Mark Hirschfeld

Several years ago I worked with a company to conduct their annual employee engagement survey. After I presented their results I was asked to come back a few weeks later for another meeting. As I was waiting in the lobby I noticed a book on the coffee table.

I opened it up and found copies of all the reports of the survey I had just presented.

I was stunned.

When my contact came to fetch me I asked her why this was in the lobby: “We talked about it as a leadership team, and we decided that we wanted everyone who visits us, including prospective employees, to know how employees feel about working here.”

“As you know, not everything is positive in that report, but we wanted to be as transparent as possible.”

Then I was impressed.

Most companies don’t do this, but you can still learn about potential employers. Check out online company ratings. You can also talk with former and current employees.

Do your homework.

I’m sure you’re worried about getting a job and want to spend most of your time responding to postings and networking, but I’d like to encourage you to take time to consider jobs that fit your skills and interests.

How are skills and interests different?

I love to play golf (interest), but for the life of me I can’t make a three-foot putt (poor skill). On the other hand, I’m actually pretty good at project management (skill) but I hate doing it (definitely not an interest).

If we find a job where skills and interests align we’re likely to be happier and more successful.

There are a number of free self-assessments out there and some for a nominal fee. None of them are perfect, but they can give you guidance.

Additionally, ask others who know you to provide feedback on what they see in your skills.

Finally, think back on some of the occasions when you have been most successful. Detail those successes. Then review to find patterns of what you did that contributed to your successes. Your strengths generally will be a big part of those successes.

#jobseach #hiring #careers

In a recent executive roundtable I presented a leadership model developed by Brad Shuck. It was a heart-felt and gut-wrenching discussion. Executives talked about the deaths of coworkers and customers from COVID, the stress is having an impact on the lives of families including an increase in divorce, and of the challenges related to working with their teams and engaging their customers:

· Leading “above the line” was important before the pandemic but is essential now. The six behaviors have always been important, but in the midst of this crisis are even more important. Our research shows that employees who believe their manager is leading with compassion are more engaged and inspired in these difficult times.

· Although leading with compassion is critical right now, it is getting harder. The increase in more remote employees, the challenges of helping “essential workers” be safe and to succeed are just two of the additional issues facing leaders.

Our leaders need help.

Stop thinking about leadership development as “something we’ll do when we don’t have anything else to do” and start thinking about it as a key to the ability of the organization to succeed in these changing times.

Because, you see, it does.

Have you applied for a job at a company, had an interview, and then never heard back?

You’ve been “ghosted”.

Sadly, many employers don’t follow up with candidates who aren’t moving forward on a job. It is, in my view, lazy, disrespectful and unprofessional on the part of an employer. It can hurt their brand. Even if you don’t get this job, you are still a potential future employee, referrer and also a customer.

As a job seeker, what should you do?

~ If you had what you thought was a good interview that you think might lead to an offer, DON’T STOP SEARCHING. Keep looking. You are in control of your search.

~ Check your networking contacts to see if you know someone can help.

~ Finally, take the high road. Send one last note to the recruiter or hiring manager. Express your disappointment they have not followed up, and wish them well.

Stick to your plan. Do your homework. Tell your story.

Back in the 1960’s when I was old enough to be around our family business, I met Clara. She worked in sales at our clothing store.

There were women selling women’s clothing, but I don’t remember many women selling men’s clothing.

But Clara did.

She was a great salesperson.

Passionate. Competitive. Customer-Oriented. Ethical.

The only part of the job where she needed help was when it came to taking measurements for a man who was buying a tailored suit. One of the other salesmen would take the inseam and waist measurements, but otherwise Clara was in charge.

Just like the rest of the sales staff she worked on a small draw, and most of her income was commission.

The same compensation as men.

Clara had customers whom she knew well and was seen as their trusted advisor when it came to how they dressed.

Our store would not have been as successful if it weren’t for Clara.

Are there assumptions you’re making about who can sell your products and services for which your mindset is setting you back?

Do you have a bias that is getting in your way?

Would your customers be even better served if you thought differently?

Put those attitudes down.

Seek out your version of Clara.

And thrive.

A story: “A student goes to a famous philosopher and asks if the wise one believes that at the heart of all truth lies paradox?”

The reply: “Yes and no.”

There are many paradoxical things our world, including what I see as two truths that may seem contradictory but in fact are both true…

Great leaders know they must do everything they can to support the training, growth and development of each member of their team. It’s the only way they will likely achieve their business objectives. But in doing so they run the risk to developing people in such a way that the competitors would be eager to lure them jump ship.

But rather than hold back on the development of their employees, great leaders lean into developing and supporting them.

AND…

Strong leaders also create an inspiring workplace, where employees are so excited about their work that it would make it quite difficult for them to consider another job.

Don’t look at these challenges as “either-or”—that’s a trap and you’ll end up losing good folks and likely having challenges attracting talent.

Stop thinking “either-or” and start thinking “both-and”. Develop folks AND create a workplace where they feel no desire to leave.

Your paradoxical thinking will be richly rewarded.

It’s a holiday in the United States. But just because some companies aren’t open doesn’t mean you can’t work on your job search:

~ I just checked, and there are still postings on job boards! Take a peek and see if a new opportunity looks right for you and get that application and resume posted.

~ The internet still works, so you today can be a time for you to conduct research about prospective employers and maybe an new industry you’re exploring.

~ There may be some folks who would love to take a few minutes for a networking call today, so go ahead and ask! And if folks don’t want to meet today, perhaps you can use today to schedule a time for a networking meeting sometime down the road.

Take care and be safe out there and use this day to make progress on your search.

Like most every kid, I was given “chores” I was do around the house. Specifically, I was told to “get my chores done.”

Sometime along the way I realized the chores are never “done”. You complete them one day and then the same chores are there for you the next day.

When it comes to your job search, there will be some activities that will/should also never be done:

~ You need to keep networking, increasing the number of people who know, as the next contact could be very important to your search,

~ You must continue to follow up on every job opportunity that is still open, letting them know you’re still interested,

~ You need to continue doing your homework, learning about companies, markets and trends.

~ You need to continuing preparing for each interview, making sure you know how to tell your story to a way that helps you advance.

~ Even after you land, you should still keep up the chore of networking, which can help you learn about your current job and prepare you for the next.

Want to give yourself the best chance to land a new job?

Embrace your chores.

#jobsearch #careers