Categorii
Corporate

POV: Când ar avea sens să lucrezi cu headhunter extern

Postare scrisă de Alexandra Ene pentru LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraene1/ 

Poată părea contra-intuitiv că spun asta, dar nu cred că orice colaborare angajator – agenție de recrutare are sens. Am avut discuții cu potențiali clienți din care m-as retras, simțind că nu pot să ajut, dar și situații când am început proiecte pe care la un moment dat a trebuit să le opresc, pentru că simțeam că nu aduc suficientă valoare. La modul general, iată care sunt situațiile în care mi se pare util să accesezi suport extern:

💎 Pentru poziții de nivel înalt sau specializate: Atunci când vrei să ocupi astfel de roluri, experiența și rețeaua unui headhunter pot fi esențiale pentru a identifica candidați calificați care nu sunt neapărat în căutarea unui job sau sunt dificil de găsit prin metode tradiționale.

💎 Când resursele tale interne sunt limitate: Dacă departamentul tău de HR este mic sau are deja multe pe cap, altcineva poate prelua sarcina de a căuta, evalua și negocia cu candidații, eliberându-ți timp și resurse.

💎 Pentru a păstra confidențialitatea: În situații unde schimbarea unui manager sau crearea unui nou post trebuie să rămână sub radar, un headhunter extern poate gestiona procesul de recrutare discret și eficient.

💎 Când căutările anterioare nu au avut succes: Dacă ai încercat deja să ocupi o poziție folosind metodele interne sau alte resurse fără succes, un Consultant cu experiență relevantă poate oferi o nouă abordare și acces la o rețea diferită de candidați.

💎 Pentru acces la o rețea mai largă: Headhunterii externi au adesea rețele extinse și îți oferă acces la candidați pe care altfel s-ar putea să nu îi găsești.

💎 Eficiență în procesul de selecție: Un Consultant experimentat evaluează candidații înainte să ți-i propună, astfel se asigură că doar cei mai potriviți sunt prezenți la interviu cu echipa ta, economisindu-ți timp și resurse valoroase.

💎 Negocierea ofertelor: Partenerul în recrutare poate acționa ca mediator în negocierea ofertelor de angajare, ajutând la identificarea zonei de confort pentru ambele părți și prevenind posibilele neînțelegeri.

💎 Pentru a naviga în piețe de muncă competitive: În domenii unde anumite competențe sau profiluri sunt foarte căutate și competiția pentru candidați este acerbă, serviciile unui headhunter pot fi decisive pentru a te diferenția și a atrage cei mai buni candidați.

În esență, apelarea la un headhunter extern poate fi o strategie valoroasă pentru a găsi talente de top, în special când rolurile sunt cheie, resursele sunt limitate, sau când e nevoie de confidențialitate și eficiență în procesul de recrutare.

Categorii
Corporate

How to Organize and Coordinate Efficient Management Meetings

… and how to avoid “this meeting could have been an email” feedback from your participants.

In the article below, we will go through key strategies for preparation, facilitation, and follow-up to ensure your meetings are productive and impactful.

Introduction to Management Meetings

 Management meetings play a pivotal role in the corporate world, serving as a platform for decision-making, strategizing, and team alignment. In recent years, these gatherings have evolved, adapting to new technologies and workplace dynamics, and represent an important step towards organizational success.

Pre-Meeting Preparation

The foundation of a successful management meeting lies in thorough preparation, therefore the first important step is identifying its core purpose. This could range from strategic planning, problem-solving, or information sharing. Setting clear, achievable objectives for the meeting, that are clear for everybody, not only guides your agenda but also helps in measuring the meeting’s effectiveness later.

Participant Selection

Choosing the right participants means including the necessary expertise, decision-making authority, and a representation of different departments or functions, depending on the topic and objective of the discussion. In general, it’s key to balance the hierarchical levels to ensure a diversity of perspectives.

Agenda Setting

A focused and well-structured agenda is the backbone of any efficient meeting. Keep it efficient from a time perspective and allocate time wisely for each topic to keep discussions on track. The agenda should be circulated in advance to allow participants to prepare adequately.

Logistics Planning

Selecting an appropriate venue and ensuring all technical requirements are met. For in-person meetings, consider the room size and layout, while for virtual meetings, ensure a reliable digital platform is used. Take into consideration differences in time zones.

Communication Before the Meeting

Distribute any pre-read materials well in advance and communicate the meeting’s objectives and expectations to the participants. This step helps set the tone for the meeting and ensures that everyone comes prepared.

The Role of a Meeting Facilitator

A facilitator plays a key role in driving the meeting towards its objectives. They should possess skills in time management, conflict resolution, and effective communication. A facilitator’s job is to encourage participation from all attendees and keep the discussion aligned with the agenda. Thus, they should actively encourage participation from quieter members and manage dominant personalities.

