Christian Stewardship Series

May 22, 2012

Christian Stewardship
Having been exposed to the concept of Stewardship several years ago, I have set out to define the concept from my unique experiences and perspective. I cannot take credit for the concept of Stewardship as it relates to Christianity. Although I have never been able to confirm with certainty, I believe this concept of Stewardship actually originated in the Catholic Church. However, many other denominations, including Evangelicals, have begun embracing the multifaceted concept of Stewardship. I personally like it. Not from an “easy rules to follow” standpoint, but as a nice neat package of a variety of ways we can give back to others. When I say “give back to others,” I say it because, when you think about it, it all really should be about others: our neighbors, our coworkers, the people we lead, and our families. But also let’s remember Matthew 25:40.

In this series, I would like to shed some light on the area of Stewardship. Oftentimes when people think of Stewardship, they think of finances and the giving of their finances. This is a common misconception. Stewardship takes on many forms. The following are other examples: Time, Faith, Talent, Family, Prayer, and, finally, Treasure, which many people also interpret as finances. As Christians, we often forget how we might impact not only our coworkers, but also the communities in which we live, work and do business. In this blog series, I will be exploring the concept of Stewardship and what and how it may apply to Christ followers.

I hope you will follow along on this journey with me. You may learn a lot about yourself. I know I have.

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series

New Book Provides Christian Inspiration for Business Leaders and Professionals

May 7, 2012

New Book Provides Christian Inspiration for Business Leaders and Professionals

Contact: Mark A. Griffin, In HIS Name HR LLC, 717-572-2183, MGriffin@InHISNameHR.com

LANCASTER, Penn., May 7, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — HR consultant and career coach Mark A. Griffin has worked for more than 20 years in a corporate world where the bottom line is king and often anything goes in the pursuit of profit.

Mark believes, however, that there is another, better way to do business and in his latest book, How To Build “Kingdom-Minded” Organizations, he provides inspiration for Christian business leaders who want to create a values-led organization that brings Christ into the workplace.

In the last decade, the global corporate world has endured some of the toughest economic times since the Great Depression with business leaders and employees alike enduring increasing pressure s

imply to survive. Too often the workplace has become somewhere devoid of hope and of genuine purpose and yet the workplace is still where many of us spend the majority of our time.

Mark’s human resources career over two decades in the marketplace has encompassed both Fortune 500 companies, such as Kodak, Quaker Oats and Merck, and small and mid-sized companies and his knowledge and expertise of the corporate world is unrivaled.

It’s his experience of a business world that has lost its way and is out of touch with its responsibilities to both workforce and clientele that has led Mark in a different direction, one informed and inspired by his own strong Christian faith.

Mark’s remarkable book will empower business leaders to be bold and brave in bringing their own faith into their workplace. He understands that it takes great courage to step away from the normal business practices that continue to dominate America’s corporate world but his book provides simple and effective tools that will integrate the teachings of Christ into an organization.

Through his own organization, In HIS Name HR LLC, Mark is on a mission to provide world-class business consulting that allows clients to be prosperous but also to be “Kingdom-Minded” by instilling a Christian ethos and establishing goals that reflect that ethos.

How To Build “Kingdom-Minded” Organizations provides the starting point for those who want to create, build and develop their own values-led business that is profitable and is also a stable, positive environment in which employee wellbeing is enhanced, thus improving quality and increasing productivity.

Radical, inspirational and affirmative — Mark A. Griffin’s template for “Kingdom-Minded” businesses is an idea whose time has come.

How To Build “Kingdom-Minded” Organizations is now available at Amazon.com. Purchase at www.kingdommindedorganizations.com

Learn more about Mark A. Griffin and his quest to help the Christian owned company live their faith by visiting him at www.InHISNameHR.com, or contact him on www.Twitter.com/InHISNameHR.

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events

From Fat to Fit! Healthy Mind, Healthy Spirit, Healthy Body!

May 1, 2012

During the 2009 Thanksgiving season, my son Adam and I were talking about the fun we had when he was younger, especially backpacking. He mentioned he would love to take a weeklong trip, but without hesitation he said I would never be able to make it, that I was too heavy and probably would have a heart attack! That hit me pretty hard. I also felt an obligation to lead a healthy lifestyle as a Vice President of Human Resources. It is somewhat hypocritical to promote health and wellness to reduce medical expenses, and at the same time be obese! Realizing I was embarrassingly out of shape for a 42 year old, I made a commitment to change my lifestyle.

I started exercising, changed my diet based on Eating for Life by Bill Phillips, and spent time reflecting on my relationship with Christ.

