Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/DELEGATION-FOR-BEGINNERS.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/DELEGATION-FOR-BEGINNERS.html As business owners and managers it is so difficult to give up or give over control to someone else. The very thing that makes you successful, your ability to grow, build and manage your business can quickly become overwhelming when your hard work pays off. The control freak in you doesn’t want to let go, but a few strategies may help you to feel more comfortable. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Empowerment-Autonomy--Discretion--Oh-My.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Empowerment-Autonomy--Discretion--Oh-My.html Granting autonomy and loosening the apron strings can be scary. After all, this is your company we’re talking about. However, a company where employees have a reason to feel that what they are doing is important is a company on its way to greatness. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Resolving-Employee-Conflict.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Resolving-Employee-Conflict.html Employees are stressed. Employers are stressed. Everybody seems to be feeling it. It’s understandable and unfortunate, but many people are on-edge. If you’re seeing an elevated amount of conflict in your organization – first, be human and empathetic (that is, after all, a part of this HR role), stand for a minute in their shoes; and second, use some of the following ideas to help resolve the issue. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/YOUR-EMPLOYEES-ARE-REALLY-VOLUNTEERS.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/YOUR-EMPLOYEES-ARE-REALLY-VOLUNTEERS.html At a recent leadership breakfast held through Lehigh University's Iacocca Institute, the speaker made mention that employees are really just volunteers. And it made me think…..if employees are volunteers at our organization, meaning they volunteer to accept employment with us…that means they can volunteer to work and they can volunteer to leave. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/RISKY-BUSINESS.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/RISKY-BUSINESS.html Human Resources is its own quagmire of risk. Compliance, employee relations, interviewing, and on and on. There are certain basic rules in the world of hiring and managing employees where risk-taking is not advisable. You can’t afford to not do background checks. You can’t afford to not have employees sign release forms, you can’t risk classifying your employees incorrectly, or guessing about the proper way to implement a disciplinary policy. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Dont-Avoid-the-Chance-to-Check-Job-References.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/Dont-Avoid-the-Chance-to-Check-Job-References.html I am often asked by prospective clients, “How important are employment references today? Are they really worth the effort? And, if I put forth the effort, will anyone share this seemingly sacred information anyway?” My answers to these questions are: “Extremely important. Absolutely. And, again, Yes.” http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/SOME-EXECS-WILL-NEED-TO-DECIDE-layoffs-vs-retention.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/SOME-EXECS-WILL-NEED-TO-DECIDE-layoffs-vs-retention.html It’s depressing, it’s scary and it’s your decision. For those first timers- welcome to the terrifying responsibility of keeping your company alive during a recession. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/EMPLOYEE-TRUST--WHAT-TO-DO-WHEN-YOU-FEAR-THE-WORST.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/EMPLOYEE-TRUST--WHAT-TO-DO-WHEN-YOU-FEAR-THE-WORST.html Have you ever asked yourself; “Is this employee being upfront and honest with me?” We may have a gut feeling or something maybe does not size up, yet we have no concrete evidence of deceit. This is a difficult situation as the repercussions of falsely accusing an employee may hinder a future of trust. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/HIGH-ACHIEVERS.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3504/HIGH-ACHIEVERS.html You can’t believe your luck when you receive the resume. And now before you sits your dream candidate; just out of school, a graduate from the most prestigious of universities, with a 4.5 GPA, an engaged community participant with stellar references, and a high achiever. So “high” in fact that she “fires-up” at least 3-5 times a week.