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A mentor is good — now you need a sponsor

Patrick Gleeson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In corporate America, it’s long been recognized that for high-potential employees, finding a mentor and maintaining a relationship with that mentor is one of the keys to career success. According to a study of over 1,000 corporate professionals, this holds particularly true for women and minorities, more than 75 percent of whom described the mentoring relationship as either "very important or extremely important to their career development." Unfortunately, mentoring alone, although it has a positive effect on the careers of all corporate professionals who develop a mentor-mentee relationship, doesn’t close the gender/diversity gap.

Over half of employees are uncomfortable asking for time off during the…

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

"It’s the most wonderful time of the year," and yet, many employees don’t feel they can fully enjoy the holiday season because of work demands. In fact, a West Monroe Partners study found that 51 percent of employees are uncomfortable — or at least somewhat uncomfortable — asking for time off during the holidays. The results are no surprise to veteran HR expert Tim Sackett, president at HRU Technical Resources, and author of "The Talent Fix: A Leader’s Guide to Recruiting Great Talent."

Repeating the past to propel progress

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

As humans, we tend to acknowledge the time in which we exist as unprecedented; yet, from extreme political turmoil to amazing technological advancements, the news of today repeats the news of previous generations. While it may seem this tendency to repeat ourselves stifles our progress, instead it provides amazing freedom from our limiting perspectives. This is because when each generation recognizes the previous generation has embraced similar perspectives, we can use that knowledge to advance our thinking.

Make sure your employee harassment policies are strong enough

Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In today's workplace, managers can't be too careful when it comes to issues regarding employee harassment. It is key that you protect your company against internal legal claims, and you certainly don't want your staff members to feel uncomfortable, or worse, afraid when they are trying to do their jobs on a daily basis. Researchers have been looking into which company policies are the most effective in terms of shielding both your workers both physically and emotionally from various forms of co-worker or supervisor abuse. Use what they've learned through the following tips to make sure your policies offer the proper protection, and make changes where they're needed.

Overcome any challenge with an expert entourage

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The flip of the calendar can inspire reflection and anticipation; a ready-made reason to make any change we want. With good reason, we often use this time to focus on our achievements and to motivate ourselves for continued success. One thing we often overlook while we are mapping out bigger, hairier goals and visualizing amazing accomplishments is how we can improve our ability to face challenges. And a great way to stay focused is to create an expert entourage to help us maintain our perspective when we face those inevitable obstacles in our path.

The case against monthly board meetings

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Association executives often ask, "How frequently should the board meet?" The best answer is, "When there is a reason to convene for the purpose of governance." The majority of boards meet quarterly. It is ironic that some of America’s largest associations get the job done by convening only three times a year. Inversely, smaller associations and chambers find a need to meet monthly or bimonthly. Why do organizations with small budgets, fewer members or less programs need to meet more frequently?

Let go, and live your best life in the new year

Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

As the year comes to an end, many of us are thinking about what we’ve accomplished during the last 12 months and setting goals for next year. Organizations are looking at bottom- and top-line profits and measuring success and milestones. A recent conversation with the CEO of a midsized company reinforced how crucial it is for leaders to take care of themselves and encourage their employees to do the same. When Andre contacted me for my advice, he was feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the future of his organization.

Are you a workaholic? Easier ways to get more accomplished

Lisa Mulcahy Business Management, Services & Risk Management

If you're a workaholic — meaning you're on the job 50 or more hours per week — your physical and emotional health can easily suffer without you even realizing it. Poor sleep, weight gain, stress at home, and multiplying mistakes as you start to burn out won't lead to a good outcome for you or your company. No worries, though: science has several easy and effective solutions to help you treat yourself better — and do your best work. Try these tips.

Infographic: Why succession planning is key to the survival of your business

Zack Painter Business Management, Services & Risk Management

If you’re a business owner, you know how much planning goes into launching your business: You need to secure funding to cover startup costs and think about how to balance your profits and expenses so you have sufficient cash flow in the years to come. One thing you probably haven’t thought about, though, is developing a succession plan for your business. What would happen to your business if something happened to you?

What you need to know about the changes to exempt salary thresholds in…

Melanie Pol Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) scrapped U.S.-wide plans to increase the salary threshold for exempt employees following challenges from multiple states. The DOL has continued to postpone these plans. However, the states of California and New York have elected to raise their own exempt salary thresholds for 2019. The changes are effective from Dec. 31, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2019, in New York and California, respectively. This could mean that some of your workers may be eligible to overtime pay due to the increased salary-exempt threshold.

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