Jan 11, 2012
Integrate — Performance Reviews for Success
Probably one of the least liked HR processes of all organizations is the dreaded performance review. However, it does not have to be that way. Performance reviews should be beneficial not only to the organization but to the employee.
Key components to a successful process include:
- Built-in commitment to your MVV
- Shared goals and objectives throughout the organization
- Employee ownership of career and job performance
- Simplistic but meaningful processes
- Solid guidelines and commitment from senior leadership.
Commitment to your MVV
If you want your Team to fulfill your Company’s Mission reach your Vision and operate within your Values, you must build these into the Performance Review process. When you do, it shows the organization that leadership believes in the MVV so much that they have included it in the measurement of employment performance. Ensure your goals and objectives are aligned with your Missionand Vision; if they are not, you must question why they are in place. Most organizations that we support appreciate us walking them through a simple Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to help develop goals for the organization. In the area of Values, always build your values and other important values into the behavior section of the Performance review form; we will discuss behaviors in more detail later in this chapter.
Shared goals and objectives
In high performing organizations, including those that I have worked for, have all had Performance Review processes that were aligned to shared goals and objectives through the organization. Typically the scenario worked like this: The CEO would develop four to six goals and objectives that would then be approved or renegotiated by the board of directors. Those goals would then cascade through the organization all the way down to, for example, the third-shift sanitation employee at the plant in Arkansas. The employees would then align what they needed to accomplish within their scope of authority against the goals of the person(s) above them.
The review process primarily focuses on annual goals, and very little on the mundane aspects of day to day work that is reflective of what the job description dictates. The daily work should be accomplished, and, if not, the employee should be managed through disciplinary procedures.
Employee ownership
I have had the experience of employees approaching me earlier in my career at the end of the performance review cycle. Oftentimes, their approach was because they never had met with their managers even one time during the course of the performance cycle.
Make no mistake: they are at fault as much as their inept management.
Employees must take ownership of their careers, their development and their performance. Those who do not simply will not survive in this economy. Part of ensuring that they take ownership, and helping them to understand it, is ensuring that the process is clearly defined, i.e., that the employee is obliged to prepare performance form materials, and be proactive in scheduling a performance review meeting with their manager if the manager is not. If the manager still fails to meet with them, the employee has an obligation to go to HR or, absent HR, the manager’s superior. Doing nothing should never be an option.
Simplistic but meaningful processes
Twelve-page forms and manuals that exceed sixty pages will just not work. Ensure your process includes easily understood documentation, and a review form that does not exceed a good resume length, that is, two pages. Keep the form limited to four to six operational goals and three to five behavior-based goals.
Never have a process that is void of behavioral objectives.
I have had the misfortune to work with several teams that insisted upon only production-related goals. They killed each other in the process to achieve them, and, when challenged, they would always say that they were not being measured on niceness, but solely on how many widgets they made! Balance your performance scorecard, and you will have better results.
Solid guidelines and commitment from senior leadership
When we describe “solid” guidelines, we mean guidelines that are not created in a vacuum, by one person high on a mountaintop. Guidelines should be developed by a cross-functional group of employees from a variety of areas within the company. This brings a rich blend of thoughts and experiences to the table.
Regrettably, most of the HR people that I have worked with during my career are just not capable of coming up with such solid guidelines without assistance.
It is a sad statement to make regarding my profession, but I gave up defending much of the deficiencies I discovered years ago.
Senior Leadership must buy into the process and support it. If they don’t, it is doomed to certain failure.
Years ago, I worked for a company in which, no matter how hard the CEO worked on convincing the president of a particular division to manage the performance review process, this president would balk. The division president’s lack of commitment transcended the organization. The process became a joke, and no one nurtured it. I look back at the company now and wonder if things could have turned out differently. They have closed half of their plants, and shed several thousand employees. It might be a stretch to link this to lack of leadership in embracing a performance review process, but I do believe that, if Innovation was a top goal for the years heading into the downturn, that company could conceivably have created new products to sustain employment for those who were laid off. Sad, but this is often the case. Managers: stay committed!
What has been your experience with performance review systems? Do you like them? Hate them? We would like to know. Please leave us a few comments to broaden our knowledge. Thank you.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Kingdom Company Building
Jan 6, 2012
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a Part Time Kitchen Coordinator to join its Team.
The Kitchen Coordinator for ABWE Events: Coordinator will plan, purchase, prepare and serve meals and snacks during breaks in conjunction with event planner’s objectives and budget and agreed upon service level standards for each event.
Some of the Qualifications include:
- Good cook and baker
- Good organizational skills
- Good people skills
- Good food presentation experience
Some of the Necessary Attributes include:
- Takes initiative
- Strong relational skills
- Energetic and deadline oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Able to work alone or in a team environment
- Cheerful
- Self-disciplined
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Attn: Mr. Neil Glotfelty
P.O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
eng@abwe.org
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
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Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For
Jan 3, 2012
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of managing organizations is the act of recruitment. It is not necessarily difficult only on the candidates; it’s also difficult on organizations as well. Even though we are living in tumultuous business times, with real unemployment exceeding 10 percent in almost every city in our nation, recruitment is still a challenge for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Lack of skilled candidates
- Wounded and hurt applicants lacking trust of any organization
- Having too many candidates to choose from makes it difficult to know where to begin
- Salary expectation alignment; many candidates are accustomed to more
These are all hurdles to climb over but organizations that have a well thought out process and strategy will prevail in hiring the best candidates to accelerate the performance of the organization. The entire process of building a “Kingdom Minded” company revolves around including your Mission Vision and Values into every HR practice as practicable. The recruitment process is not excluded.
In developing your strategy, you should weave into the process several concepts that will help recruit the best candidates to help you manage within your Mission, reach your Vision, and operate within your Values. Your process should include:
- Networking your vacancies to trusted sources
- Using employee referral systems to increase your candidate pool
- Use consistent hiring methodology when recruiting candidates
- Always include your MVV in the recruitment process
Networking. Most companies, because of turnover within their HR department, or a lack of HR professionals within the company, do not have a formalized network to which they can announce vacancies. This is a concerning drawback to the process. Organizations should consistently mine for talent and the community should be aware of the organization and have a general idea of what they do and what their hiring patterns are. Organizations should spend time marketing themselves as a great place to work; this is also and effective form of marketing to potential customers. People want to buy products and services from organizations that treat their employees well. Start networking with churches, Christian colleges, LinkedIn groups, alumni associations, nonprofit executives, mission organizations, seminaries — the list could go on forever! The problem is that many organizations do not create such a network list. Network today; it will pay dividends in years to come.
Employee Referral Systems Nine out of ten companies I meet with do not have either a formal or informal employee referral systems for candidates. If they do have one, it is stale and not yielding any results. This is unfortunate, because people want to work with people who match the company culture, and know how and want to get the job done. Reinvent this program or develop it if you don’t have one. The easiest way to do so is to bring together a cross section of employees for half an hour and ask them straight out: would you refer your friends to work here? If not, why not? And what do we need to do to make this an environment that you would want to refer them to? Delve into what the referral reward should be in the program. Some miserly HR folks suggest one to two hundred-dollar bonuses. Considering a Monster board ad is three hundred dollars, not to mention the hassle of screening 10 to 20 candidates to get to one good candidate, don’t you think this is a bit stingy? Reward your people!
Consistent Hiring Methodology Lack of a consistent hiring methodology will get you burned. Getting an EEOC or Human Relations commission charge becomes not an “if” proposition but a “when.” But, stepping outside of the legal concerns, why not take the high road right off, and ensure your practice is beyond reproach? When recruiting, always have a job description, always have interview evaluation sheets, and always have decent but not copious notes of the candidate selection meeting when all interviewers give input. I have experienced some embarrassing situations at all levels of the organization where a document to support hiring or not hiring candidates didn’t even exist. If you don’t have this in place, make sure you keep your checkbook handy. You will need it.
And, finally, include your MVV in your process. You see, when candidates see this, they are intrigued, especially when the presenter presents it in a way that is exciting.
Candidates love to see people with passion and energy around their Mission.