Read the full post on Cheryl Cope’s blog.

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Career Coaching, Inspiration

IHN HR Recruitment Services High Performance Human Resources

Now Recruiting For: Accounting Clerk Lebanon PA

Apr 25, 2012

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. DynaTech is an equal opportunity employer.

DynaTech , Lebanon Pa location is currently seeking a Accounting Clerk to join its TeamWhat you will do

What you will do
The Accounting Clerk will be responsible for bi-weekly payroll including tax reports and payments, retirement contributions and payments, vendor payments and statements, invoicing customers, journal entry preparation, bank account reconciliation, and accounts receivable. The clerk will also be responsible for:

Qualities That Will Make You a Great Candidate

Excellent relational skills and congeniality with people
Ability to handle highly confidential matters
Self-starter and ability to effectively multi-task
Attention to detail

Some Responsibilities Will Include:

Create journal entries
Maintain a master list of monthly journal entries
Record supporting information for all journal entries
Enter all journal entries into the accounting software
Process and print vendor payments and refund checks
Research vendor statements, phone calls and discrepancies.
Enter timesheet calculations and payroll data such as vacation time, insurance, and retirement deductions
Prepare payroll tax reports and payments
Reconcile quarterly taxes and make payments
Calculate retirement contributions and payments Miscellaneous Duties and Responsibilities

Some Required Skills:

Proficiency in MS Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook
Excellent accounting skills (accuracy and detail-orientation)
Experience with MAS90 desirable Education/Experience:
Minimum 2 years general office duties required
Experience in service based environment preferred
Associate’s degree (A. A) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school preferred; Will consider or one or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualities That Will Make You a Great Candidate

Excellent relational skills and congeniality with people
Ability to handle highly confidential matters
Self-starter and ability to effectively multi-task
Attention to detail

Traits We Look For

Joyfulness, Enthusiasm, Determination, Creativity, Flexibility, Dependability, Resourcefulness, Sincerity

DynaTech’s products/services are recognized as “the best of the best” in the power industry and we have one of the highest repeat business rates in the industry due to our response guarantee, results, quality and follow-up activities.

This is a great company with a great reputation. Due to the overwhelming response anticipated, we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.

Prior to contacting us please review DynaTech’s Mission Vision and Values. Contact us for a copy.

Cover letters should include why you should be considered for the position and what would make you the best candidate. Please provide your experiences that will support the Mission while demonstrating and embracing the Core Values of DynaTech.

Send resumes in the strictest of confidence to: HR@INHISNAMEHR.com

Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For

Now Recruiting For: Power Specialist / Account Manager Lebanon PA

Apr 25, 2012

DynaTech , Lebanon Pa location is currently seeking a Power Specialist / Account Manager to join its Team.

What you will do

The Account Manager/Power Specialist (PS) serves as the primary business contact for the client and is responsible for the management, completion and payment collection of projects. The PS is expected to consistently provide excellent customer service to the account. In addition, the PS should build relationships with clients and partners to encourage new and repeat business opportunities.

Some Required Education, Skills and Abilities We Are Looking For

Proven Account Management Skills required creating, maintaining, and enhance relationships
Minimum 3-5 years of Account Management experience
Undergraduate Degree
Extensive experience utilizing CRM systems
Critical Thinking & Multi-Tasking Ability
Excellent written and oral communication skills
High level of initiative and work well in a team environment
Experience with CRM systems and committed to entering ALL sales activities daily
Technical Competence with Microsoft Office and Outlook

Qualities and Success Factors That Will Make You a Great Candidate

- Great planner who carries out responsibilities with minimal direction
- Demonstrates ability to handle deadline pressures and varying work environments
- Proven relationship maker
- Must have an extensive network to call on
- Experience calling on higher levels in large accounts
- Be able to work independently and use a highly skilled support team when needed
- Experience selling premium products/service

Traits We Look For
Joyfulness, Enthusiasm, Determination, Creativity, Flexibility, Dependability, Resourcefulness Sincerity, and Independent

This opportunity calls for a self-starter who is goal driven to meet sales targets and enjoy the rewards of those efforts (no cap on earnings). Our company headquarters is located in Lebanon, PA, USA but with clients throughout PA, NJ, DE, MD. Relocation is not necessary.

Excellent benefits including: a strong Compensation Package: Salary plus tiered commission with no cap, Health insurance package, Phone, Laptop, Vehicle, Approved Expenses, Vacations and Retirement Plan.

Send resumes in the strictest of confidence to: HR@INHISNAMEHR.com

Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For

Now Recruiting For: Support Specialist Elizabethtown PA

Apr 25, 2012

Position Filled

In an economy that is yielding very little career opportunities, we are excited to be retained by this wonderful growing organization that provides superior website and management software solutions to churches and ministries in all 50 states and 28 countries.

