The Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment Strategy

The Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment StrategyThe Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment StrategyThe Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment Strategy F. Hurley, author of The Decision to Trust (Wiley, 2011)About 10 years ago I was facilitating a strategic planning meeting for a large retailer. The top management team was wrestling with a hiring strategy that would deliver the best customer service on a consistent basis in over 1000 stores across the United States. We explored ideas in training employees and management.After much discussion, the Vice President of Operations finally put his finger on the recruiting solution when he said You know it all comes down to getting the right people. If customer service is what will attract and keep customers, then we need to become the preferred employer in all ur markets so that we attract the best employees.Since that day many companies have come to the realization that if we build it they will come. Create a comp any that has a compelling hiring strategy for employees and they will create a compelling offer for customers.Proof of this point comes from companies that have sought recognition in Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, a list that includes Publix, Google, Zappos, Microsoft, Ernst and Young, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and many other in the US and Europe.Criteria for a Successful Hiring ProcessThe primary criteria to make the cut in Fortunes list of 100 companiesmeasures the level of trust that employees have in the company and in senior management.The Great Place to Work Institutedeveloped this measure it makes great sense. Trust is a measure of the quality of a relationship. When we trust a person, group or organization we feel confident that they will do what is right, consider our interests in a fair manner we tend to feel good about such stewards, especially when times are uncertain or risky.Data clearly shows highly trusted companies attract more employee s and have better employee engagementand retention.For example high trust firms like Publix, Southwest Airlines and QuikTrip have more applications for each open position than all of their competitors. If that wasnt enough, data from the Great Place to Work Institute shows that voluntary employee turnoverrates for high trust firms are half that of other firms.Fortunately, there is a science to help executives create a high trust firm.My book, The Decision to Trust, explores the science of why people choose to trust or be suspicious, and how we can build and even repair trust.Here are a few dimensions that leaders can use to help create a high-trust environmentCreate a Strong Sense of Identity Between People and the FirmSocial identity theory tells us that, at heart, we are still quite tribal and that we tend to trust those who we think are similar to us or share some meaningful attributes. High trust companies have strong company cultures and a sense of pride in membership in the co mpany.Make Sure Everyone is On the Same PageBefore we place our trust in someone else, we weigh the question, How likely is this person going to serve my interests?When people have aligned interests, trust is much easier. When there are multiple or conflicting agendas, trust tends to be eroded.Make Benevolence A Must Have Quality for All LeadersWe tend to trust and feel positive affection for those who are willing to put our interests above their own to demonstrate benevolent concern for us. By contrast, a trustee who appears self-centered inspires distrust. High trust firms do not tolerate excessive self interest and opportunism that hurts others.Ensure Competence All AroundBecause trust involves an assessment of how comfortable we are in relying on someone, judgments of simple competence can be paramount. We are only trustworthy to the extent that we can capably fulfill a given responsibility. High trust firms hire A players who are team oriented and put the right person in the r ight job. When they do make hiring mistakes,they fix it quickly and fairly.Predictability and IntegrityAt some point in the trust decision, the trustor asks, How certain am I about my prediction as to how the trustee will act? Leaders can only be predictable if they lead from a set of values and honor their word. In high trust firms, everyone knows that a failure to do so is a serious career-limiting move.CommunicationBecause trust is largely a relational concept, communication is critical. On the one hand, frequent and open communication can lead to trusting relationships. On the other hand,poor communication almost always leads to a tendency not to trust.Spirals of distrust often begin with miscommunication, leading to perceived betrayal that causes further impoverishment of communicationand eventually ending in a state of chronic distrust.Trustees who excel at communication and are able to create emotional bonds with trustors can set off a virtuous cycle of trust, in which their openness induces others to open up and reciprocate with feelings of confident reliance.There are many tools that I review in The Decision to Trust to enhance trust. Some of these tools are available online at Drbobhurley.com.Perhaps its time that more companies learned how to build trust to attract toptalent and keep the best people.Author BioRobert Hurley, Ph.D., is author of The Decision to Trust(Wiley, 2011). He is Professor at Fordham University and president of Hurley Associates and has published over 20 articles or book chapters in the Harvard Business Review and the California Management Review. Hurley is a consultant with organizations on leadership development, top team development, coaching and other topics. For more information, Dr. Hurley can be reached at Drbohurleyyahoo.com.

Six Ways to Win at Office Politics

Six Ways to Win at Office PoliticsSix Ways to Win at Office PoliticsOffice politics can be vicious, and how power and influence are managed in your company will be a part of your career whether you choose to participate in them or elend.Some people prefer not to get involved in politics at work, but most career experts argue that playing the game is crucial to your career success. By avoiding it, you may find your talents ignored and your success limited, and you may feel left out of the loop, says Louellen Essex, co-author of Managers Desktop Consultant Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night.Here are six tips from the author that can help you win people over at the amtsstubeObserve how things get done in your organization. Ask some key questions What are the core values and how are they enacted? Are short- or long-term results more valued? How are decisions made? How much risk is tolerated? The answers to these questions should give you a good se nse of the culture of your organization.Dont be afraid to toot your own horn. If no one knows of your good work, you may lose at the game of office politics when you really deserve to win. Let others know what youve accomplished whenever you get the opportunity. If you dont know the fine art of diplomatic bragging, you might get lost in the shuffle of your co-workers.Determine strategic initiatives in the company. Update your skills to be relevant to company initiatives. For example, dont lag behind in technology, quality or customer service approaches that are crucial to you and your companys success.Dont align too strongly with one group. While an alliance may be powerful for the moment, new leadership will often oust existing coalitions and surround itself with a new team. Bridging across factions may be a more effective strategy for long-term success if you intend to stay in your current organization for some time.Learn to communicate persuasively. Develop an assertive style, ba cked with solid facts and examples, to focus others attention on your ideas and proposals. Good politicians can adjust their messages for their audience and always appear well prepared.Be true to yourself. After analyzing the political landscape in your company, if you decide the game is one you cant play, prepare to move on. Its not typical, but some companies actually condone - even promote - dishonest, ruthless or unethical behavior. The game of office politics in this situation is not one worth winning.

11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplug

11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplug11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplugIf youve come home from a trip and immediately needed another vacation to recover from your vacation, maybe you just didnt head to the right place. Here are 11 off-the-beaten-path destinations - including an eco-pod in a quiet New Zealand valley, a charming Italian lake retreat, and a chill beachside palapa - that will help you truly unplug. Relaxation awaits ahead.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreRelais Mirabella, Iseo, ItalyJust an hour outside of Milan lies Franciacorta, Italys hidden gem of a wine region, known for producing its namesake sparkling wine in a similar style to French Champagne. The Relais Mirabella is located on a hill and has unobstructed views of idyllic Lake Iseo (similar to Lake Como, but without the throngs of tourists).Nearby, you c an have your pick of amazing wineries to visit, from the technology-forwardCa del Bosco(which has its own helipad) to the impossibly chicCorte Bianca, which focuses on organic, small batch production. The bed and breakfast has a schwimmbecken and a tennis court on site, but really, the best thing to do is to sit on the peaceful patio with a glass of wine and enjoy la dolce vita.Greystone PurePods, Waipara, New ZealandTake in sweeping views of New Zealands Waipara Valley in an environmentally-friendly PurePod above Greystone Winery. The private and remote structures let you get up close and personal with nature - they have solar electricity for the lighting, fridge, and water system biofuel capable heaters, and are made of glass (including the floors).There are no power plugs (there is a USB charger), but there are binoculars or telescope for birdwatching and stargazing.Angama Mara, Maasai Mara National Reserve, KenyaThis luxurious safari lodge is situated on the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara game reserve. Enjoy next-level glamping with the spacious tented suites, which have floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden decks with rocking chairs, and breathtaking views. The lodge is an amazing place to spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration, where, between July and October, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross Tanzanias Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CAPost Ranch Inn is a true getaway on the dramatic California coast, high on the cliffs of Big Sur. Freestanding houses are covered with wildflowers and grass, decks are suspended to provide unparalleled ocean or mountain views, and treehouses are perched in the forest for a unique experience under the stars. Theres no better (or more gorgeous) way to soak up some nature.Malibu Popoyo, Popoyo, NicaraguaEven if youre not a surfer, you can live that laidback beach lifestyle at Malibu Popoyo, an all-inclusive eco-friendly boutique that caters to surfers and yogis a like. There are over 10 award-winning surf breaks nearby, and on-site there is a yoga palapa, lush gardens, a 16-meter pool, and a neighboring organic farm. There are just six guest suites each one has a rain shower, artisan tiles, and plenty of greenery.San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice, ItalyTo get to this former monastery turned luxury Italian resort, you have to take one of the hotel boats (or drive your own) to the 17-acre private island of San Clemente, a mere 10 minutes away from bustling Piazza San Marco. Once there, youll be welcomed by the grandness of the palace and its seven courtyards, outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, and views of the Venice lagoon. Best of all Youll have all the charms of Venice without the crowds.Thompson Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo, MexicoAlong the Pacific coast is the town of Zihuatanejo, once a fishing village, home to a number of inviting white sand beaches. The Thompson Zihuatanejo is located on one of the most well-known, Playa La Ro pa, and combines modern comfort with beachfront vibes. The one-, two-, and three-story villas are nestled among palm and coconut trees, decorated with Mexican artwork, and just steps away from the ocean.Inns of Aurora, Aurora, NYIf you venture a few hours north of Manhattan, youll find New Yorks quiet Finger Lakes region, known for lakes and vineyards. The five inns of Aurora are all carefully restored buildings (one was a former prep school for girls, another was the private residence of theNew York Timesco-founder) that still retain their historic charm. Many have views of Cayuga Lake and all provide a relaxing escape from busy city living.Heckfield Place, Hampshire, EnglandRelax in the English Countryside at this restored Georgian manor an hour outside of London. Explore the 18-century woodlands, manicured gardens, nearby lakes, or the biodynamic Home Farm, which provides seasonal produce for the hotel.Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, Cat Island, BahamasCat Island, part of Bahamas O ut Islands (also known as the Family Islands), is only a short flight from bustling Nassau, but with its unspoiled natural beauty, quietness, and friendly vibe, it feels like a genuine escape - youll run into very few, if any, other tourists on the entire island. Rollez Villas Beach Resort is a platzset of bungalows located steps away from a long white sand beach and the vibrant turquoise waters the Bahamas are famous for. The resort can plan various private excursions depending on your interests, so your hardest decision of the day will be how much sunbathing you want to indulge in.Casa Violeta, Tulum, MexicoThis eco-friendly boutique hotel is on a peaceful white sand beach in Tulum (beach chairs and hammocks provided). The 13 palapas sit within jungle greenery just steps from the beach, and each has its own personality and handmade artwork. The hotel also has a number of wellness offerings including yoga and Temazcal, a medicinal house that uses hot volcanic rocks infused with h ealing waters to create a healing sweat lodge.This article first appeared on Brit + Co.