Bresnahan's Shorts* - November 2004

*Short topics

The Future as Seen by Monster.com

Recently the CEO of Monster.com, Jeff Taylor, was quoted in a local Chicago business paper as validating what many have heard regarding the upcoming labor shortage due in part to the exodus of the Baby Boomers.

Over the next 15 years 75 million Baby Boomers will be eligible for retirement and we have a mere 35 million to take their place. Taylor said that the biggest reason for a company to go out of business will be its inability to recruit and retain quality people.

Monster.com did a survey asking 70,000 workers if they would leave their job if they had a chance. An overwhelming 89% said, "yes." These are big numbers!

Company loyalty is not what it used to be, as many of us know. Today's job seeker is more demanding and will move for a better opportunity and/or environment. The average tenure for employees is now 3 1/2 years.

Taylor stressed that employers need to be an employer of choice, which includes recognizing and rewarding employees. This doesn't have to be in monetary ways. It can be a simple "thanks for a great job" or creating a challenging and rewarding environment.

Often I hear employers say it is all about money. That is typically the easy answer given when someone leaves the company. But, usually it is not the real reason.

Recently, I met a woman who had left her current employer and returned, taking a $22,000 pay cut, because she liked the environment and the boss she would have.

To further validate the importance of culture/environment, Lee, Hecht, Harrison conducted a survey of 946 professionals:

47% said they would take a 5 - 10% cut in pay and benefits for a better corporate culture, greater work-life balance and more significant leadership development opportunities;

22% would accept a 15% cut to join a more balanced corporate environment.

The Bresnahan Group can help you achieve your company's vision and create an environment where you can attract and retain quality people. Don't be left making do, give us a call.

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Thoughts to Ponder

"The road to success is always under construction." - Jim Miller

"No one ever achieved greatness by playing it safe." - Harry Gray

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Back to Basics

"You can walk through the sand but don't throw it." - Contributed by Joe Baska.

As we walk through life, I think this is an important saying to keep in mind. As we have just finished another BIG election we have seen some candidates for office throwing sand at their opponents. No matter how much we talk about being tired of negative campaigning, it continues on. The reason, according to the experts, is it works. Nevertheless, we know this is not the "higher road."

Now our personal question is, "Do we throw sand as we walk through life, both in our personal and professional life?" I guess this is where we can also ask the question, "Do we offer solutions rather than complaining, pouting and being passive aggressive?"

Sometimes we know there are situations when people don't want to hear the message that is sent in good faith as feedback about a particular situation or behavior. Are we throwing sand because of lack of respect or frustration? I would think that if you respect others, sand won't be thrown but instead maybe honest input would be given about how you may be reacting to the behavior along with a suggestion for another approach.

This makes me wonder why I wouldn't respect someone. If I consider the elements that make up trusting relations (openness, straightforwardness, acceptance and reliability), I have to ask myself what could have tarnished the relationship. Could it have been a lack of openness by keeping secrets or not sharing information? Could it have been not being straightforward, clear with expectations or discussing disagreements in an open way? Could it have been a lack of acceptance on my part or that of the other person? Maybe one of us did not respect the contribution of the other or value our differences. Could it be there was a sense that one of us couldn't be counted on to keep commitments and strive toward the same goal?

Trust is a special thing. Once it is lost, it is hard to regain. Many organizations and bosses have lost the trust of their employees and affiliates. It can be regained but requires a great deal of work over a long period of time by both parties. The solution is to do your best not to lose the trust of others as you journey through life.

In spite of good intentions, sometimes trust is lost or damaged in a relationship. Often when an incident occurs it is hard not to let our emotions carry us away. Sometimes, the diminishing of trust is the other person's doing and sometimes it is ours.

No matter, consider what the value of the relationship is and what is the end result you desire. Does it matter to you personally or professionally? Remember, that if you choose to throw sand, most likely at some point it will be thrown back at you.

So, as you walk through the sands of life don't throw it. Rather leave footprints to be remembered and cherished by others.

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Diploma?

Checking references and credentials has always been an important part of the hiring process. For years individuals have been falsifying this information. Now we hear more and more ads for college degree programs. I just heard one the other day on the radio were some group would send the degree once you sent the money to them - no classes to take. Besides that, people are getting e-mail spam for on-line programs. So now the question becomes, is the degree listed on someone's resume from an accredited institution?

As an employer you have two tasks to help avoid being caught by surprise that you have hired someone without a degree from an accredited institution.

First, check with the registrar at the mentioned institution.

Second, create a separate section on your job application where the candidate can list the courses completed at any unaccredited institution. This eliminates the perception of any unintended deception on the part of the candidate.

However, be sure that you have included a statement on the application that should any misrepresentations be found it would be grounds for immediate dismissal. - Excerpted from "Illinois Employment Law Letter"

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Responsibility-based Organizations

Learn more about how to achieve your organizational vision and accountability by going to our affiliate website, www.integroleadership.com.

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Speakers

Are you looking for a great speaker for your organization? Contact the Bresnahan Group. Additional speakers can be found at Engaging Speakers and the Naperville Chamber of Commerce.

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More Information

For more information about any of these topics contact us at 505-922-1973 or email BresGroup @ 4u.net.

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