Throughout my 15 year HR career, I have always been responsible for the appraisal piece of a business – this involves a wide range of practical tasks including organising and implementing the appraisal policy and process; training managers and subordinates on what is involved; how appraisals should be conducted; how to give feedback – both positive and negative; and then finally a training needs analysis based on the “development” or “improvement” areas identified for each individual as a result of their performance. Continue reading
Author: susancarson
Thinking about quitting? Here’s why you should
So it’s early on in a new year, and hopefully you have had some time to sit back and reflect on the year that was. Hopefully you have set your goals to achieve in 2017, and being early Feb, you are well on your way to achieving them. Part of this goal setting might be about actively seeking the next stage in your career, or simply looking for a new job. Continue reading
Under Scrutiny? Get some rep.
Are you under scrutiny at work for performance or disciplinary reasons? A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by a friend to be the support person for someone facing disciplinary action for misconduct. In the days that ensued, I had two separate client cases – one misconduct, one performance – and both resulted in termination of employment. Neither of the two individuals in my latter meetings had support people with them, and it was obvious that they were totally unprepared at all stages of the process. Continue reading
How resilient are you?
If your boss told you to [profanity] off, what would you do? Would you:
- quit your job
- be upset for a while, but stick it out and get over it
- get on with it, realising that the issue is probably with them and not with you.
4 Tips To Pass Your Probation
The New Year is a time for us all to reflect and reassess our goals in life, and a US survey reported that more than half of workers look for a new job after January 1. In my book, 101 HR Hot Tips: Handy Secrets for Success in the Workplace, I discuss passing your probation in HR Hot Tip #34, but I thought it an opportune time to extend on this HR Hot Tip! So if you’re starting your new role about now, or in the near future, here are four more tips to ensure you maximise your chances of passing your probation: Continue reading
Clive Clive Clive: It’s a wonder you’re still alive
It’s a tough gig being Clive Palmer right now. I wonder, was being Queensland’s most hated man part of his plan? Was life meant to turn out this way?
One can only assume it was, considering he has let go 237 workers from his nickel refinery which shut down in Townsville, Queensland this week, as a direct result of his immoral and irresponsible spending. Continue reading
Essendon – a perfect example of why you don’t settle for second best.
Australia: One of our most beloved AFL teams has been seriously impacted after the Essendon Bombers Football Club was issued suspensions for 34 of their past and present players, twelve of which are currently on the Bombers’ list, for taking banned supplements at the direction of their fitness coaches and sports scientists.
Whilst the blame game continues as to who is truly at fault and why, what stands out to me in this case is that the administers in this instance were not the preferred candidates for appointment by the Club. Continue reading
Who will you be, or who will you see, at this year’s Christmas Party?
Christmas party time! Silly season time! Whatever you wanna call it time! HR Hot Tip #56 in my book 101 HR Hot Tips: Handy Secrets for Success in the Workplace discusses appropriate behaviour including keeping your clothes on at the Christmas party. And now that the silly season is upon us, now is the time to augment this HR Hot Tip for your benefit.
These are the personality types that come out at Christmas parties. Who will you be, or who will you see, this year? Continue reading
Do you jump off the sinking ship? Three reasons not to…
I want to share a conversation I had with a friend earlier this week. Let’s call her Dot:
Dot: “Susan! Help me re-do my resume. My company just laid off 20 people today so I need to look for a new job right away!”
Me: “Yes, but have you been let go?”
Dot: “No, but I might be!”
Me: “True, but what have you been told about your job”
Dot: “That it’s safe for now”Me: “So why are you fretting?”
Dot: “Because I might lose my job and I need one!”
Me: “Don’t jump off the sinking ship!”
I have supported four companies through their restructures, which resulted in the termination of employment from six to 500 people. I am always fascinated by the variety of people’s reactions to such adversity. Whilst it is understandable to be concerned about your future liv
elihood when it’s happening in your company, here are my three HR Hot Tips to help you not fret and to try and stay calm during what is a very stressful time: Continue reading
Are you the victim of office gossip? Ten Hot Tips to assist with constructive confrontation
The focus of a recent coaching session with one of my protégés was the treatment of her by two other colleagues, who had been allegedly spreading rumours about her perceived extra-curricular relationship with a senior member of staff.
Naturally, my protégé was terrified of confronting the situation. In fact, I believe most people don’t confront issues that are bothering them, for fear of retribution or worsening the situation. So people go on to tolerate unfair and unreasonable treatment, which, in truth, can negatively affect someone’s reputation, performance, self-esteem and consequently, life in general. Continue reading
