A prosperous business depends to a great extent on competent people management skills. You may learn and improve these techniques. Having a natural skill for dealing with people and forming relationships is an advantage, but there are some things you can do that will make this procedure simple.

Relationship Development: Begin by using the names of the workforce. Speak to staff; look people in the eye as you’re talking. Develop a respectful attitude, and be sure to listen to the other person’s point of view, regardless of whether you are in agreement or not. Paying attention to what staff have to offer is one of the most important people management skills you can have. Be sure to show an interest in what they can give to the team.

Show integrity: Do not give promises you won’t keep. If you can’t keep your promises, the delicate bond of trust is fractured, and people won’t give you their best efforts without trusting you. Everytime you say something or make a promise, you are squandering your time if you don’t keep your promises. The truth is, if you can’t be counted on, your team can’t be relied on to be there when they are most needed. Feedback is essential: Feedback should be a two-way process. Human Resources management skills mean keeping an open mind to all feedback. If you can demonstrate that you are accessible and open, you establish that you appreciate other people’s ideas, your opinions will be appreciated in return. Promoting conversation in addition furthers development of fresh ideas, new ways of fulfilling goals, and develops the team. If team members can express themselves, the success of the business will become important to each member. Promote communication: Communication is fundamental to dealing with individuals with skill. Be approachable, practice good listening techniques, encourage feedback , and encourage each of your team to express their views. The team should be inspired to speak to each other not only with you. The creative process relies to a great extent on the interchange of opinions, and in speaking with one another, it is easy to find any issues before they might present problems, allowing corrective measures to be implemented to prevent any further problems.

Developing these techniques may require time, yet the rewards are worth it. Through establishing the bonds of a good team and taking heed of your team’s suggestions, you can easily have the best in business success.

Efficient people management techniques are critical for business success. People management can be improved and studied. It may be a plus to have a intuitive affinity for people, nevertheless there are numerous skills you can learn that will help the process. Relationship Building: Begin by using the names of the staff. Talk to staff; make eye contact during a conversation. Show respect, and be attentive to the other person’s point of view, even if you disagree or have another opinion. Paying attention to what others say is one of the best human resource management skills you can have. Welcome any input from your team members.

Exhibit integrity: Keeping your word is key. When your word is not kept, it can destroy trust, and people will not give you their best if they don’t trust you. Everytime you give a commitment or make a promise, ensure you can keep your promises or it would be better not to give your word at all. The truth is, when you can’t be depended on, you can be assured they will behave in the same manner. Feedback is essential: It’s a two-way street. Talent management skills mean being open to all feedback. Being approachable and open proves that other’s thoughts count, and they will appreciate yours. Frank discussion also encourages fresh ways of doing business, ways of achieving the goals of the business, and develops the team dynamic. When team members can express their ideas, every member takes ownership of the outcome. Communication is fundamental: People management techniques come down to the same thing - good communication. Be approachable, listen closely to other people, retain an open mind, and permit all of your staff an equal voice. Employees should be encouraged to speak with one another as well as with you. The exchange of thoughts is important in the creative process, and when the team members communicate effectively, it is easy to spot any issues before they present problems, permitting corrective measures to be implemented to prevent further problems. Some time will be essential, nevertheless the rewards are worth it. By establishing the bonds of a good team and taking on board your team’s ideas, a successful business will be accomplished.

A current job hunting campaign is by nature quite intricate. While the net has offered a variety of new job sites, networking sites, etc., it also creates magnified competition for hot jobs and potential issues for job searchers.

Job hunting needs to be thought of as a highly individualized, highly targeted marketing and selling process where you are the product. Your resume is an ad. Your extended network is your lead generating engine.

So where does the Internet fit in? At AA-Careers, we recently posted a job on Craigslist and got 500+ responses in a workweek. For a single opening. That’s extreme competition.

Had the right job hunter contacted us ahead of our posting that ad, they could have secured the job prior to getting all that competition. How? By knowing a person at our organization who became aware of the job prior to posting. Everyone was aware of the job for at least 7 days before it was posted. Who in your extended network might know of a job that’s coming on the market soon?