Support Specialist

What you will do

Your goal as a support technician is to make sure Elexio Client’s experience is the best it can be a well as making sure Elexio’s software products are as stable and as bug free as possible. This includes you; working on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, supporting software, solving Client’s issues based on our reported needs, and originating new concepts, strategies, or innovative approaches that have significant impact on the user experience.

Some Required Skills and Abilities We Are Looking For

A minimum of 2 years of client experience in tech relate field
Hands-on experience solving software issues, including e-mail, Hardware and network relate problems
Knowledgeable with general technical information
Able to quickly comprehend and apply technical information
Demonstrated Technology enthusiast

Qualities That Will Make You a Great Candidate

Excited about Christian ministry
Passionate about an excellent client experience
Motivated self-starter with a high energy level and a passion for providing an excellent client experience
A willingness to do what it takes to create great work
Works well in a collaborative environment if needed, or can work alone
Demonstrates strategic thinking and creative problem solving to assist in meeting company/team goals
Teachable and ready to learn
Independent – able to work with minimal supervision while maintaining focus and productivity
The ability to work well in teams, prioritize tasks and juggle different tasks simultaneously. 10. Detailed oriented
Demonstrated Desire for constant Improvement

Traits We Look For

Joyfulness, Enthusiasm, Determination, Creativity, Flexibility, Dependability, Resourcefulness, Sincerity

About Elexio

Elexio is a Christian owned software company in Elizabethtown PA celebrating 28 years of serving ministries. God has blessed Elexio with an excellent staff of business professionals who are made up of pastors, youth leaders, worship leaders, etc. – people involved in ministry. Elexio provides superior website and management software solutions to churches and ministries in all 50 states and 28 countries.

Elexio offers a generous benefit program and an environment rich in enthusiasm, growth and provides appreciation for contributions made.

Due to the overwhelming response we anticipate we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.

Prior to contacting us please review the video about Elexio here.

Serious and confidential inquiries: HR@InHISNameHR.com

Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click

Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For

Now Recruiting For: Software Developer Elizabethtown PA

Apr 25, 2012

Software Developer

What you will do

Your goal as a developer is to build and maintain Elexio’s software. You will be working with a team of developers every day on projects under the direction of a team leader.

Some Qualifications We Are Looking For

Have a minimum of 1 year of programming experience outside of an academic environment
Have the ability to think through challenges in a critical way and come up with real answers that make “real sense”
Be a technology enthusiast
Be excited about Christian ministry

Some Required Skills and Education

Experience with Microsoft .NET Programming is required
Experience with both C# and VB.NET in a Visual Studio 2010 is required
Experience with Windows Forms development is required
Experience with MS SQL databases and the Transact-SQL language is required
Experience with web development technologies such as ASP.NET, HTML, CSS, and Javascript are big “plus”

Traits We Look For

Flexibility, Creativity, Responsibility, Thoroughness, Determination, Orderliness, Dependability

About Elexio

Elexio offers a generous benefit program and an environment rich in enthusiasm, growth and provides appreciation for contributions made.

Due to the overwhelming response we anticipate we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.

Prior to contacting us please review the video about Elexio here.

Serious and confidential inquiries: HR@InHISNameHR.com

Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click

Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For

Now Recruiting For: Creative Director Elizabethtown PA

Apr 25, 2012

Creative Director

What you will do

Your goal as creative director is to create high impact websites and design related materials that generate results for our clients. This includes; working on or managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, developing inspiring designs and experiences based on our clients’ needs. You will also originate new concepts, strategies, or innovative approaches that have significant impact on the user’s experience.

Some Qualifications We Are Looking For

Hands-on experience designing and coding web sites in a professional or academic setting
Proven leader with demonstrable experiences able to motivation and empowering others as a servant leader
Motivated self-starter with a high energy level and a passion for the creative medium
A willingness to do what it takes to create great work
Able to work well in a collaborative environment

Some Required Skills and Education

Undergraduate degree in Fine Arts or related field or equivalent visual design and management experience required; graduate degree preferred
At least 4 years management experience working with large-scale web sites, e-marketing, and advertising
You must possess a thorough understanding of interactive communications and delivery systems, processes, and user interface design as well as industry best practices
Have solid knowledge of layouts, graphic fundamentals, typography and limitations of the web; must understand and have a cursory knowledge of HTML5 and Java Script
Demonstrate the ability to storyboard or translate ideas to designers and develop innovative motion graphics solutions
Convey a strong working knowledge of experience design, brand development, interactive commerce and creative process

Traits We Look For

Joyfulness, Enthusiasm, Determination, Creativity, Flexibility, Dependability, Resourcefulness Sincerity, and Independent

About Elexio

Elexio offers a generous benefit program and an environment rich in enthusiasm, growth and provides appreciation for contributions made.

