Oct 12, 2020
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe that, in today’s tumultuous times, we must remain diligent in our obligations as Christian leaders. Now, more than ever, Christian leaders must acknowledge that employees want, need and crave an environment in which they can be not only productive but trust that their leadership is attempting to provide them and their family stability, a “hope and a future.”
We must remain diligent in our obligations as Christian leaders.
So what about you? What are you doing to demonstrate to your employees that you are setting the foundation for tomorrow’s growth? Are you giving them hope and a future? If you do this, if you honor your employees by properly managing your organization and lighting a path to their future, you will be creating a “Kingdom Minded” organization.”
What have you witnessed in your workplace that has created a culture of creativity, inclusiveness and productivity? Please share your thoughts and help our community learn from your experiences.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR, Inspiration
Mar 6, 2019
Yes, it’s possible for you to lead employees to excellence at work, home and in their communities.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~Ephesians 2:10
A valuable part of leading sustainable for-profit organizations is introducing your employees to community relations. Part of leading people is developing them to be the best they can be, not only in the workplace but within their families and communities as well.
Look at your people from a whole person perspective—they’re far more than just “workers.” Provide your people the opportunity to do good works, to achieve greatness in their lives, and they will do great things for you. Developing your people’s skills, both in and outside the company, can positively impact the communities in which they live and you do business.
Encourage your people to be their best in every aspect of their lives.
Many organizations now put programs in place that help match employees’ interests to community volunteer opportunities. Some organizations shut down for an entire week to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity, for example. What do you do? What more can you do?
Imagine an organization that inspired their people by running a contest where each employee participated by demonstrating how their volunteer organization is the most impactful. The prize? The winner would receive a considerable reward to help fund their efforts. This article provides a great deal of information on what Elexio has done to encourage employees to look far outside their own communities.
If you are promoting good works performed by your employees, not only in the workplace but also in the world we live in, you are doing great things for God. You are building a “Kingdom-Minded” Organization.
Help our community of readers
Do you have HR practices that support these ideals? Do you help your employees help others? How do you find your employees’ strengths and match them to community involvement? Share your ideas and inspire fellow readers. We would love to know how you encourage your people to shine.
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Mark Griffin is founder and Chief Consultant at In His Name HR LLC. He has over 20 years of HR experience. You can learn more about his recently published book for College Students, College to Career: The Student Guide to Career and Life Navigation HERE. Follow Mark on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Mark A. Griffin | Christian Higher Ed HR, Human Resources, Kingdom Company Building
Jun 6, 2018
Why are people leaving your organization?
My client’s eyes glazed over when I asked her this. She didn’t know why more than 13 percent of her workforce left every year – and hadn’t even thought about figuring out the reasons.
In my experience, most organizations fail to document why people leave.
If they do conduct exit interviews, they often don’t probe deeply enough. Or, they fail to effectively learn from their findings and implement change for the better.
How to Keep People
According to The Wall Street Journal, by the time a talented worker has decided to leave, it’s probably too late to make the necessary improvements to keep them. But, finding out why people aren’t staying with your organization is critical to your future success, especially in tough economic times.
Keeping competent employees is one of the best ways to save your organization a lot of money and keep a cohesive and healthy workplace culture. The high cost of hiring and training employees warrants that you learn from what isn’t working, every time.
There are several reasons why people leave. In previous articles we have discussed many. One area that continues to gain attention is organizational vision or lack thereof. Make sure your vision is properly integrated within your HR programs. Employees need to be part of it and understand where you are going. A recent article from Barnard Marr on CNBC.com cites “No Vision” as being a leading cause of turnover. I agree. Most employees want a hope and a future and a great vision that is bought in by all helps create energy in the workplace.
So, appreciate the rich source of information that a good exit interview brings!
A good exit interview finds out these three (3) things:
- What the work climate is really like?
- Whether and how are your managers are failing.
- What’s missing?
Do your employees get what they really need to do well? If people are leaving too frequently, it’s time to find out why.
Make sure your exit interview includes these three (3) questions:
- When did you realize you wanted to leave?
- Did you and your manager set goals and objectives together?
- How often did you receive helpful feedback from your leadership?
Ending Well
First, conduct your exit interview with a spirit of grace and graciousness. Your concern and honest inquiry into the reasons your employee is leaving will yield valuable insights if you put them at ease. This is where your core values come in.
Second, remember to set up an exit interview at a time designed to give you the best information. Don’t rush in at the last minute, just before your employee’s departure, or try to get information after they’ve already moved on.
Finally, wish the employee well in their new endeavor. At some point, they may want to come back. If they feel cared for during this last important experience, they will know that the door is still open. Losing a talented employee is disappointing, but it might be redeemed if they happily return in the future.
Have you used exit interviewing before? Please take a few moments and tell our community of readers your experience.
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In His Name HR helps organizations build high performance Human Resources programs. Visit them at In HIS Name HR or e-mail them here.
Mark A. Griffin is the founder and chief consultant of In His Name HR LLC. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR
May 9, 2018
The economy has been changing rapidly over the past several months. Now more than ever employees are starting to look at their career options. Turnover issues transcend all profit and non profit organizations.
In my 25-plus-year career in human resources, I’ve noticed that, while people will endure fewer amenities and less pay, there are three reasons skillful workers will leave to another job:
(1) No progress
When employees sense no potential for career progress, or leaders are unaware that advancement is important, they look for better options.
(2) Feeling unappreciated
When employees receive little or no gratitude for their contributions, it’s demoralizing — they seek more rewarding work elsewhere. The biggest surprise? Many times, during exit interviews, departing employees disclose that a simple, verbal “thank you” would have made them feel sufficiently appreciated.
(3) Sheer Boredom
Without savvy leaders or a solid idea of the big picture (Vision), employees don’t see concrete, interesting ways to contribute outside of the ordinary scope of their jobs. Things grow tedious and employees hunt for new challenges to make work feel more meaningful.
So, while you might think your employees desire high pay, a corner office, or a cushy benefits package, the truth is that the best employees are satisfied with simpler, more personal benefits.
Be thoughtful — find out what motivates your employees! This simple investment will ensure improved worker retention, enhanced overall morale, and increased organizational loyalty. And isn’t that what you really want?
Action Steps
What can you do as an employer right now to keep your best employees? This article provides some great ideas.
One more thing…what’s the Surprising New Reason People Quit?
Forbes magazine reveals a new reason spiking among employees who quit:
The Final Reason (4) – Not enough flexibility for work-life balance
Not long ago this reason primarily concerned mothers, but now both men and women will leave pay increases and promotions behind to have a manageable work schedule that doesn’t crowd out the rest of life.
Keep in mind that, as a new generation of workers comes of age and/or starts having children, many will value fulfilling connections with family and friends above a full workload. Climbing the workplace ladder is simply not as important to young workers today as in prior generations. Many are talented and capable, but will choose a desirable work-life balance over monetary or organizational rewards.
So, if you are concerned with retaining talented employees while also saving time and money in hiring and training costs, remember these Top 4 Reasons and the new trend that makes talented people quit. It could make keeping great people you need much easier.
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In His Name HR helps organizations build high performance Human Resources programs. Visit them at In HIS Name HR or e-mail them here.
Mark A. Griffin is the founder and chief consultant of In His Name HR LLC. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR
Feb 27, 2018
Today, we build on the two previous posts, on creating Mission and Vision Statements by discussing Core Values and creating your organization’s Value Statement, which completes the triad.
When organizations desire to perform at the highest level, they leverage three (3) commitments—three commitments that set the stage for overall efficiency, growth, and prosperity.
Core Values focus on how you run your organization and interact with customers and suppliers. Not everyone possesses the same core values, so it’s important for an organization to stress what theirs are to employees, vendors, and customers at the onset of hiring, doing business, or providing a service.
Take this example: Facebook started out in a dorm room and, in just ten years, grew to having 1.23 billion monthly users, about one-sixth of the entire world’s population. To celebrate that accomplishment, Mark Zuckerberg expressed how a Core Value guided them along the way:
“…We just cared more about connecting the world than anyone else. And we still do today.”
