It has been very tempting to jump onto the buzzword bandwagon about employee engagement. Reading all the blog posts, news articles and chat sessions where this is discussed, not one single thing has been clear. If we are to discuss the engagement of someone, shouldn’t we agree on a basis for the discussion? Most of the rhetoric is frankly warmed over management thought with a new word used to describe it. My knee jerk reaction… Read More »An Engagement Theory
In a week that was probably way overdone in looking at various analogs used to aid in decision making, a series of articles to stimulate thinking along those lines is needed from time to time. We have all been in situations where a CEO or other key executive reads a popular management book and suddenly the decision paradigm blows with the wind of a new idea… sometimes even when it is only new to them.… Read More »Reviewing This Week on Make HR Happen – Deciding To Read About Decision Making?
Not all companies have formal programs to start a new employee on the right track. Many long term employees entering new jobs may not be afforded a formal program to bring them up to speed. It is necessary in some cases for mentors to self appoint themselves to fill a training gap. It is also important for all of us who need assistance to seek out and appoint our own mentors. Is this some sort… Read More »Part IV – Informal Mentoring
There is a similarity between all mentoring programs whether they are in academia, non-profit, service organizations or industry. It all begins with a cadre of individuals that have the know-how and patience to serve as a mentor and willing participants that understand that they don’t know it all and have a lust for knowledge. To establish a formal program for mentorship in a business, there are threads of conflict that must be resolved before a… Read More »Part III – Formal Mentoring Programs
There are several misconceptions that must be set aside before there can be any analysis of an effective mentor. A mentor is not a friend. In fact, true friendship is much too tolerant for effective mentoring. Mentorship based on a personal relationship alone will not allow either party to openly participate to their mutual benefit. This is also not the buddy system. In summer camp, assigning a buddy could have been seen as a defense… Read More »Part I – The Art of Mentoring