Organizations have lost their mojo. Show candidates your passion! Most people want to work for a company that has direction. They are tired of the lack of leadership in government, in corporate America, and their local schools. The last thing they want to do is join a company that is weak and non-directional. Show them your passion through your MVV!
Explain to each candidate your Values, where they came from and why you have them. Let them know that you are a company founded on Christian principles. Most often the reaction I get from candidates when they hear this is, “Wow! Finally a place that might treat me with dignity and respect.”
Don’t worry about offending anyone. You are not pushing your values onto them; you are simply demonstrating what they are. I have had candidates say that they are not Christians, but that working for a company like ours would help them understand Christianity better. Exposing people to Christ — that is what we all desire.. That is the work God really wants us to focus on.
What have been your experiences in recruitment? Are there any best practices you would like to share? Be a difference maker today. Please contribute to the community and help others learn from your experiences. Thank you.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Kingdom Company Building
Dec 18, 2011
I have had the honor of knowing Denny Smith for several years. Denny was instrumental in starting the Career Network at LCBC Church, where he recruited me to be a leader at its inception. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know Denny, not only from a business and Ministry standpoint, but from a personal perspective as well.
I am privileged to share with you the book Denny inked in 2009, Outplace: Career Change, Real World Stories, Real World Answers. For a variety of reasons, Denny has decided to distribute his book free of charge rather than through a publisher. This book will be a blessing to many, especially those who, like me, have attempted to navigate through a traumatic job loss without a relationship with Christ.
Denny’s book hits home with me because of my own 2003 experience, losing my job through no fault of my own. This left me driving home to a house I could not afford, in a neighborhood where I did not even know my neighbors because my priorities had been bound by work. It was only until I humbled myself and accepted a relationship with Christ that I pulled myself out of the pit and developed myself to the potential God had instilled in me at birth.
I hope you enjoy reading Denny’s book as I did. It provides encouragement and outlines a hope and a future to all job loss victims. If this book changes one life with Christ, it has met Denny’s objective.
Click this link to download the book. Feel free to save to your desktop.
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Testimonials & Comments:
“Outplace is a great resource for keeping the proper perspective in the midst of difficult times. Dennis offers both a healthy outlook and practical advice for anyone facing job transition. ”
Rob Skacel, PhD
Business Psychologist
True Edge Performance Solutions
“The advice offered in Outplace is sound and based on solid experience and principles and will undoubtedly provide insights and hope”
Laura Schanz
Senior Consultant and President
Laura Schanz Consulting Associates
“Really liked the format, conversational tone and the content. The “Rest of the Story” and the ASAP program were very good.”
Barry Davis, MS, CTC, MCDP
Senior Consultant/Head of Career Services
LancasterManagement Associates Consulting Group
“I really liked the Client Updates – The Rest of the Story”
Kimberly Blessing
Director of Career Services
York Technical Institute
“You have hit it out of the park, and knocked the cover off the ball with your content. I love the story as you tell us about your weekly activity in a practical way—.”
Steve Muller
President & Owner
Muller Consulting
Be kind share this link with someone who needs encouragment because of job loss.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration
Dec 13, 2011
Employees complain when you don’t have a handbook, but, when you have one, they don’t want it! An employee handbook is very easy to create, but probably the most overlooked aspect of employment documentation. One thing is for sure: if a company has multiple shifts or multiple locations or just multiple employees, an employee handbook can certainly help keep all employees on the same page. Handbooks are always a delicate subject.
But when done right, and with employee input, this tool can make a difference.
- Make it reflect your Mission Vision and Values (MVV)
- Make it relevant
- Keep it simple
- Keep it legal and legit
Reflect your MVV. Your handbook should be an absolute reflection of your MVV, which essentially amplifies your culture. Someone who is unfamiliar with your organization should be able to pick up your handbook and see your heart within its reflection simply by the tone and the guiding principles you lay out for your employees. The front of the handbook should contain your MVV, followed by the President’s message as to why the MVV is important to the company and how it was created.
