Leadership Flagship

The Pros and Cons of Promoting from Within

March 7, 2018

By Guest Blogger: Sam Smith 3/5/2018

One of the questions potential long-term employees ask of their future employers is whether or not there are opportunities for advancement within the company. Most entry level applicants and those looking for a job rather than a career aren’t concerned about being promoted once they accept a position within the organization. Unless HR managers are tracking who is asking this important question, promoting from within has both benefits and risks. The fact is that every hire is a risk and there’s no sure-fire way to guarantee that the people you hire will perform well. Here are some pros and cons of promoting from within to consider that may help inform your hiring strategy moving forward.

Team Motivation

Employees who witness the ascension of their peers will be encouraged to perform at the level necessary to receive promoted themselves. Motivating team members to do their best on a daily basis can be challenging as very few people tolerate stagnation or mundane work. Employees who may have challenges in getting work done timely or at a high-quality level can be inspired by seeing others promoted. While it’s important to authentically evaluate performance, it’s also just as critical to provide team members with career goal within your company. Nothing motivates employees more than appreciation and increased pay rates. http://www.loyaltyworks.com/news-and-views/corporate-health-and-wellness/encouraging-employee-motivation-through-internal-promotion/

Employee Retention

Once hired, the furthest thought from an employee’s mind is preparing to leave the organization. HR screening should be such that these types of temporary minded people don’t end up in your company unless the tasks or role that you’ve hired them to fulfill is temporary as well. The benefit of being a select employer is the ability to retain great employees as well as draw new talent to your organization who look forward to remaining with you the duration of their career. Promoting from within is one of the company reputation aspects that gets around quickly. Contrarily, the lack of promotion opportunities is one organizational reputation that makes it difficult for businesses to attract talented employees who dedicate their careers to the company mission.

Smooth Transitions

Hiring within allows promoted employees to remain in the same workplace culture that they’ve come accustomed to while taking on more responsibility, earning more income, and validating their decision to join your organization. Promoted managers and executives have less of a learning curve when it comes to knowing team members, the pulse of the company, policies, and understanding how to meet customer demands. Employers also save money by promoting within through eliminating the costs and time associated with on-boarding new employees. https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/hidden-costs-employee-onboarding-reduce/

More Experience

Hiring externally can bring much needed experience into your company that doesn’t exist. While promoting within is a great benefit to employees, often time employers need the benefit of outside experience to meet operational benchmarks. Hiring externally is usually reserved for higher and executive level management, which may cause resentment among existing mid-level managers.

However, hiring external leadership could help the entire team in the end when the process is well thought out and planned. Good executive leaders bring the missing factors to organizations that benefit the entire team from top to bottom.

Cultural Shifts

Growing companies can become stagnant when most of the leadership is promoted from within. Hiring externally provides a much-needed cultural shift that businesses wouldn’t otherwise experience. New and innovative thinking among leadership can not only help give the organization the necessary cultural change that boosts morale but can also help employers identify problematic team members and processes that inhibit company growth. While organizations strive to retain all valuable employees, a cultural shift for the better more than likely results in the termination, lay off, or voluntary separation of those who are unable to adjust. New leaders have an easier time assisting with those decisions than executives who have established cordial relationships employees who need to be separated from the organization.

Gained/Missed Opportunities

Organizations can miss out on hiring amazing talent by promoting within. When embarking on new business ventures on a product or service level, most times the talent necessary to manage the innovation doesn’t already exist within the company. A clear analysis of the cost benefits of sending an existing employee through training or hiring someone who already has the necessary skill and talent is necessary. Such an analysis should be done before deciding which is better not only from a revenue perspective, but from a cultural perspective as well. https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/disadvantages-promoting-within-4019.html

Technical Deficiencies

In this digital age, the most common reason for hiring externally is due to technical deficiencies within the team. The downside of promoting within in regard to technology is that employees are used to the systems that have always existed. The knowledge gap of efficient tools and current processes can cause leaders who are promoted from within to feel threatened. It’s easier for an existing employee to cover up their lack of technical knowledge than it is for a new leader to do the same. The most effective strategy more than likely lies in between hiring consultants who have the technical know how and selecting internal team members to partner with them in order to gain the necessary technical skill.

Entitlement

Inevitably all companies have to hire external leadership at some point and this can cause leadership conflict when those who are promoted from within develop a sense of entitlement. Leaders can become extremely territorial and having a combination of leaders promoted internally and those hired externally

can create unnecessary chaos. The promotions and hires have to be well timed to avoid burdening non-management employees with pressure to chose sides. Employee entitlement should be handled confidentially and swiftly on all levels to reduce the incidences of team conflict.

Positive Perspective

Whether promoting within or hiring externally, the goal is to employ leaders who bring positive perspectives to the workplace. Stagnant leadership trickles down to employees and negative attitudes in management will eventually permeate the entire organization. Internal promotion and external hires are specific to your organizational needs and these general guidelines are basic considerations.

Abstract: Employee and operational management are difficult processes for any business. This article outlines basic pros and cons when considering whether to promote internal employees to leadership positions or hire externally to fill management gaps.
How Positive Accountability Can Make Employees Happier at Work

March 1, 2018

by Tanner Corbridge | Jan 12, 2018

Boost employee engagement, morale, and retention by empowering employees to take ownership over their circumstances.

Read the original article published on Inc. Magazine: How Positive Accountability Can Make Employees Happier at Work

The trend from a recent “Happiness at Work” poll by Partners In Leadership confirms what our gut tells us: when employees are happier at work, 85% say they take more initiative; 73% say they are better collaborators; and 48% care more about their work. Recent research by economists at the University of Warwick has even found that the brain functions more effectively when a person is feeling positive about themselves and their surroundings.

This is all good news for organizations looking to move the needle on results and productivity. Yet, even when leaders know that there’s a high incentive for ensuring the happiness of employees in the workplace, they still struggle to understand how to cultivate happiness and increase levels of job satisfaction and engagement. Hint, it’s not about putting popcorn machines in the hallways!

Based on years of research and accountability training with some of the largest organizations in America, we’ve identified the secret ingredient—and it might not be what you’re expecting:

Reinforcing positive accountability increases happiness and employee engagement.

Even if this seems counterintuitive, test these three simple strategies that leverage accountability to develop purpose and foster engagement in your teams.

1. Define Accountability

If you ask a group of 100 employees if they see areas within the business where more accountability is needed, 100% of them will say “yes.” Yet if you ask the same 100 employees if they are personally accountable in the workplace, 100% of them will say “yes.” Not one in the history of business admits: “I’m a train wreck. Don’t count on me for much.”

This happens because we judge other people based on what we see them doing, yet we judge ourselves based on our own intentions. In reality, most people don’t realize when they’re shirking from their responsibilities or playing the “blame game” because they know their intentions are to be accountable.

For this reason, leaders must clearly and simply define what accountability means from the get-go. Most view accountability as punitive—something that’s dished out after things go wrong. The Oz Principle defines accountability as “a personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results.” In other words, TAKING accountability is to follow four steps: See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It^®. This is a definition that employees can get behind because it empowers them to take action when challenges arise, instead of getting mired in confusion and tossed about by other people’s agendas and directives.

Organizations either place a managerial emphasis on “holding others accountable” or they place an emphasis on nurturing an environment where people are “taking greater accountability.” The latter approach produces a culture where people look around and they proactively self-select the appropriate behaviors needed to get the result.

2. Put Employees in the Driver’s Seat

People are happy when they’re in control. Ownership is a powerful tool: when it is within an employee’s power to do meaningful work well, they are more likely to see a task through to completion. Ownership is defined by two factors: Involvement and Agreement. When employees understand their involvement, they feel more in control, driving a sense of purpose in their daily work. Involvement, along with a heightened sense of agreement in what’s most important, can also lead to feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction when these efforts yield positive results for the company.

When accountability is at the heart of an organizational culture, employees are empowered to take ownership for the work that matters instead of fixating on problems that surface from finger pointing and a lack of initiative. When employees take responsibility for delivering their organizations’ results, engagement, productivity, and happiness rise exponentially.

3.Align around a Common Cause

People work for money. They work harder for good leaders. They work hardest for a cause.

Many jobs require some degree of menial, repetitive work, but the key to not succumbing to the monotony of these tasks is to keep the bigger picture in mind. If every employee truly understands how their role combines with others to bring the mission of the company to life, they’ll be much more inclined to give 100% to their jobs (even when they’re not particularly passionate about the task at hand). When leaders give their employees purpose, higher engagement and satisfaction naturally follow.

Accountability Fosters Happier Employees

The majority of employees we work with report that accountability training has had a positive impact on their personal level of engagement at work — and what’s more, they actually feel happier when they take more initiative in the workplace. It’s just that simple: create a team where everyone takes accountability for what matters most, and your organizational culture will flourish.
3 Ways to Combat Stress and Achieve Balance

March 1, 2018

by Kirsten Blakemore Edwards | Jul 20, 2017

You can’t control most of life’s challenges, but you can change how you react to them. These three habits help you manage stress and enjoy a more satisfying life.

Read the original article published on Inc. Magazine: “3 Ways to Combat Stress and Achieve Balance“

One thing we know for certain is that life equals change. Despite our best efforts to find stability, life’s curve balls just keep coming–and often at warp speed! How do you find balance when there’s so little time in the day to take a step back and get your bearings?

People react in different ways to the whirlwind of life. Some respond by trying to control everything around them, including the spaces in which they live and work, the events, and even their coworkers, friends, and family members. Others feel like victims of their own circumstances. With a “poor me” attitude, they blame others or just try to grind it out, hoping that someday things get easier. However, these approaches result in feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. The more we look outside ourselves for the balance we so desperately seek, the less likely we are to find it.

Achieving balance comes from within, and you have the power to tap into it. Balance is a mindset born from personal accountability. It’s an active decision you make every day to rise above one’s circumstance and demonstrate the ownership necessary to achieving results. Taking accountability for how you act and think allows you to see things differently and, ultimately, experience more satisfaction from the best parts of your life.

What steps can you can take to become more accountable, manage daily stress, and support balance?

1. Recognize that you are part of your life’s design

Even if it’s over those first peaceful sips of coffee before the chaos begins, start each day by reflecting on the aspects of your life for which you are most grateful. By taking stock of the many gifts you have–whether it’s your family, your career, your health, or all of the above–you see the challenges of the day from a new and better perspective. Likewise, when you hit bumps in the road, choose to see them as learning experiences rather than obstacles or failures.

In other words, don’t let the events of the day dictate your mood. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to feel about what happens to you, whether you see yourself as a victim or constantly look for solutions.

2. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

It’s a well-known fact that exercise alleviates stress. But fitting it into life is much easier said than done. If you’re able to carve out 30 minutes each day for some Pilates, spinning, or yoga, that’s great! But for anyone with small children or a hectic travel schedule, finding precious time to complete a workout is often at the bottom of the to-do list. Instead, look for other excuses throughout the day to squeeze in some physical activity. Extend Fido’s walk by ten minutes and see if he’s willing to pick up the pace. Consider a stand-up desk at work and, when it makes sense, hold “walking meetings” with coworkers who are game to join you. Get creative–then watch yourself feel more centered and develop a higher tolerance for handling stress.

3. Avoid foods that make you feel edgy or depleted

What you eat has a huge impact on how you feel. Sugary, carb-heavy foods leave us feeling tired, guilty, and irritable. This is not a good recipe for coping with stress, and we often compound the problem by reaching for that fourth cup of coffee to fight the fatigue. Habits are tough to break, but making healthier choices significantly improves your mood and energy level.

No one is ever fully prepared for life’s drama, whether it’s a frozen pipe during the dead of winter, a cancelled flight, or that dreaded call from the principal’s office. However, you can control how you react to these stressful events. By recognizing that your attitude is a choice and by taking steps each day to support a more positive approach to dealing with life’s curveballs, you are well on your way to establishing balance in your life.

Creating Results and Shaping Change

No matter how hectic life gets in the workplace or at home, taking personal accountability for how you act and think gives you power to rise above circumstance, manage daily stress, and achieve balance. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by life’s changes, shift your perspective so that you can experience more satisfaction from the best parts of your life.
6 Tips to Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life

February 28, 2018

by: Margaret Wood 2/28/2018

Everyone and anyone who has experienced a slice of life will agree that it can be a roller coaster at times. Maybe your job has you frustrated, a relationship has gone sour, kids getting into trouble or you just can’t seem to make headway. No matter how many self-help books you’ve read, at day’s end, nothing’s changed. You’re overwhelmed!

Before you read any further, take a minute to watch one of Bob Newhart’s funniest videos with a very sincere message: Stop It!

Although Newhart only portrays a psychologist on tv, his straightforward advice emphasizes the need to get tough on yourself and stop repeating the same destructive behaviors over and over.

Here are 6 of the best tips to help you get out of your head and into your life, minimizing your frustrations and clearing the path to help you move forward in a healthy manner.

1.Language Positivity

Sit down and think about the day…did you get upset with someone, did someone get upset with you? Try to identify the cause and effect,.Was it something you said, something they said–or was it simply HOW it was said or HOW it was received. What could have been said differently or how could it have been approached otherwise for a better outcome?

By taking a moment to focus on your responses, and switching out negative words for positive ones, the outcome could turn out much better than expect. Language is crucial – people identify you by your choice of words, your style and how you deliver your message. By using positive phrases, you also disarm the other person who may be the aggressor, causing them to calm down as well.

By eliminating the negativity in your daily language, you will start to eliminate the feeling of defeat, frustration, hopelessness and anger. Others will see you in a more positive light.

Instead of saying “I can’t” or “it won’t work”, what if you say, “I haven’t worked it all out yet” or “that may have merit”? Choosing this type of language will not only help you feel hopeful, but will increase your optimism and deliver a sense of calm.

When discussing things with others, ask yourself whether your language is negative or positive and whether you are building or destroying something .

2.Iron Will

The path to achieving your goals lies in your willpower…and in order to build an iron will, you need to decide what and how much you are willing to sacrifice in the short-term in order to achieve your long-term goals.

If you can embrace uncertainty and surge forward on a path of self-improvement, whether it’s to lose weight, make your first million or have better relationships, you will need to be ready to take some risks. And even, you are not guaranteed success. The key is perseverance. You need to be rigorous in reaching those goals.

3.Solutions

In positivity training, you learn that you always have choices and control over your life. Although your choices may not always be optimum, making the right choices more often than not will help you learn to solve almost any issue you encounter.

The answer may not come to you immediately; just remember: the key is perseverance. You will eventually work through it and come out the other side that much stronger.

4. Get Out of Your Way!

Stop being a victim of your circumstances–they are not the impediment to your success unless you allow them to be. Recognize that you have control — get out of your head and don’t let these thoughts hold you back. It’s just your negativity getting in the way. Get busy and make those bad situations better!

If you’re in a toxic relationship – GET OUT! If your boss is intolerable–GET A NEW JOB! If your grades are suffering –GET A STUDY PARTNER! Take control and do what you have to do! Keep the positivity momentum going!

5. As Nike says: Just do it ©

Stop overthinking! You want to lose weight – go to the gym and eat healthier! Don’t think about it! You want a raise, talk to your boss! You want new friends, start talking to people, at the gym, at work, at events! Don’t overthink situations! This just gets in your way! Get out there — Carpe Diem!

6. Reasonable Expectations

Stop ruminating about your fails and focus on your successes. Everyone experiences the frustration of working hard and not being rewarded as they see fit. The key here is to be accepting of all good things that come your way, even if it’s only an “atta boy”. Those “atta boys” add up! Stay the course. Review your goals and expectations for reasonableness and understand your shortcomings. Work on them!

The truth is: Things don’t always turn out the way you want them to – no more pity parties! Get out of your way and move on!
6 Scientifically Proven Ways to Get (and Stay) Motivated

February 23, 2018

By ALEXIA DELLNER | JAN. 18, 2018

Whether it’s hitting the gym three days a week or finally finishing your novel, sometimes the biggest obstacle standing in the way of achieving your goals is, well, you. Here, six research-backed (and totally doable) tricks to stay motivated.

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BECOME A MORNING PERSON

We hear you—mornings are so not your thing. But according to a recent study in Health Psychology, it’s easier to form habits in the a.m., when cortisol levels are at their peak. So instead of trying to fit the gym in after work, get your heart rate up before work. Can barely drag yourself out of bed to get to the office on time? Try the Yoga Wake Up app, which you can literally do on top of your covers. (No excuses.)

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TELL A FRIEND (AND THEN KEEP TELLING THEM)

In a study from Dominican University in California, researchers found that participants were 35 percent more likely to accomplish their goals if they wrote them down, shared them with another person and then checked in with weekly progress updates. The only problem? Not everyone in your group chat cares about how well your tap dancing lessons are going. Here’s an idea—team up with one friend who could also use a motivational boost and share weekly wins over coffee.

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SET DEADLINES IN DAYS, NOT MONTHS

Here’s a cool trick—instead of telling yourself that you’re going to finish writing the first chapter of your book in the next month, give yourself a deadline of 30 days. According to a study published in Psychological Science, setting these kinds of deadlines makes it easier for you to connect your future self to your present self, which then inspires you to start working (even when you don’t feel like it).

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BE YOUR OWN CHEERLEADER

What goes hand in hand with feeling unmotivated? Negative thoughts. But the easiest way to turn things around is to tell yourself how great you’re doing. That’s according to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, which found that cyclists who repeated positive phrases (like “you can do it”) when they hit the wall during a tough training session actually pedalled longer than those who didn’t. This “motivational self-talk” group also felt like they weren’t working as hard (even though their heart rate monitors indicated otherwise). But if the idea of talking about how awesome you are while on the treadmill feels, well, silly, don’t sweat it—saying a positive mantra in your head also does the trick.

RELATED: 5 WAYS YOU’RE BEING NEGATIVE WITHOUT REALIZING IT

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SET SPECIFIC, NOT VAGUE, GOALS

Let’s say your dream is to run your own business. If you’re starting from scratch, it sounds pretty daunting. So in order to make it happen, it’s all about baby steps, like creating a business plan and finding an accountant. According to the American Psychological Association, people who set out to achieve a few small, specific tasks are 90 percent more likely to achieve them than those who aim for a large, broader goal. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed, break down your goals into mini tasks. Just send that email and you’re one step closer. You’ve got this.

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BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

It’s cheesy, but it’s true. People who think that they have a lot of willpower, do. In one study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers followed 153 college students over five weeks and found that those who believed that willpower was an abundant (rather than limited) resource were less likely to procrastinate, eat junk food and spend impulsively. Even their grades were better. Time to change your screen saver to a killer inspirational quote.