of the future in this visual deep dive.
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When I’m the chair, I’m going to make changes in the organization
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementExecutive directors cringe when an incoming chair says, "When I’m installed, I’m going to make changes in the association." Other statements causing dread: "I want you to help me leave a legacy," and, "Here’s my list of pet projects." The best approach for a new chair is, "Where is the strategic plan? My job is to advance the existing mission and goals." A strategic plan is a multiyear roadmap. Consider it the organization’s GPS: goals, priorities, and strategies. Its purpose is to guide successive leaders. When volunteers make wholesale change to a plan or disregard it for their personal agenda, it causes havoc.
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Survey: Employee incentives don’t align with their preferences
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIt’s important for employers to show appreciation for their workers. However, a recent survey reveals that many organizations are missing the mark in terms of incentives and rewards. Blackhawk’s "Employee Appreciation Survey" reveals that 80% of employees believe that it is important for employers to celebrate workplace accomplishments, anniversaries, and achievements and 86% of employees want their employer to express appreciation for their personal contributions. "The biggest mistake employers are making today is in not offering rewards and incentives to their employees," says Betty Weinkle, director of partnerships at Blackhawk Network.
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What’s the BIG Idea? Episode 2: Steve Jurash on leading through crisis
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIn this video, Hank Boyer visits with Steve Jurash, president of the 5,000-plus member Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia (MAP). MAP represents several hundred thousand manufacturing employees. In March 2020, Jurash led MAP through an incredibly challenging period of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, an event that brought manufacturing everywhere to a sudden halt. With several hundred thousand employees' lives affected by his decision-making, Jurash faced one of his most challenging periods of leadership. He shares more than 20 best practices effective leaders use to navigate during periods of crisis.
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How companies can accommodate working parents during the pandemic
Indiana Lee Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOur current pandemic has caused shifts in many industries. One of the most prevalent is the necessity to move to remote operations. It’s worth acknowledging that working from home can be the ideal scenario for many employees. However, it has not been entirely positive for all employees. Parents who work from home have been faced with additional challenges. Let’s take a look at a few of the key areas where human resources professionals can best assist parents in this situation and influence the positive direction of remote operations.
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