Make it relevant. Having reviewed hundreds of handbooks over the years, one thing is certain and that is that most are horrible. They are irrelevant, often don’t convey the culture of the organization and are more about preaching or dictating than guiding.
Keep it simple. A handbook should not contain every scrap of information about the company. Worse yet, it should not contain every possible scenario in which an employee violation could occur. Keep it simple and you will have a greater impact than if you over-complicate or over-stimulate the reader. Many employees I’ve spoken with over the years tell me that, if a handbook is interesting, they will read it to learn more about the company, but, if it just rambles on over policy and procedures, most will put it down after two pages. The ideal handbook will inspire the reader to learn — learn more about the company.
Keep it legal and legit. Always ensure you include the appropriate legal clauses. There are far too many to list here but a few that come to mind speak toADA, FMLA, Employment at Will, EEOC etc. You want to make sure you cover your bases.
In closing it is important to note that having a handbook is oftentimes the only opportunity for employers to memorialize what is expected of employees. But always include what employees can expect of you! A handbook should never be a one way street of core policies of the organization; if it is, you will chill the warmth right out of the organization, a chill you will live to regret.
We Value Your Comments. Thank you for taking the time to read our post in this series on how to build “Kingdom Minded” Companies. Please share your thoughts and experiences on employee handbooks. How did the ones that you have used fit your organization? Did they match your culture? Did they drive the behaviors the company and employees desire? Thank you for contributing to our community, and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Kingdom Company Building
Dec 9, 2011
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a Donor Communications Specialist to join its Team. Reporting to the Director of Advancement this position is part of ABWE Foundation’s Advancement Team, supporting our efforts to raise over $45 million annually (primarily through missionaries), with a concentration on capital campaigns and donor relationship management designed to preserve the missionary support and to raise $2-3 million for projects and the home office. The Donor Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the creation and distribution of regular and special communication pieces to our donor base, for both current and planned gift purposes.
Some of the responsibilities will include:
- Work with Advancement Team to provide messaging (copy and content) for all elements of the Advancement Team’s strategy for cultivation of ABWE Foundation’s donor base for current and planned gifts, including appeal mailings, reporting, donor letters, email and web content, campaign pieces, etc.
- Coordinate with Advancement Team and Donor Relationship Managers (DRMs), including the President, to develop tailored communication for specific donor types and prospects.
- Serve as project manager, editor and principal writer for tailored communication pieces to major individual and Corporate/Foundation donors around the world. Scope of work will include: providing regular, targeted program updates to high net worth donors; strategic communication pieces for unrestricted donors; and coordination of communication to specific donor groups.
Some of the qualifications of the position include:
- Minimum of 3-5 years related work experience in development, customer relations, marketing or public relations.
- Demonstrated outstanding writing and editing skills, preferably with experience writing to donor audiences at various giving levels with an attuned skill for English-language grammar.
- Experience and knowledge in writing and sending donor solicitations with various delivery methods and for maximum results and impact. Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Excel); familiarity with other design and communication software is a plus and Experience with donor database management (Raiser’s Edge, DonorDirect or similar) and content management systems (Blackbaud NetCommmunity, Microsoft CRM or similar) or related
software is a plus.
Education: Minimum 4 year degree with emphasis in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Marketing preferred.
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Attn: Mr. Neil Glotfelty
P.O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
eng@abwe.org
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
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Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For
Nov 30, 2011
Integrate-After the Mission Vision and Values …
Most leaders, after they finalize the recreation of their Mission Vision and Values (MVV) for their organizations, do what comes naturally — they share it with everyone. If that sounds like you, then it goes out on your website, and it gets printed poster-sized and hung on the walls of your conference rooms and lobby. You mention it consistently for about three months … and then it dies.
It dies because it is not an intrinsic part of the way you do business.
It is not ingrained into the soul of your company.
How do you make your Mission Vision and Values a part of the way in which you do business? You integrate it into the practices that are always connected to the people that make it happen — you integrate it into the people who are applying your HR practices. HR practices are practices that touch all employees.
What are some examples of HR practices?