Conducting the Meeting

Start the meeting on time and adhere to the scheduled time for each agenda item. Use engaging techniques like open-ended questions to foster discussion and ensure that every participant has the opportunity to contribute.

Problem-Solving in Meetings

Effective meetings often involve problem-solving. Utilize strategies like brainstorming or SWOT analysis to address disagreements constructively. Decision-making should be inclusive, yet decisive, to maintain the meeting’s momentum.

Incorporating Technology

Embracing digital tools can significantly enhance meeting efficiency. Use software for real-time collaboration, project management, and digital minute-taking. For virtual meetings, understanding best practices is crucial to ensure engagement and productivity.

Documenting the Meeting

Accurate minutes are fundamental for record-keeping and follow-up. They should capture key decisions, action items, and responsibilities. Choose a method that suits the nature of your meeting, whether it’s traditional note-taking or digital recording.

Post-Meeting Actions

Effective meetings lead to actionable steps. Ensure that action items are clearly assigned and deadlines set. A follow-up email summarizing the meeting’s outcomes helps in keeping everyone on track.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Gather feedback post-meeting, implement suggestions, and review in a critical manner the meetings’ effectiveness to make future meetings more productive.

Challenges in Management Meetings

Be aware of common pitfalls like lack of focus, dominance by a few members, or off-topic discussions. Stay adaptable to the changing business environment and be prepared to modify your meeting strategies accordingly.

Case Studies: Successful Management Meetings

Analysing real-world examples provides valuable insights. Study how industry leaders conduct their meetings and learn from their best practices and innovations.

Future Trends in Meeting Management

The future of meetings is likely to be influenced by technological advancements, globalization, and increased remote work. Stay abreast of these trends to keep your meeting strategies relevant and effective.

 

In today’s world of business, management meetings should not be seen as just administrative routines; they represent the space where ideas merge, strategies take shape, and visions turn into actionable plans. It’s where the collective intelligence of a team is exploited to drive an organization towards its goals. Thus, rebrand them within your company as opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.

Also, remember that the efficacy of a management meeting isn’t just measured by the decisions made within it, but by the actions it generates after. Participants should leave the discussion energized, aligned with the organization’s vision, and equipped with clear directives.

Thus, organizing and coordinating an efficient management meeting requires careful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By following the guidelines, these gatherings can become powerful tools for driving your organization’s success.

Categorii
Corporate

POV: Despre sesiunea de briefing în recrutare

Postare scrisă de Alexandra Ene pentru LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraene1/ 

🗣️ Ce este sesiunea de briefing/intake și de ce este esențială în executive search 🗣️

Se referă la discuția de început cu toți factorii de decizie într-un proces de recrutare la orice nivel, dar cu atât mai mult când vorbim de poziții de management. De exemplu, dacă ești proprietar al unei afaceri, Director General, Director de HR, manager direct, probabil vei participa la această discuție, în funcție de companie și rolul pentru care căutăm candidați.

Care sunt pașii 👇

✅ Trecem prin motivul pentru care poziția este deschisă, responsabilități, cerințe și calificări necesare pentru rol, dar căutăm să înâelegem cât mai multe despre obiective, companie, model de business, cultură organizațională, employee value proposition (EVP), echipa în care va lucra viitorul angajat, specificități, așteptări și provocări.

✅ Este cel mai important pas în proiect: dacă noi înțelegem bine ce tip de profil căutăm, atât la nivel profesional, cât și ca profil, personalitate, abordare, vor crește șansele să aducem la masă candidații potriviți.

✅ Povestim despre cum decurge procesul de recrutare, care sunt etapele și calendarul și care sunt responsabilitățile fiecărei părți. Vrem de asemenea să înțelegem ce așteptări are clientul de la noi și care sunt factorii de decizie.

✅ În același timp, consultanții trebuie să și citească printre rânduri în cadrul discuției cu stakeholderii. Uneori, ce povestesc clienții despre compania lor reprezintă mai degrabă o aspirație sau o proiecție decât realitatea, ori noi trebuie să plecăm la drum cu o imagine obiectivă asupra contextului. Prin urmare, este important să primim informații reale într-un mod transparent.

Spre exemplu, unele organizații sunt flexibile, agile, tipologia de start up cu puține niveluri de aprobare, altele care se află în fază de maturitate sunt ierarhice, cu procese bine definite, unele sunt foarte competitive, orientate către piață și profit, altele pun oamenii pe primul plan. În fiecare tip de companie performează mai bine alt profil de om, deci trebuie să clarificăm de la ce plecăm și care sunt obiectivele.

Mi-am dat seama de importanța acestei etape în proces foarte repede după ce am început să lucrez în acest domeniu:

– pe de o parte, avem nevoie de informații ca să înțelegem ce profiluri căutam;

– pe de altă parte, trebuie să avem un nivel de înțelegere complex, pentru a le putea povesti candidaților lucruri relevante.