So the good news is that job websites give you a sense of who is hiring, and for what kinds of jobs. But once those jobs are posted, the competition is profound. You can still compete, if you have a well honed resume, designed to appeal directly and clearly to the recruiter. And if you have practiced interviewing - so you don’t stumble at a critical point.

Another downside to be aware of is how easily you can be looked up on the internet. As we Googled several candidates, we ran into some pictures and comments that were in questionable taste. Nothing larcenous, but enough to sway our thinking about who to hire.

AA-Careers provides a comprehensive set of services for Bay Area job seekers, providing our clients a personal career consultant, a managed job hunting campaign, modern tools like a personal website, video, highly targeted resume, and much more. Let us know if we can help you.

Be careful out there, and good hunting!

Many human resource managers feel that, by offering each employee some education in workplace safety, they are well equipped for a catastrophe. The reality is that, regardless your industry, staff require more than a basic education in health & safety regulatory affairs. You must provide your employees with sufficient supervision, not to mention provide the right safety gear and give them the opportunity to practice.

Visit and surf to our remarkable website for legislation safety infos…

Your staff must have an excellent supervisor to watch the work area, but this individual must also fulfill another role. Your selection of supervisor needs to realise the necessity of health & safety training and be able to get other people feeling enthusiastic.

In addition to following rules and regulations, the supervisor also must make certain that every employee works well. This is no simple job. Excellent industry knowledge is a requirement in a supervisory job not to mention a high standard of understanding of safety legislation, the identification of risks, and emergency assistance techniques.

Offering basic training in health & safety isn’t sufficient for your workers. Your staff have to have practical experience of risk assessment and the recognition of hazards. Staff in addition require a firm grasp of the required precautions that they will need to take not to mention how to react if disaster strikes. Only when these procedures have developed into a habit are staff totally protected. Good safety apparatus is equally as vital to the your workers’ safety as any training. Without the proper apparatus or alternatively should they find that equipment is damaged when they are required, all the education in the world can’t help them. You must perform thorough checks frequently to verify that all the necessary apparatus is there as well as checking that it is all being properly cared for. If something is in less than perfect condition, have it fixed or serviced as soon as possible.

Health & safety instruction is essential for the safety of your workers, but in addition they must have the correct gear, frequent practise sessions, and a supervisor who can motivate your staff. When you put these ideas into practice you will find health & safety legislation will become part of your employee’s working habits and no longer something for the workforce to remember.

Nowadays many managers think that, by supplying their employees with some training in health & safety, they are suitably equipped to deal with any situation. The reality is that, irrespective of the industry you’re in, instruction in safety regulations and risk asessment just is not enough. Equipping your employees, providing good supervision and promoting frequent practise are all important factors.

Your staff need a professional supervisor to keep an eye on staff performance, but this person also needs to fulfill a greater purpose. Your selection of supervisor needs to see the necessity of health & safety instruction and have the ability to get other people excited about it.

On top of enforcing all of the rules and regulations, the person supervising must furthermore ensure that employees perform all their tasks well. This isn’t a easy task. Up-to-date business knowledge is an essential for a supervisory job in addition to an in-depth comprehension of current legislation involving safety, risk assessment and CPR.

It just is not enough to offer your staff health & safety education. They have to have practical experience of risk assessment and the identification of problem areas. Employees also must have insights into the required precautions that they must to put in place as well as understanding what to do if disaster strikes. Employees are only totally prepared when their training and procedures have become automatic. Proper safety equipment is just as vital to the your workers’ well-being as training. If they do not possess the proper gear or alternatively should staff find that items are damaged when they are required, even the very best instruction can’t help them. It’s a good idea to check regularly to ensure you possess all the gear you might need and also that it’s working correctly. Should you have a problem with your safety equipment, make sure it is repaired or serviced as swiftly as possible.

Health & safety instruction is vital to the health of your workers, but in addition they need quality equipment, the opportunity to practise, and a supervisor who can motivate your staff. And then following the various safety regulations soon become ingrained in your business culture instead of something for everyone to remember.

Efficient people management is critical for business success. With a little effort you may succeed in improving in these techniques. It may be a plus to have a innate affinity for dealing with people, but you can do many things that will make this process simple.

Relationship Development: Addressing individuals by name can be a start. Encourage conversation; look individuals in the eye during a conversation. Develop a respectful attitude, and be sure to be attentive to the other person’s opinion, regardless of whether you agree or not. Listening to what staff say is one of the most critical human resources management skills you can learn. Be sure to exhibit interest in what people can give to the team.

Show integrity: Don’t give promises you can not fulfill. When you don’t keep your word, the fragile bond of trust is wrecked, and if they don’t trust you your staff won’t offer their best. When you make a commitment or make a promise about something, make sure you can deliver or don’t bother giving your word at all. You’ll discover, when you can’t be depended upon, you can be sure they will act in the same way.

Encourage any observations: It’s a two-way street. Maintaining an open mind regarding other’s ideas is very important in managing staff. If you are able to establish approachability and receptiveness, you establish that your co-worker’s opinions count, and they should respect your views. Bona Fide discussion also promotes original ways of thinking, ways of accomplishing the mission of the team, and develops the bonds of an excellent team. By allowing the employees to voice their ideas, the outcome becomes important to every employee. Promote all sorts of communication: Your people management skills boil down to one concept — good communication. Be accessible, listen attentively to people, remember to welcome employees to express their ideas, and permit all your staff an equal voice. Encourage team members not just to communicate to you, but also to talk to each other. The exchange of ideas is imperative in the creative process, and in communicating with one another, you can root out any problems promptly, allowing corrective measures to be implemented to prevent further problems.

Acquiring these techniques will require time, all the same the rewards are worthwhile. By encouraging a good team dynamic and demonstrating effective listening techniques, you can easily achieve a successful business.

The art of presenting well is a learned skill, but even if you are a complete beginner, you can get a head start by not falling for these common pitfalls:

1. Never, ever, imagine that you can get away with not preparing and that when you stand up in front of your audience, you will be inspired to speak fluently and intelligently! It just does not happen and there is no quicker way to destroy your credibility and reputation. Remember the old saying - fail to prepare and you prepare to fail!

2. Don’t feel you need to include lots and lots of information - you will lose your audience. Practise the presentation with a carefully-chosen audience (who you can trust to be helpful and objective) and you will be surprised how long it can take to cover a few points when they are involved and contributing.

3. Don’t read from your notes. You may need prompts, but you should be well enough prepared to speak spontaneously about your content.

4. Don’t get too technical in an effort to prove how much of an expert you are. Unless all the audience are at least as well-versed in jargon as you are, you will simply alienate them.

5. Don’t be afraid to use humour. A little lightness softens up your audience and makes them more receptive. On the other hand, attempting jokes which fall flat will work against you. Know your limits.

6. Never give out handouts while you are talking, as people will instinctively start reading them and you will lose their attention. Remember to allow sufficient time afterwards for the distribution of handouts.

These points are intended as a general guide. As you become more practised at giving presentations, you will no doubt begin to learn some rules of your own about what does and does not work for you, and that is when you will become really proficient.

Andy Britnell specialises in sales and customer service training for the private and public sectors. Go to http://www.andybritnell.co.uk/ and you can sign up for my FREE short monthly newsletter and FREE e-mail coaching.

I coach corporate and SME clients who wish to fulfil more of their potential by thinking and behaving more effectively - see http://www.executive-coaching-for-business-growth.com/

What You Can’t Ask a Job Candidate is as Important as What You
Can Ask By Stephen Spain mepatwork.com

As a human resources professional or business owner, you face
many challenges during the hiring process, from sorting through
stacks of job applicant résumés to making an attractive offer to
the one person you believe best matches the specifications of
your open position’s job description. The whole procedure is
more than time-consuming; it can be stressful as well. None of
the demands of finding and hiring the best candidate are more
complex than those of the interviewing process. Besides spending
a significant portion of your time listening to what your final
candidates have to say, you must - without violating any of the
employment discrimination laws in place - evaluate each
applicant’s ability to successfully perform the job. You have a
responsibility to your company and to all prospective employees
to avoid any semblance of discrimination or impropriety in your
hiring processes. You must keep your interview questions related
to specific job activities; in fact, it’s probably a bad idea to
ask any question that doesn’t deal directly with a specific
job’s requirements. If you feel any question on your list might
lead to an applicant’s perception of discrimination, eliminate
that question from the discussion. You can’t possibly read the
minds of job seekers now or in the future, especially when the
ones who ultimately weren’t offered the job might try to
convince themselves that the reason they weren’t hired was
“discrimination” - rather than their level of skills. The result
could be an unfounded and unnecessary legal action that would,
at the very least, distract you from your current job functions
in meeting important and strategic company goals. Use the
following points as general guidelines to develop your list of
appropriate interview questions for all job candidates. If you
have questions about what’s permitted by law (especially
regarding special circumstances in your state), consult with
your company’s legal department or another reliable source. And
above all, remember this: If you believe any question or part of
your discussion with a potential employee could be perceived as
discriminatory, avoid it. Name You may discuss: use of another
name and additional information (relative to a change of name or
use of an assumed name) necessary to enable a check of education
or work record. You may not discuss: maiden name. For example,
do not ask: What is your maiden name? What is your mother’s
maiden name? Age You may discuss: before hiring, whether the
applicant is over the minimum age for the job’s hours or working
conditions; after hiring, verifying same with a birth
certificate or other ID, as well as asking age on insurance
forms. You may not discuss: age; birth date; or questions that
might identify the applicant’s age, especially if he or she is
over age 40. For example, do not ask: How old are you? What year
were you born? When did you graduate from high school?
Citizenship/National Origin You may discuss: ability to speak,
read or write English or a foreign language if required by the
job; offers of employment contingent upon verification of
identity, residence and work authorization in the United States.
You may not discuss: birthplace, nationality, lineage, ancestry,
national origin and parentage of applicant or applicant’s
parents or spouse. For example, do not ask: Where were you born?
Where are your parents from? What’s your heritage? What is your
mother’s tongue? What language do you normally use? How did you
learn to read, write or speak a foreign language? Race/Color You
may discuss: equal opportunity employment at your company; race
only as required for affirmative-action programs. You may not
discuss: race or color; complexion or color of skin, eyes or
hair; any direct or indirect reference to race, color or racial
groups. For example, do not ask: What race are you? Are you a
member of a minority group? Gender/Marital
Status/Children/Childcare You may discuss: company policy
regarding work assignment of employees who are related;
anticipated absences from job; freedom to travel, if job
requires; and ability to meet work schedule requirements. You
may not discuss: applicant’s gender, marital and family status;
number or ages of children or dependents; provisions for
childcare; pregnancy; birth control; or name or address of
relative, spouse or children of adult applicant. After hiring
only, you can ask about marital status/dependent information for
tax and insurance forms. For example, do not ask: With whom do
you reside? Do you live alone? How many children do you have?
Are you married? Do you plan on having children? Are you
pregnant? Physical, Health or Mental Disability You may discuss:
candidate’s ability to perform essential functions of this job
with or without reasonable accommodation; applicant’s
impressions of performing the essential functions of the job;
days of leave taken during the last year; and attendance
requirements of this job. You may not discuss: (until after
offer is made and then only related to job performance) the
existence, type or severity of disability. For example, do not
ask: Do you have a disability that might interfere with your
ability to perform the job? How many days were you sick last
year? Do you have any preexisting health conditions? Do you have
(name of disease)? Religion/Creed You may discuss: the company’s
regular workdays and hours. You may not discuss: applicant’s
religion, religious days or whether religion would prevent him
or her from working weekends or holidays. For example, do not
ask: What religion are you? Do you attend church regularly?
Residence You may discuss: place of residence. You may not
discuss: ownership of residence. For example, do not ask: Do you
own or rent your home? How much are your house payments?
Military Service You may discuss: relevant knowledge, skills and
abilities acquired during applicant’s military service. You may
not discuss: general questions about military service such as
dates, discharge or service in a foreign military service. For
example, do not ask: How long did you serve in (name of
country)? Where did you serve? Economic Status You may discuss:
salary history, but you cannot use this information to
disqualify applicant. You may not discuss: credit ratings,
charge accounts, bank accounts, bankruptcy, car ownership,
ownership or rental of a home, length of residence at an address
or past garnishments of wages. For example, do not ask: Have you
ever declared bankruptcy? How long have you lived at (address)?
Organizations/Societies/Activities You may discuss: job-related
organizations, clubs and professional associations to which the
applicant belongs, omitting ones that indicate race, religion,
creed, national origin, ancestry, sex or age. You may not
discuss: all organizations, clubs and lodges to which applicant
belongs. For example, do not ask: Are you a member of a senior
citizens’ group? Have you ever been a member of (name of
religious group)? Would you write down the names of all the
clubs in which you’re a member? Height/Weight You may discuss:
height and weight issues that are related to the performance of
the job. You may not discuss: height and weight issues that are
not related to the performance of the job. For example, do not
ask: Do you think you need to lose weight? Is being short a
problem for you? References You may discuss: who referred
applicant to the job and names of persons willing to provide
professional references for applicant. You may not discuss:
questions of applicant’s former employers or acquaintances that
elicit information specifying applicant’s color, race, religion,
creed, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability,
medical condition, marital status, age or sex. For example, do
not ask: Did your last employer have a problem with your
divorce? Have any of your former employers commented on your
ancestry? Toward the end of each interview, be sure to explain
the next phase of your hiring process to all successful
candidates. This description should include items such as a
physical or drug test (where applicable), as well as a
background check through an independent service such as
VeriCruit (www.vericruit.com) to look into each candidate’s
driving history, Social Security number, criminal record, credit
history and possible listing on a sexual offender registry. You
must obtain written permission from every candidate - on a form
that’s separate from all of the other job application documents
- to take these steps; if any of your candidates seem uneasy
about your request, take a few moments to discuss his or her
concerns before taking further action with that person in your
hiring process.

In a previous life I was a Navy Pilot. Great life, great people to be around. People who were all doing great things around the world flying off great big aircraft carriers. In an environment that complex and dangerous, you need to have teams of people working as one, or bad things begin to happen in large quantities.

The people onboard aircraft carriers are divided into two groups, those that make the ship float and those that make the planes fly. Those that make the ship float are known as “ship’s company”, and those that make the planes fly are with “the airwing”. During one tour of duty, I was assigned to the “airwing staff”. The airwing staff coordinated the activities of the ten aircraft squadrons deployed aboard the aircraft carrier. It was while working for our Airwing Commander, Captain Jerry Norris, that I would unknowingly learn what has to become my most valued rule as an entrepreneur.

Captain Norris was quite the character. A fighter pilot with all the fixings! Tall, handsome, and with enough confident charisma to handle any situation, be that in the air, on land, or at sea. But the truth of it is, none of the eight officers on the staff considered Captain Norris to be the sharpest knife in the drawer.

It wasn’t that things were not going well for he or the airwing. It just seemed strange that so simple and relaxed an individual could lead so effectively. You must understand that Captain Norris was in charge of the operations of nearly 3000 men and almost 100 of the most complex flying machines on the planet. But fly we did, and did it well. Our airwing was often singled out for acts of excellence.

It was during a short visit in Cannes, France that Captain Norris was to give me my lesson. Like so many of life’s lessons, the lesson was unintended.

If there is one thing that flying fellows enjoy more than flying, it is the telling of tales while ashore! And it seems nothing gets the mind flowing like the flow of beer. Our cups runneth over, as did our mouths!

The topic of the evening turned to how smart each of us was compared to our fearless leader. We were even so bold as to believe that he was fearless because he simply did not understand what was going on around him. In fact, it was we who did not understand what was going on around us!

The good Captain was sitting quietly within the sound of our voices. He had heard every one of our comments on his lack of intellect.

As the Commander with the confident charisma approached, we were certain that if we were shown mercy we would be court martialed, and we feared that if the Captain choose not to be merciful, we would just be shot right on sight!

Speaking got us into this predicament, so silence seemed the best choice. Captain Norris spoke. He acknowledged our belief that each of us had among the finest minds in the entire Navy in our specific specialty. He flattered those things that each had done since beginning our assignment with the airwing. Captain Norris offered that he had hand selected each one of us from the entire fleet, having had to call in favors, make threats, and impose demands, just to have each of us work with him. We were there because he believed us to be the best, and he wanted only the best. Seems he held us in the same regard that we held ourselves.

Then Captain Norris spoke to the issue of intellect, specifically our perception of his lack thereof. Captain Norris said, “The mark of the true leader is not one who gives orders, or feigns knowledge, but rather the leader who plants the needed seed in a fertile mind so gently, that the subordinate believes the idea emerged from within.”

Continued silence. He was in complete control of our actions and had always been. He chose each of us knowing full well that in our specific areas of expertise, we were well beyond him. And knowing full well that in his area, that of building teams of the best and brilliant, then allowing them to take ownership of ideas, he was the expert.

Captain Norris asked what I had learned. My response, “I should never hire anyone dumber than I am.” “You’ve got it,” he said. “Must have just emerged from within.”

Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”, available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally’s expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV’s “House Detective”, the Florida Times Union, and many real estate boards and associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com for more information!

An important part of success in life is the ability to lead. It is important that we not only be able to lead others but be willing to lead ourselves. No one succeeds in life by simply following others. Sometimes we simply must strike a bold new path for ourselves.

Being a good leader is more than simply being at the forefront of the crowd. A leader must act. Too often in America we simply accept that someone looks or sounds like a leader and too rarely do we actually look at the actions that leader performs — and that is the true test of leadership.

However in order to become a good leader ourselves we need to concentrate on those actions rather than simple appearances. The title of this article refers to 8 steps but do not think of these as progressive steps, like so many recipes or instruction manuals describe. Instead think of these as actions that you must take on a regular basis.

First, be alert to new potentials. “Reality” is not absolute but rather subject to constant change. Think about inventors, explorers, and agents of social change who have achieved greatness. Some might simply say that certain people are successful because they are lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Maybe so, but if they hadn’t had their eyes open for the opportunity then it wouldn’t have mattered if they were in the right place.

Second, accept inspiration from wherever it comes; even your opponents. The wisest leaders constantly study their competition. In war, politics, and business we constantly see examples of this research and reconnaissance. Too many times though this study concentrates on finding a weakness to exploit. If you want to a be a leader of positive change don’t fall victim to this trend. Instead, if you find a weakness then make sure to avoid that pitfall yourself. If you find a strength then find a way to strengthen your own qualities to match.

Third, learn something new every day and promote in new ways every day. This means you must continually seek to expand your horizons, internally and externally. Feed your mind with new lessons and knowledge, but constantly seek to expand your social horizons as well. Seek out and meet new people and immerse yourself in new social situations. You never know when these new experiences will help you in your leadership role.

Fourth, search for and find answers in subtle clues. Look beneath the surface and constantly question. This is an extension of the third step in that you are seeking new knowledge but this also means that you will need to step off the traditional paths of knowledge. Don’t simply read books in the literary canon or the bestsellers list. Take seminars rather than classes as there is more room for questioning and debate. Seek out the unconvential thinkers, teachers, and writers.

Fifth, improvise if no existing solutions are available. No excuses. Necessity is the mother of invention. How do you know it won’t work if you’ve never tried it before? Remember, not all approaches need to come from the front. Look at your problem from all sides and systematically attempt different solutions in various combinations.

Six, make at least one person you care about happy every day. If you make it a point to be thoughtful and caring for one person every day then soon this thoughtful, caring behavior will become a habit and that habit will spread to the others around you. Making someone else happy also feeds your own personal happiness. Just imagine how much better the world would be if we all did a little bit more to spread happiness.

Seven, offer help, even if there’s no apparent advantage to you. This means more than writing a check. It means giving of your time and energy and yourself. Sometimes it will mean helping someone you don’t know and sometimes it can be a very personal action.

Finally, never let negativity be your last word on the subject. If your final words are negative than no matter how hopeful you may be about the potential of a project or action the lasting impression you give to others is one of negativity. Accentuate the positive and you are more likely to see a positive outcome.

If you follow these eight action steps not only you will be a better leader but also lead yourself to a more successful life.

Deanna Mascle shares more inspiration and motivation at Official Wisdom at http://OfficialWisdom.com