- Employee Relations
- Recruitment Management
- Workforce Planning
- On Boarding Management
- Training Management
- Performance Management
- Compensation & Benefits
- Attendance and Leave Management
- Compensation and Benefits Management
- Employee Development Skill Management
- Health & Safety
- Employee Activities
- Employment Policy Management
You could probably laundry-list 40-plus practices, but, for the sake of explanation, we are going to provide guidance on six key practices that you can integrate with your MVV quite easily. These six are your:
- Handbook
- Recruitment Process
- Performance Review Process
- Job Descriptions
- Communication Process
- Training and Development
Over the next few weeks, I will walk us through the integration of the MVV into each one of these practices. What has your experience been when integrating these concepts into your company’s practices? Share with us below. We would appreciate hearing your thoughts and stories.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Kingdom Company Building
Nov 21, 2011
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a Receptionist to join its Team. Reporting to the HR Director this first point of contact position is responsible for answering all ABWE inbound toll and toll-free numbers as well as greeting guests and visitors to the home office. Responsible for call coverage of all departmental inbound calls such as ABWE Foundation and Planned Giving, Mobilization, Global Operations and Donor Services.
Some of the responsibilities will include:
- Serve as receptionist and guest services
- Assist with staff events and activities
- Support staff in project-based work.
- Assist with address changes to the database
- Assist with various staff communication (e.g. announcements, Birthdays, etc.)
Some of the qualifications of the position include:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficient in typing
- Good writing, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning and records management and general administration
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to, computers, telephone systems, typewriters, calculators, copiers, facsimile.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Attn: Mr. Neil Glotfelty
P.O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
eng@abwe.org
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click
Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For
Nov 21, 2011
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a HR Coordinator to join its Team. This newly created opposition will be responsible for assisting the HR Director in recruiting, on boarding and training of all ABWE home office staff. Responsible for coordinating all staff events, meetings and activities. Responsible for maintaining staff records including staff directory, staff coding, staff handbook, etc.
Some of the responsibilities will include:
- Organizing and distributing HR communications (e.g. emails, letters, memos, agendas, etc.)
- Maintaining staff records
- Updating staff coding and personnel information
- Assisting the current Supervisor (Director of Personnel/HR, Communications, and Information
- Services) with managing his/her scheduling and meeting/calendar appointments needs
- Coordinating and facilitating staff training
- Assisting with new staff on boarding
- Development of meaningful employee relations events
Some of the qualifications of the position include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources is preferred or equivalent HR work experience
- Solid organization and time management skills required
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Must be able to communicate with all levels of management
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal direction
- Must handle confidential information in a professional manner
- Demonstrate initiative and consistently deliver results
- Detail-oriented; must ensure a high level of accuracy
- Maintain flexibility while working in a dynamic environment
- Must have strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft products Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
HR@InHISNameHR.COM
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click
Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For
Nov 21, 2011
Position Closed
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this profitable company with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. Keystone Collections by Martins is an equal opportunity employer.
Keystone Collections by Martins, Myerstown PA manufacturing location is currently seeking an Finish Team Members to join its Team. Through lean manufacturing, finish furniture within the quality, productivity, and safety guidelines as set by the company and finish team.
Some of the critical factors for your success are:
- Pride in Job and Quality Work Standards
- Positive, “Can Do” attitude
- Focus on maintaining productivity levels equal to or higher than the team’s average.
- Development of personal skills and continuous learning to exceed work standards
- Be a strong team contributor by consistently following team goals, guidelines, and standard operating procedures
- Willingness for constant change to continuously improve the processes and organization
- Understanding and utilizing lean manufacturing concepts
Some of the preferred qualifications are:
- 1-2 years finish experience helpful
- Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of finishing wood products.
- Ability to read at or above 4th grade level
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations and read a tape measure accurately
- Knowledge of departmental functions and organization
- Willingness and ability to work overtime
- Ability to consistently follow standard operating procedures
- Ability to work under conditions with multiple and changing priorities, short deadlines, more than one source of supervision and work assignments
Keystone Collections by Martins
650 Houtztown Road
Myerstown, PA17067
hr@keystonecollections.com
www.keystonecollections.com
Please no phone calls.
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Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For