Deoarece recrutăm poziții de management, candidații au pe bună dreptate foarte multe întrebări, și trebuie să înțeleagă rapid dacă proiectul pentru care îi abordăm poate fi interesant pentru ei sau nu.

👉 Recomandarea noastră: o sesiune de briefing bine structurată și asumată de toate părțile ne permite să ne concentrăm pe găsirea candidaților potriviți, fără a risipi timpul și resursele noastre sau ale candidaților care nu corespund cerințelor reale. Această abordare optimizează procesul de recrutare și poate duce la angajări mai rapide și mai eficiente.

Categorii
Candidates Corporate

The Vital Role of VUCA-Ready Managers in Today’s World

In an era defined by rapid change and unpredictability, the concept of VUCA has become increasingly relevant in both the business world and beyond. VUCA, which stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, describes the multifaceted challenges that individuals and organizations face in navigating the modern landscape. To successfully thrive in such an environment, the need for VUCA-ready managers has never been more critical.

Adapting to Volatility

Volatility in today’s world can stem from a variety of sources, including economic shifts, technological advancements, geopolitical events, and even unforeseen global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. VUCA-ready managers are skilled at monitoring these changes, recognizing patterns, and adjusting their strategies accordingly. They understand that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so they cultivate a mindset of constant vigilance and readiness to change course as needed.

Embracing Uncertainty

Uncertainty is a pervasive aspect of the VUCA environment. VUCA-ready managers don’t shy away from it; instead, they embrace it as an opportunity for growth. They understand that making decisions with imperfect information is a reality in today’s world. To address this, they employ scenario planning and stress testing to develop robust strategies that can withstand a range of possible outcomes. Their decision-making process is characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to adjust course as new information becomes available.

Navigating Complexity

The complexity of the modern business world is staggering. Organizations operate in intricate ecosystems with multiple stakeholders, intricate supply chains, and rapidly evolving technologies. VUCA-ready managers possess a unique ability to break down complex challenges into manageable components. They encourage cross-functional collaboration and the sharing of diverse perspectives to tackle complex issues systematically. They also recognize that simplification, when appropriate, can be a powerful tool in managing complexity, allowing their organizations to stay agile and responsive.

Thriving Amid Ambiguity

In a VUCA world, ambiguity often arises when the path forward is unclear, or when there are multiple interpretations of available data. VUCA-ready managers are adept at providing clarity and direction in these situations. They actively seek input from their teams, foster open dialogue, and encourage the exploration of different viewpoints. By doing so, they not only resolve ambiguity but also tap into the collective intelligence of their teams, leading to better-informed decisions.

Leading with Agility

VUCA-ready managers understand that leadership in today’s world demands agility. They don’t adhere rigidly to traditional hierarchical structures; instead, they promote a more adaptive leadership style. This involves empowering their teams to take ownership of projects and make decisions, fostering a culture of experimentation and learning from failures, and continually seeking ways to improve processes and workflows. They lead by example, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and change, which inspires their teams to do the same.

Managing Risk Effectively

Risk management is a critical aspect of leadership. VUCA-ready managers are vigilant about identifying potential risks, both internal and external, and they create comprehensive risk management strategies. These strategies encompass everything from financial risks to reputational risks and cybersecurity threats. When unforeseen events occur, such as a market downturn or a data breach, they are prepared with contingency plans, ensuring their organizations can respond swiftly and minimize damage.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

In a VUCA world, innovation and creativity are paramount for staying competitive. Thus, suitable managers create an environment where innovation is encouraged and nurtured. They understand that traditional methods may no longer be effective, and they empower their teams to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and take calculated risks. By doing so, they drive innovation and help their organizations find novel solutions to complex problems.

Enhancing Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and VUCA-ready managers are experts at building organizational resilience. They recognize that setbacks and disruptions are inevitable in the current context, so they focus on strengthening their organizations’ ability to recover quickly. This involves not only developing robust crisis management plans but also instilling a resilient mindset throughout the organization, where setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth and learning.

Nurturing Global Perspective

The interconnectedness of today’s world means that businesses often operate on a global scale. VUCA-ready managers have a global perspective and are well-versed in international business practices. They understand the cultural nuances and market dynamics of different regions, enabling them to make informed decisions in the global marketplace. Their global mindset helps organizations expand into new markets, navigate international regulations, and establish fruitful partnerships across borders.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Finally, VUCA-ready managers are lifelong learners. They recognize that the world is in a state of constant flux, with new technologies, methodologies, and ideas emerging regularly. To stay ahead, they dedicate time and resources to their personal and professional development. This might involve attending training programs, seeking mentors, or simply staying informed about industry trends and global events. Their commitment to learning ensures they remain relevant and effective leaders in the ever-evolving landscape.