With its expressed Value of caring, Facebook is guided toward their vision and mission of accomplishing bigger and more important goals. It is yet to be seen whether Facebook will be foiled by one of the 5 very common mistakes we are about to explore here.
Mistake # 1: Being too vague
Your Core Values should be both meaningful and easy to understand. So, if caring is a core value, what does “caring” really mean? Your Value statement should flesh this out in a simple and powerful way. Zuckerberg outlined his 5 Core Values as “The Hacker Way.”
Mistake # 2: Lack of accountability
Your Core Values must be built into your performance management process or the oversight to ensure success will be sorely absent.
Mistake # 3: Creating too many Values
By limiting this list to reflect only your highest priorities, your core Values will be focused and accountability will increase.
It’s tempting to make a long list of Values that you think are important; however, when you keep the number to about three or four key items, you make enacting them easier and more likely.
Mistake # 4: Failing to share core Values with prospective employees
Potential employees should know how things work and what it’s like at your organization from the start. When someone does not subscribe to your Values, don’t hire them.
Mistake # 5: Not including a core Values preface statement
Some core Values can end up seeming disingenuous or hypocritical once mistakes are made. The best way to inoculate your organization from this is to disclose that possibility up front.
Include a preface statement like this:
“Although we strive for perfection, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we apologize and work to improve as we move forward. The following is a list of the values we strive to maintain.”
Your students, instructors, vendors, customers, and employees will appreciate your honesty and be more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt, should problems arise.
Core Value Statements are crucial to the culture of your organization and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The best way to ensure that your trio of Mission, Vision, and Value Statements will succeed is to ensure they are integrated into all you do from an HR perspective.
By avoiding the common mistakes and using top-notch methods, you’ll ensure that employees can achieve your Mission and Vision by adhering to the core Values most important to your organization. A high-performing organization is one that can last and even thrive in tough economic times. It must by guided carefully using processes that ensure consistency and stability through the Values you hold most dear.
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In His Name HR helps organizations build high performance Human Resources programs. Visit them at In HIS Name HR or e-mail them here.
Mark A. Griffin is the founder and chief consultant of In His Name HR LLC. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Mark A. Griffin | Christian Higher Ed HR
Aug 31, 2016
In HIS Name HR is proud to sponsor Live2Lead, a half-day leadership development simulcast designed to equip you with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways.
Use the code ‘Human’ to receive $15 off the individual ticket price
Teams of 10 or more enjoy a discount without the need for a special code.
Friday October 7th, 2016 || Live Simulcast from 8:00am — 12:30pm Tickets available at American Music Theatre: Tickets Here
Live2Lead is a half-day simulcast, leader development experience designed to equip you with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways. Learn from these world-class leadership experts, be prepared to implement a new action plan, and start leading when you get back to the office with renewed passion and commitment.
This year’s speakers include:
JOHN C. MAXWELL
Leadership expert, bestselling author, and coach
SIMON SINEK
Optimist and author, leadership authority
LIZ WISEMAN
Researcher, executive advisor, speaker, and President of the Wiseman Group
DAN CATHY
Chairman, President, and CEO of Chick-fil-A
Lunch will be sponsored by Chick-fil-A!
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS! Register now, seats are limited.
WHEN Friday, October 7, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Feb 6, 2015
The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
Proverbs 21.25 (NIV)
One of the most difficult aspects of being a Christian leader is disciplining those who are not pulling their weight. Many weak leaders will ignore the behavior or even have one of their other direct reports try to intervene. Not addressing the weakest link, can destroy a team.
Employee performance issues are an inevitable part of the workplace.
Do you know a leader who will do almost anything possible to avoid having to face the disciplining of the rogue employee? We all have met many leaders who lack the fortitude to lead! Poor performers are sometimes an inevitable part of the workplace and, as a Christian leader; you are called not only by the organization but also by the word of God to manage them. Now, don’t use this as a way to tell them the Bible told you so, but you understand the point. Be brave, leader; know that your motivated employees, your stars, want to see you manage the poor performer. You owe it to them.
Be passionate and direct and manage those who are hurting your organization and you will be ensuring that you are building the strong foundation of a ‘Kingdom Minded” Organization.
Help our community of readers
Have you encountered a poor performer at work? How did you address the situation? What was the outcome? Help our reader community by sharing your experiences.
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Mark Griffin is founder and Chief Consultant at In His Name HR LLC. Mark writes extensively on career and human resources related topics. Mark has over 20 years of HR experience. Want to bring Bible based practical HR programs to your workplace? Contact Mark today to see how his firm may help you: Contact
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration
Nov 25, 2014
Why the name Outrigger?
OUTRIGGER [out-rig-er] / ˈaʊtˌrɪɡə / (noun): a float or secondary hull fixed parallel to a canoe or other boat to stabilize it
If you are hoping for different results for your organization, but are stuck doing the same things over and over again…Outrigger is for you.
If your organization is looking for answers, you will find them at Outrigger.
Our presenters are exceptional. The fellowship and iron-sharpening-iron that you will experience during our round table discussions will strengthen you and your organization.
What will You Learn?
We cover the following in our roundtable/focused discussions:
-Relevant business topics for Marketplace Leadership
-Casting Your Organization’s Vision
-Idea Generation and Execution
-Cultivating Gift Donors
-Media Relations (Earned Media)
-Out of the Box Promotions
-Strategic Planning for Your Future
-Reaching the Next Generation
-Donor Development vs. Serving Your Ministry Partners
-Board of Directors vs. Bored Directors
-Auditing Your Ministry
-Creative Ideas for Raising Money
-What is Your Ministry’s Brand (Customer Experience)?
-Telling Your Story
-and much, much more!
Outrigger Experience: Conference Leaders
Greenville, SC
Location TBD
January 23-24, 2015
Contact us here to signup for updates and more information.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Jun 6, 2014
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
We have all had assignments that were, well, quite frankly, awful! I remember early on in my career finding myself on special assignment to a plant location that I had been led to believe was a prestigious assignment. Instead, it was wrought with labor strife and involved dealing with some incredibly difficult employee relations issues.
Soon after landing there, I realized just how bad it was. Well, I could have just as easily done my time, made myself look busy and navigated through the assignment for a few months and moved on, letting everyone know that, yes, it is bad, and it is not correctable. But I took a different stance. I looked at it like Joel Osteen would: “I am a victor; I am a conqueror; I can and will do all things through Christ.” I went in head on with passion and determination to fix many of the issues. Yes, in the beginning, I hated the assignment; there’s no denying that. But I worked countless hours counseling both leaders and union members, and, at the end, we came to common ground and both sides thanked me.
I can and will do all things through Christ
So, Christian business leaders, have you got the guts to go head on with determination, taking on the hard issues at hand for your companies? If you do, and you lead with conviction and passion, you will be blessed in the building of a “Kingdom Minded” Organization.
Help our community of readers
How do you navigate though the areas of your work that you hate? How have you helped others that have been stuck? Let us know. We love to learn from others.
Mark A. Griffin | Inspiration
Oct 22, 2013
Deuteronomy 30:8-10
8You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. 9Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, 10if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
How long must we manage our organizations absent of God before we realize that prosperity comes when we include Him! Having met with hundreds of Christian business professionals, I seem to run into the same common thread: we go to church on Sunday and “turn off” our Christianity on Monday. How long must we all go until we come to the realization that Church is every day?
Christian Business Leaders Are Modern-day Apostles.
Christ ordained his apostles and sent them back to work. Their work included fishing, accounting and even tax collection. Christ did not demand that they stop working; they ministered in the marketplace. So, today, all of us who are Christian Business Leaders are modern-day Apostles. If you’re Christianity doesn’t stop on Sunday nights, if you instead build it into your leadership and your organization’s values, you are building a “Kingdom Minded” Organization.
Help our community of readers
What has your organization done to bring Christianity to the daily workplace? What steps must you continue to take to break down the barriers? We would like to know, so that our community will grow.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration
