Lead with the ‘Why’: How to Emphasize Purpose to Attract Millennials
What is your company’s mission? If you said it was to sell widgets or provide advice, you’re not going to be in the best position to attract millennial employees. That’s because many millennials are inspired to work when they know their company has a purpose beyond profits. In fact, more than half of college-educated millennials […]
Should Work Be ‘Fun’? The Concept is More Retro Than You Think
“Work isn’t supposed to be fun. It’s called ‘work’ for a reason!” Sound familiar? I’ve certainly heard comments like this from curmudgeonly colleagues over the years. I frequently hear people criticize millennials for wanting work to be “fun.” And the media likes to bombard us with millennial-bashing images of immature young people who expect a […]
Why Transparency Matters: Your 3-Step Guide to a More Transparent Workplace
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” If you thought this quote came from a millennial start-up founder, you’d be wrong. None other than the Dalai Lama shared this belief on how transparency can yield success. But transparency can be a scary concept for managers. After all, Gen Xers […]
Pure Gold: Workplace Lessons from the 2016 Olympics
The explosive power of gymnast Simone Biles. The incredible determination of swimmers Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps. The feats we see at the Olympics are the result of discipline, grit and hours and hours (and hours) of practice. They showcase teamwork, focus, communication and dedication – coincidentally, all traits that make for a great employee. […]
The New Normal of Recruiting: Online Company Reviews
When was the last time you booked a vacation, made a restaurant reservation or bought a new appliance (or even a pair of shoes) without checking online reviews? I’d bet it was quite a while ago, since most of us these days are inclined to check into absolutely everything before we make a move. This […]
Can Bosses and Employees Be Friends? How to Navigate the Work Friend Zone
Are you one of the lucky people who loves your boss? Maybe she’s everything you aspire to be one day. Hanging with the team for happy hour. Turning the hallway into a putting green. Giving you solid client insight from her years in the trenches. Or maybe you’re a boss overseeing the employee of your dreams. […]
Hit the Road! Why Vacations Matter
As the dog days of summer approach, many employees flee the heat and humidity of August for a shady mountain or breezy beach. I’m counting the days to my upcoming vacation in Maine. Is it possible, though, that summer vacationers like me are actually in the minority? In stark contrast to media reports touting the […]
Mentoring Alternatives: A New Approach to Professional Advice
I’ve always been a huge fan of mentors. My own mentors have helped me shape my career. They’ve smoothed my path and taught me countless valuable lessons, large (how to structure my business) and small (the best shoes to wear as a professional speaker). But as I reflect on the mentors who’ve made a difference, […]
The Millennial Retention Idea You Need to Borrow Right Now
Ask any manager what their No. 1 talent issue is, and I can almost guarantee they will offer some variable of “attract and retain millennials.” That’s why I was so happy to meet Whitney Proffitt, manager of campus recruiting at investment consulting company Cambridge Associates, and hear about a millennial council the firm has developed. […]
Your Secret Source for Top Talent: Boomerang Employees
“But we were on a break!” (“Friends” references cross the generational divide, right?) Ross may have been talking about a relationship break, but I want to talk about career breaks – when employees leave for another company or a personal life event. Today, most employers realize that job-hopping employees are a fact of life. The […]