In conclusion, the term VUCA encapsulates the tumultuous and uncertain nature of today’s world. To navigate this challenging landscape successfully, organizations must rely on VUCA-ready managers. These individuals possess the skills and mindset needed to adapt to volatility, embrace uncertainty, navigate complexity, thrive amid ambiguity, lead with agility, manage risk effectively, and commit to continuous learning. They are the linchpins that enable organizations not only to survive but to thrive in the face of constant change and disruption.

Categorii
Corporate

Balancing Experience and Potential in Recruitment

Decoding Talent Acquisition: Balancing experience and potential when recruiting a manager is a nuanced process that depends on the specific needs and goals of your organization. Here’s a breakdown of both perspectives:

Experience:
  • Proven Track Record: Experienced managers have background in handling various challenges, making them equipped to manage different situations more effectively. Encountering and resolving various issues in past roles equips senior candidates with problem-solving skills that can be applied to new situations. This can save time and resources when dealing with complex issues.
  • Immediate Impact: They often require less training and can contribute to the organization’s goals more quickly due to their familiarity with similar roles. They can often hit the ground running, being a what we call a “plug & play” profile.
  • Risk Reduction: Their experience can mean high-quality work and more appropriate decisions, reducing the potential for costly mistakes and allowing them to provide guidance to their team based on past experiences.
  • Reduced Learning Curve: Learning curves are inherent to any new role. However, experienced candidates often have a shorter learning curve, allowing them to adapt to new processes and technologies more swiftly.
  • Mentorship Potential: Experienced employees can serve as mentors to less experienced team members. They can provide guidance, share insights, and contribute to the growth and development of the team, facilitating knowledge transfer within the organization. Furthermore, having experienced mentors can help retain top talent, as employees value opportunities for growth and learning. When new hires see that the organization invests in their development by providing access to experienced mentors, they’re more likely to feel engaged and motivated to contribute effectively.
  • Client and Stakeholder Relations: In roles that involve interacting with clients and stakeholders, experienced candidates are more likely to have established relationships and a better understanding of client needs.
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: In managerial roles, experience often leads to better decision-making and effective leadership. Experienced managers can draw on past experiences to guide their teams and drive results.
  • Crisis Management: When unexpected challenges arise, experienced professionals tend to remain calm and composed, drawing from their past experiences to manage crises effectively.
  • Industry Insights: Experienced candidates bring insights about industry trends, competition, and market dynamics that can be invaluable in shaping business strategies.
  • Confidence and Poise: Another advantage of recruiting a person with experience is the confidence and poise they bring to their role. Seniority often equips individuals with a sense of assurance in their abilities. Having faced and overcome various challenges in their career, experienced professionals tend to approach new tasks and responsibilities with a level of self-assuredness. This confidence can have a positive impact on their performance, decision-making, and interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

However, past performance does no guarantee future performance, which is why high potential candidates should still be in the run.

Potential:
  • Fresh Perspectives: Individuals with less experience, unburdened by preconceived notions, often bring to the table creative thinking, original viewpoints and innovative ideas that can challenge the status quo. This encourages a culture of continuous improvement and fosters a mindset of innovation which can drive the organization to explore new opportunities.
  • Adaptability: Potential-driven managers tend to be more open to learning and adapting to changing contexts, which is essential in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Their proactive approach to evolving circumstances can lead to the organization remaining responsive and resilient.
  • Long-Term Investment: By identifying and nurturing high-potential individuals, organizations make a strategic investment in their future top leadership pipeline. These candidates possess qualities that can be developed over time, aligning with the organization’s growth trajectory and long-term vision.
  • Eagerness to Learn: High-potential candidates are typically eager to learn and take on new challenges. Their curiosity can lead to continuous improvement and a culture of ongoing development.
  • Energy and Enthusiasm: Their enthusiasm and passion can be contagious, boosting team morale and motivation, and fostering a positive work environment. Thus, they could have an impact on team spirit, elevating engagement levels, and cultivating an atmosphere where challenges are seen as exciting opportunities to excel.
  • Resilience: High-potential candidates often exhibit a high level of determination and resilience, enabling them to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of challenges.
  • Diverse Skill Sets: These candidates may come from various backgrounds, bringing miscellaneous skill sets that can complement and enrich the existing team’s capabilities. Their distinctive capabilitities could bring fresh dimensions to problem-solving and decision-making, driving well-rounded outcomes.
  • Leadership Potential: Even if they’re not stepping into a top role immediately, high-potential candidates often display leadership qualities that can be nurtured and developed over time.
  • Cultural Fit: Being relatively new to the organization, these candidates are more likely to embrace and embody the company’s culture, making integration smoother.
  • Retention and Engagement: Organizations that invest in high-potential individuals demonstrate a commitment to employee growth and development, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
Finding the Balance:
  • Context Matters: Consider the specific role, team, and company goals. For critical positions requiring immediate results, experience might be prioritized. For roles with room for growth and innovation, potential could be more valuable.
  • Hybrid Approach: Look for candidates who offer a blend of both. Someone with a strong foundation of experience combined with a demonstrated hunger to learn and grow can be a valuable asset.
  • Assessment Tools: Utilize assessment tools, psychometric tests, competency-based interviews, simulations, and scenario-based assessments to gauge a candidate’s ability to handle real-world situations, regardless of experience.
  • Investment in Development: If you lean towards potential, ensure you have a solid plan for mentoring, training, and guiding the manager to meet your organization’s expectations.