Due to the overwhelming response we anticipate we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.

Prior to contacting us please review the video about Elexio here.

Serious and confidential inquiries: HR@InHISNameHR.com

Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click

Mark A. Griffin | Now Recruiting For

The New Career Normal

Apr 20, 2012

It was a gray day in the fall of 2003. I looked around the room at all the other walking wounded, the outplaced, downsized, reorganized and laid off professionals I had come to know during the past several weeks. As we were heading into the Christmas season, I would say in jest that we were just stuck in the land of misfit toys. It was funny for a few seconds, until the stark reality of the situation struck our hearts.

There may be times in your career when you find yourself stuck in the land of misfit toys.

We were participants in outplacement with the firm of Lee Hecht Harris, tucked neatly into the suburbs of Detroit, where thousands would need their services over the next decade. The firm would, of course, enjoy prosperity; however, it was unfortunately at the expense of others. James Craft, the leader of the misfit toys or, better stated, Career Coach, would lead us through this difficult time. Some folks would come and go fairly quickly, but, for the most part, many came but few left.

One key takeaway from my weeks of time with the group and James was something that James harped over again and again: Don’t put your eggs in one basket — diversify your career and time into different areas. Although he made the importance clear to start a side hobby business, invest in a franchise outside your daily job, create a plan to have multiple streams of income, etc., I really did not get it until almost 10 years later. James, I believe, was a visionary; he knew what was coming to the workplace years in advance. But I, like many others, still had an eye toward the past, and yearned for a long-term relationship with a company, just like my father had had.

I guess it was because, in my heart, in my core, my own desire would be to do just that, devote 30 years to a company and then retire. I was still thinking how people should be able to give their time and years of service to the company and have the company return the favor with security. Today’s reality is that only a very small portion of people in the workplace will realize this rare relationship. It is no longer the norm, and definitely scarcer than it was back in 2003.

It is highly unlikely that you will work for one company for the rest of your life.

It won’t happen. Even people who went into the military and government service are now finding no long-term commitment there. Layoffs have started and will continue in these sectors. As a result, you will work longer than your parents had to work. So, you had best like what you’re doing, because you will be doing it for a long time! Most important, you are going to require multiple income streams to make it. A paycheck is not going to cut it. The quicker you figure this out, accept it and embrace it, the better off you are. Don’t be like me and wait almost 10 years! If I had listened to James, I would be further ahead in developing these streams than I am today.

So what has transpired since 2003 for my own career path? Well, most significant is that I have given my life to Jesus. My personal desire for security through employers has been released and traded for the eternal security of Jesus in my heart. I have navigated through an additional downsizing, followed by two other companies; both of which have shrunk considerably because of the changes in manufacturing coupled with the downturn in the economy.

One way to diversify yourself and enhance your capabilities is by volunteering. I have donated much of my time over the past seven years helping job seekers who have either been laid off, downsized or are just plain unhappy with what they are doing career-wise. By doing so, I inadvertently developed my career coaching skills and also created a model to help people navigate the exploration of the difficult task of redefining their career path.

I have also created various forms of cash streams. A good friend of mine, Allan Collins, of Success in HR, calls it “side hustling.” It means finding something you enjoy doing and monetizing it. Allan sold comic books for years, diversifying his income. Many people start an eBay business or an online portal selling specialty items. I started a Internet Media Business separate from my HR consulting firm that not only provides a cash flow for my retirement savings, but also prospers the sales agent and gives back to a counseling ministry for each sale made.

I launched an additional offering in conjunction with my HR firm, based on my 20-plus years of coaching job seekers: ChristianCareerCoaching.com. This has proved a success for my business beyond my expectations but, as important, has made great impact in righting people in their careers.

I believe that God wants us to be happy at work!

Work should not be awful. If it is, God is telling us to make a change!

This new normal requires continuing education, as well. I was fortunate to have received a BA in Human Resources and a Masters in Business Administration. Several years into my career, I attended several Executive Education programs at the University of Michigan. But, after those formal programs, I did little in furthering my knowledge. I did become Green belt, qualified in Six Sigma, and taught many programs through the years in the subject areas of Finance, Human Resources, Supervision, and Training and Development. But delivering training is not the same as working in that field. Except for the occasional seminar, I felt myself stagnating. So, just recently, I invested in myself and my firm and spent time becoming a certified practitioner in the Myers Briggs Type Instrument (MBTI). It was well worth the time and dollar investment, as I increased my skills and my credibility with my clients.