 

In essence, the best approach is to prioritize what aligns with your organization’s immediate and long-term needs. Remember that each recruitment scenario is unique. Therefore, carefully evaluating candidates based on your organization’s circumstances and culture will yield the best outcome.

Categorii
Corporate

POV: Unele proiecte de recrutare nu sunt duse la capăt

Postare scrisă de Alexandra Ene pentru LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraene1/ 

Eforturile Consultantului în recrutare și ale compania angajatoare pot fi foarte mari, însă câteodată procesele de recrutare nu sunt finalizate așa cum a fost planificat. Iată câteva dintre cele mai comune motive:

1. Diferențele dintre așteptările angajatorului și piață: poate exista o discrepanță între ceea ce angajatorul caută și ce își doresc candidații. Iar asta întârzie procesul de recrutare sau chiar îl blochează.

💡De exemplu, angajatorul poate avea așteptări nerealiste privind lista de cerințe pentru poziția respectivă, bugetul este sub nivelul pieței, tipul de profil căutat nu este disponibil în zona sau domeniul în care activează compania.

2. Competiția puternică pentru talente: în contextul actual, avem o piață a candidaților, iar companiile trebuie să facă eforturi să atragă profesioniștii potriviți.

Avem de asemenea situații când candidații ajung până în faza finală a procesului și refuză oferta, deși din punct de vedere financiar se aliniază cu așteptările financiare comunicate la începutul procesului de recrutare. Aceasta deoarece au opțiuni multiple, nu se grăbesc să facă schimbări doar pentru bani, ci vor să ia decizia cea mai bună pentru cariera și nevoile lor.

💡Un sfat pentru managementul blocat în ideea că “mai sunt 100 de oameni la poartă care așteaptă să fie recrutați”: încearcă să te recalibrezi conform realității din piață.

3. Procesele de recrutare pot fi întrerupte uneori din cauza unor probleme interne sau a schimbărilor în companie. Acestea pot include:

· Reorganizări sau schimbări în structura organizațională care afectează nevoile de personal.
· Bugete reduse sau restricții financiare care conduc la amânarea sau anularea unor angajări planificate.
· Schimbări în prioritățile companiei sau ale strategiei de business care determină reevaluarea nevoilor și a cerințelor postului deschis.

4. Angajatorul are un renume prost. Candidații fac research, caută online, vorbesc cu cunoscuții, se interesează despre mediul de lucru al viitorului angajator. Dacă află lucruri care îi pun pe gânduri, despre comportamente toxice sau stiluri de management care nu se aliniază cu așteptările lor, de cele mai multe ori nu vor continua procesele de recrutare.

Noi căutăm mereu rețeta care să ducă la 100% rată de succes, însă pentru a maximiza șansele finalizarii unui proiect cu succes, recomandăm:

✅ o comunicare foarte bună între angajator și Consultant
✅ o planificare strategică
✅ o strategie de employer branding
✅ răbdare și flexibilitate de ambele părți.

Standardele pot rămâne sus, însă trebuie să ne adaptăm noilor realități ale pieței.

Vrei să reduci riscul de întrerupere a procesului de recrutare? Sunt importante comunicarea deschisă și transparentă cu candidații și evaluarea constantă a procesului de recrutare, dar și a potențialelor probleme interne.

Categorii
Corporate

Harnessing the Power of Employee Testimonials

Dear employers, using Employee Testimonials is a great way to promote your employer brand by showcasing why your organization is a good place to work.

Encourage your team members to share their experiences working at your company through testimonials, as they provide valuable insights that can significantly impact the recruitment and hiring process. These accounts can be in the form of written posts, short videos, or even employee takeovers of the company’s LinkedIn page.

Here are a few things to take into consideration:

Format: Create a visually appealing graphic or video featuring a quote from the employee and their photo. Alternatively, you can share a carousel post with multiple employee testimonials.

Authenticity: Encourage employees to share genuine experiences and emotions. Authenticity is crucial in building trust with potential candidates and showcasing the real culture of your organization.

Variety of Voices: Feature testimonials from employees at different levels and departments within the company. This will provide a well-rounded view of the workplace and demonstrate that positive experiences exist across the organization.

Highlight Achievements: Ask employees to mention specific achievements or growth opportunities they’ve had while working at the company. This showcases the company’s commitment to employee development.

Impact on Personal Growth: Emphasize how working at the company has positively influenced the employee’s skills, career trajectory, and overall personal growth.

Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensure that the testimonials reflect the diversity of your workforce and how the company fosters an inclusive environment.

Call-to-Action: Include a call-to-action at the end of the post, encouraging interested candidates to reach out, visit the company’s career page, or explore open positions.

Engagement: Encourage your employees to engage with the post by liking, commenting, and sharing their colleagues’ testimonials. This will increase the post’s visibility and reach.

Employee Spotlights: Consider turning employee testimonials into a series of posts. Regularly feature different employees to keep the content fresh and showcase the various aspects of your company culture.

Learning about current employees’ experiences in working for a company or employer is crucial for potential employees as it provides an understanding of the company’s culture, work-life balance, career growth opportunities, team dynamics, and manager-employee relationships. Positive experiences reflect a healthy work environment and engaged workforce, leading to better retention and higher productivity. On the other hand, negative experiences may raise concerns and help candidates make informed decisions about the company’s suitability for their career goals and values. Transparently sharing employee experiences also boosts the company’s employer brand and fosters employee advocacy, attracting top talent in the long run.

Categorii
Candidates Corporate

The Power of Always Learning New Things: A Guide for Managers and Business Leaders

Now more than ever, it is critical for managers and business leaders to embrace continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve and lead successful teams. The power of always acquiring new things cannot be underestimated, as it drives innovation, builds strong teams, and fosters resilience in the face of challenges. This guide explores the importance of lifelong education (formal and non-formal) and provides practical tips on how to cultivate a learning mindset in your organization.

1. The Importance of Continuous Learning in Today’s Business World

1.1 The Ever-Changing Business Landscape

The business landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, market forces, and industry trends emerging at a breakneck pace. To stay competitive and relevant, managers and business leaders must be able to adapt and respond to these changes quickly and effectively. This requires a commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to continuously update and expand one’s knowledge and skillset.

1.2 The Value of a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through hard work, effort, and perseverance. By embracing it, leaders can drive innovation, build strong teams, and enhance their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.

1.3 The Impact on Employee Engagement and Retention

Continuous learning is not only important for managers and business leaders, but also for their teams. By fostering a culture of learning and development, organizations can boost employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Employees who feel supported in their growth and development are more likely to be motivated, committed, and loyal to their organization.

2. How to Cultivate a Learning Mindset in Your Organization

2.1 Lead by Example

As a manager or business leader, it is important to model a commitment to continuous learning. This means actively seeking out new knowledge and experiences, embracing challenges, and being willing to adapt and change. By demonstrating your own dedication to learning and growth, you can inspire your team to do the same.

2.2 Encourage Feedback and Open Communication

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, asking questions, and providing feedback. Encourage open communication and actively solicit input from your team. This will not only help you stay informed about potential areas for improvement, but also create a culture where employees feel valued and heard.

2.3 Invest in Employee Development

Support your team’s growth and development by providing access to resources, training, and development opportunities. This may include offering workshops, seminars, or online courses, providing mentorship or coaching, or setting aside time for self-directed learning. Thus, you demonstrate your commitment to their success.

3. Strategies for Effective Continuous Learning

3.1 Set Learning Goals

Identify specific areas where you and your team can improve and establish clear, measurable learning goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated in your pursuit of knowledge and growth. Regularly review and update your learning goals to ensure they remain aligned with your organization’s needs and priorities.

3.2 Leverage Technology and Online Resources

There are countless online resources available to support continuous learning, including platforms, e-books, webinars, podcasts, and video tutorials. Leverage these tools to expand your knowledge and stay current in your industry. Encourage your team to do the same by sharing relevant resources and creating opportunities for discussion and collaboration.

3.3 Make Time for Reflection and Learning

Set aside regular time for reflection and self-assessment. This can help you identify areas where you need to grow and develop, as well as recognize your progress and achievements. Encourage your team to engage in reflective practice as well, by providing opportunities for group discussions, peer feedback, and individual reflection.

4. The Benefits of Continuous Learning for Managers and Business Leaders

4.1 Enhanced Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Skills

By continuously expanding your knowledge and skillset, you can improve your ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. This can lead to better outcomes for your organization and increased confidence in your leadership abilities.

4.2 Increased Adaptability and Resilience

Continuous learning helps you stay agile and adaptable in the face of change, enabling you to respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities. This resilience is essential for navigating today’s uncertain and rapidly evolving business landscape.

4.3 Improved Employee Performance and Engagement

Investing in continuous learning for both yourself and your team can lead to increased employee performance, engagement, and retention. By fostering a culture of learning and development, you demonstrate your commitment to your team’s success and create an environment where employees feel valued and supported.

5. Overcoming Barriers to Continuous Learning

5.1 Time Constraints

One of the most common barriers to continuous learning is a lack of time. To overcome this obstacle, prioritize learning by setting aside dedicated time for personal and professional development. Encourage your team to do the same by providing flexible work arrangements or allocating time for learning and development activities during the workday.

5.2 Limited Resources

Budget constraints can make it challenging to invest in continuous learning and development. However, there are many cost-effective options available, such as free online resources, webinars, and courses. Explore these alternatives and encourage your team to take advantage of them as well.

5.3 Fear of Failure

Fear of failure can be a significant barrier to continuous learning. Emphasize the importance of embracing challenges, making mistakes, and learning from them as part of the growth process. By fostering a culture where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth and development, you can help your team overcome this barrier and embrace continuous learning.

6. Measuring the Impact of Continuous Learning

6.1 Performance Metrics

Monitor and measure the impact of continuous learning on your team’s performance by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. Regularly review and analyse this data to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.

6.2 Employee Feedback

Gather feedback from your team on their learning experiences and the impact of continuous learning on their work. This can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your learning initiatives and help you identify areas for improvement.

6.3 ROI Analysis

Conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis to assess the financial impact of your continuous learning initiatives. By comparing the costs of your learning and development efforts with the benefits they provide, you can demonstrate the value of continuous learning to your organization and justify future investments.

7. Tips for Success in Continuous Learning

7.1 Stay Curious

Cultivate a genuine curiosity about the world and a desire to learn new things. This will help you stay motivated and engaged in your pursuit of knowledge and growth.

7.2 Be Persistent

Continuous learning requires persistence and determination. Be prepared to face challenges, setbacks, and failures along the way, and use these experiences as opportunities for growth and development.

7.3 Share Your Knowledge

Share your insights and learning experiences with your team and encourage them to do the same. This can help create a culture of learning and collaboration within your organization.

8. Preparing for the Future of Work

As the business world continues to evolve, the importance of continuous learning for managers and business leaders will only grow. By embracing a growth mindset, investing in employee development, and staying agile in the face of change, you can prepare your organization for success in the future of work.

Conclusion

The power of always learning new things is undeniable for managers and business leaders. By embracing continuous learning, you can drive innovation, build strong teams, and foster resilience in the face of challenges. Make a commitment to lifelong learning and cultivate a learning mindset in your organization to stay ahead of the curve and lead your team to success.

Categorii
Corporate

Succession Planning: What it Takes to Ensure a Smooth Transition of Leadership

Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing potential successors for key leadership positions within an organization. This process is decisive for ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and maintaining operational continuity. In this article, we will discuss its importance, the challenges organizations face when implementing a succession plan, and strategies for successful implementation.

Understanding the Process

Succession planning involves identifying key roles within an organization and determining which individuals have the potential to fill these roles in the future. This process may involve evaluating an individual’s skills, experience, and leadership qualities to determine their suitability for the next level(s) within the organization. Once potential successors have been identified, they must be developed and trained to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future roles.

What is a Succession Plan and Why is it Important?

It is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the process for identifying and developing potential successors for key leadership positions within the company. This plan is important because it helps organizations ensure that they have a strong pipeline of leaders who are capable of guiding the organization through periods of change or transition.

Without a succession plan in place, organizations may struggle to find fast qualified candidates to fill key leadership positions, which can result in operational disruptions and other negative consequences. By developing a succession plan, organizations can ensure that they have a strong pipeline of talent available to fill key leadership positions as they become available. Through this approach, they have a clear roadmap for identifying and developing potential future leaders, which can help them maintain operational continuity and achieve long-term success.

In addition, succession planning can also help organizations improve employee retention and engagement. When employees see that there are opportunities for career advancement within the organization, they are more likely to remain loyal and engaged, which can result in higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity.

Common Challenges in Implementation

The process can be challenging for organizations, particularly if they have not engaged in such an endeavour before. One of the most common challenges is identifying the right individuals for key leadership positions. This may require organizations to evaluate a wide range of factors, including an individual’s abilities, soft skills, and potential.

Another common challenge is developing and training potential successors. This may require organizations to invest in training and mentorship programs or other resources to ensure that potential leaders have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future roles.

Strategies for Successful Succession Planning

Develop a strategy proactively and ahead of time. If you are expecting an employee to depart from the company, like in the case of a planned retirement or internal promotion, you will have time to plan accordingly. However, a sudden, unexpected departure can be disorienting, which is why it is important to have a plan ready for such an occurrence. Upon analyzing the team, it is important to ask several questions: Who are the essential players? What are their roles? What is the impact of their work on our day-to-day operations? What are their main skills?

Identify potential successors. After you have assessed the potential consequences of the departure of certain people, decide who among the team members may be able to take on those roles. Inquire of yourself: Which of our current employees would be the most suitable for the X position if we decided to hire internally? Would the candidates require any additional training? And, if so, what kind of training?

Although the individual who is right below the role may be the natural choice to succeed, don’t forget to consider other people. Evaluate all employees for the aptitude and traits needed to succeed in a higher role, regardless of their current job title. To identify potential successors, organizations may use a variety of methods, including performance evaluations, leadership assessments, and interviews. Organizations need to take a comprehensive approach to this process, considering a wide range of factors when evaluating potential successors.

At the same time, don’t make assumptions about the career objectives of your team members. You could have a vision of certain individuals assuming positions of senior management, however, it is not guaranteed that they will be interested when the idea is brought to their attention. Therefore, it is wise to discuss the professional ambitions of these workers prior to deciding on a succession plan.

Communicate the succession plan to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, and other key stakeholders. This can help ensure that everyone is aware of the organization’s plans for leadership succession and can help reduce uncertainty and anxiety during periods of transition.

Develop and train potential successors. This may involve investing in training programs, arranging job rotations, shadowing or mentorship programs, coaching, workshops, or other resources to ensure that potential leaders have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future roles.

Incorporate your succession plan into your recruitment strategy. Once you have determined which employees are suitable to fill important roles within your company, it is important to assess any skill deficiencies they may have. This will help you to identify where to direct your efforts when recruiting new personnel.

Evaluating and Refining Your Succession Plan

Finally, it is important for organizations to regularly evaluate and refine their succession plan to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. This may involve reviewing the plan on an annual basis, soliciting feedback from stakeholders, and making changes as necessary to ensure that the plan reflects the organization’s current needs and priorities.

 

If your organization has not engaged in succession planning, now is the time to start. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure that your organization is well-positioned for long-term success, with a strong pipeline of talent available to fill key leadership positions as they become available.

Categorii
Corporate

POV: Despre dialog și transparență în recrutare

Postare scrisă de Alexandra Ene pentru LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraene1/ 

Ca angajator, probabil îți dorești foarte multe lucruri de la viitorul coleg, atât la nivel de competențe, cât și abilități interpersonale.

Însă suntem oameni și cu toții avem plusuri și minusuri. Important e să descoperim din lista de cerințe ce este cu adevărat relevant pentru rolul și business-ul tău, ce poate fi suplinit sau dezvoltat, respectiv unde se pot face compromisuri. Astfel, încă din primele discuții trebuie să decidem împreună ce este cu adevărat urgent sau prioritar. 👇

Iată care sunt primii pași pe care îi vom face dacă vom lucra împreună:

Înainte de orice, Consultantul dedicat va face research, aflând despre viitorul client cât mai multe detalii, atât despre companie/produse/servicii, cât și despre reputația organizației. În plus, vom pregăti pentru prima întâlnire date și informații care ar putea fi relevante pentru recrutarea respectivă (de la salarii la alte insight-uri descoperite în proiectele anterioare). Astfel, vom avea fundația care va sta la baza strategiei de recrutare.

La întâlnirea de start a proiectului vom veni cu o serie de întrebări. De obicei, cerem multe informații despre rol, organizație și așteptări, dar vom discuta și aspecte legate de termene limită, etapele de selecție și alte detalii relevante ale procesului de recrutare.

Este important să fiți deschiși cu ceea ce vă doriți, dar și cu ceea ce e cu adevărat urgent sau prioritar. Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.

Prin urmare, ca antreprenor, Director General sau Director de HR, trebuie să-ți blochezi o fereastră de timp agreată de comun acord și să fii deschis(ă) și transparent(ă). Cu cât vei privi colaborarea ca pe un parteneriat, cu atât cresc șansele ca noi să îți găsim oamenii potriviți.

Am avut clienți care au fost reticenți să dea informații, în ideea că noi, ca specialiști, trebuie să știm mai bine de ce au ei nevoie. Dar noi vom reuși să evaluăm profilul ideal doar dacă înțelegem în profunzime contextul real al companiei tale, precum și piața.

🌟 Spre exemplu, un CFO într-o corporație din industria bunurilor de consum are un rol foarte diferit față de unul într-o companie antreprenorială din servicii; prin urmare, numele poziției nu spune mare lucru. Și chiar în cadrul aceleiași industrii, fiecare companie se confruntă cu lucruri diferite. Poate organizația vine după o perioadă de tranziție, fuziune, dificultăți financiare, fluctuație mare în echipă, sau urmează o schimbare de strategie sau management.

În calitate de Consultanți, multe lucruri le aflăm din research, însă altele este imposibil să le știm din afara organizației, deci avem nevoie de sprijinul companiei angajatoare.

Apoi, pe parcursul colaborării, vom fi în contact pentru calibrări și recalibrări și vom continua să avem nevoie de feedback-ul și colaborarea ta.