So, the new normal as I see it is that you cannot rely any longer on a long-term commitment by an employer. It is statistically improbable. Volunteer and enrich yourself and others. Follow James’s and Allan’s advice and create a “side hustling” cash stream. And, finally, never stop learning. Step out of your comfort zone and rekindle your relationship with learning. Enter a Master’s program, get certified on a program, get a license for use of a program, or become a practitioner of a tool that can enhance your marketability. If you do all of these, you will become more resilient to the New Career Normal.

Before publishing this, I shared this with several people, all of whom have considered at least one of these points. What are your thoughts? Is there a new normal we are missing? We would love to hear your opinion.

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Career Coaching

Workplace Grief: It’s More Common Than You Realize

Apr 15, 2012

Guest Blog post this week

I had the privilege being a guest contributor to Sylvia Hepler’s blog:

Launching Lives

Workplace Grief: It’s More Common Than You Realize

Read the full post on Silvia’s website: here

Or read below:

Tell us about your role at In HIS Name HR.

My company provides HR support services to organizations with fifty or more employees. Typically, the organizations we support do not need a VP or Director of HR full time, but greatly benefit from having access to HR expertise consistently, perhaps a few times a month. I use my 20-plus years in HR at both Fortune and smaller sized companies to help develop for them strong, positive-minded HR practices. I have clients throughout Central Pennsylvania and we are expanding into other parts of the U.S.

What is workplace grief and how common is it?

It is more common than most may realize. Many employees are already bearing the staggering burden of navigating the pressures of a weak global economy, political turmoil and personal financial hardships. Add to that the fact that our population is aging. Many organizations have employees whose loved ones are elderly. So, when faced with a death in the family, it is often the last straw, completely breaking the employee down emotionally.

How would you advise a grieving employee?

This is an excellent question because employers should approach this from two perspectives, and prepare by having both a preventative and reactionary standpoint.

First, take a preventive approach by not waiting for it to happen before deciding how to deal with it. If you are a manager or a leader in an organization, take the initiative now to talk with HR and develop a strategy on how to handle such a situation. Not every department manager is comfortable with or capable of assisting an employee who’s dealing with grief. Identify two or three key people in your organization who will step in to help (and whom you will subsequently arrange to have trained to cope with the various situations and cultures in order to be prepared to react). Another alternative would be to retain the services of a chaplain to assist in these types of situations. Several of my clients use chaplain and have found this to be successful.

From the reactionary perspective, these same two or three people that you’ve chosen within your organization will have been trained and should be prepared as to how they will relate to the person suffering grief. In the Jewish culture, for example, it is common for people to visit a friend’s home when they lose a loved one and just sit with them, saying nothing. Sometimes just being there with someone shows you care. It is important to know that just being there for your employees, rather than avoiding the uncomfortable situation, can prove helpful.

How would you advise supervisors and colleagues to interact with a grieving co-worker?

The best advice is to not change anything and keep the routine as normal as possible. I would suggest that the manager calls all the employees together and asks that anyone who has a relationship with the grieving employee feel free to offer condolences. Those who don’t should not feel obligated, it can look phony and superficial to the grieving employee.

How can grieving and loss affect job performance?

Oftentimes, employees may have attendance issues or slight decreases in performance after the death of a loved one. It is important to keep the communication consistent and constant with the employees. Letting them know you care about their personal situation, but also giving them continued feedback, can go a long way. Offering assistance is a great way to show you care — offer a solution but also set the bar. Use language like, “I realize it is hard getting back into the swing of things, but we need your performance for the Team’s objectives. Can I get you some help from a co-worker?

Any closing comments?

Yes. Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective with your readers. Death is an inevitable part of living; we must always be prepared for it. The best preparation is making sure you have staff that is prepared to offer empathy in a time of loss. Let’s hope your readers will not need to employ this advice in 2012!

Mark Griffin, of In His Name HR. In His Name HR provides human resource consulting for small- and medium-sized organizations. Mark has served in the US Air Force, has extensive educational credentials, including a BA in HR, an MBA, and several Executive Education certifications from the University of Michigan. In addition to serving as VP of Human Resources for an international agricultural equipment manufacturer, Mark has also worked in a variety of HR leadership roles for Fortune companies, such as Merck, Kodak and Quaker Oats, as well as privately held and employee-owned companies, such as Woolrich and Townsends.

Find Mark at InHisNameHR.com, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration