Month: July 2021

Do you dread group projects? Are you wary of having to work closely with others? Do you think you work best on your own? If so, you are not alone. Many people dread collaborating with others because of the assumption that not everyone will pull their own weight, and unfortunately, it can sometimes be a waste of time to try and coordinate with others, organize joint efforts and accomplish a singular goal with multiple people.

Collaboration can be a frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be a waste of time. In fact, when it’s done well, collaborating with others can be a rewarding experience and opportunity for growth. To work with others in a way that is respectful of others’ time and successfully accomplish the intent of the collaborative work, the following steps may be helpful:

• Plan ahead of time the main points of the interaction, and outline how you think the project should go.
• Speak with participants ahead of time to discuss goals and remind each one of the purpose of your collaboration.
• Have a specific goal in mind, and go into the project with the intent of accomplishing that goal.
• Resolve to be respectful of others, listen well and discourage interruption when others are talking.
• Only collaborate with people who are mature enough to handle the difficulties of working closely with others.
• Be sure to collaborate with individuals who will share common goals and bring value to the project.

With preparation and careful consideration beforehand, collaboration does not have to be a waste of time. Don’t miss out on the opportunities and benefits that come with working with likeminded people simply because collaboration hasn’t worked for you in the past. With a new approach, collaboration can be a wonderful opportunity.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

In the last year, many companies were forced to shift and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. No one could have predicted the extent to which a global pandemic would affect every type of business or how long these impacts would last. To adjust to health and safety standards, many companies implemented work-from-home and flexible schedules for their employees. Now that things are moving toward normalcy, some wonder if the flexible work model is here to stay.

During the pandemic-related shutdowns, many businesses discovered what they could do with employees working remotely. To the surprise of some, this model still allowed for productivity, growth and teamwork with the help of technology, video calls and other tools. If you are considering what’s next for your business, it may be helpful to consider keeping the flexible work model in place. Here are some tips to help you make that decision:

• Ask your employees what works for them and how you can help build an environment where they can thrive.
• Track your operations, and use this data to make smart choices regarding your work schedule and model for the entire business.
• Equip your employees to succeed if they are working home by providing them with the right tools and training they need to do their jobs in this capacity.
• Invite feedback, and make it a point to really listen to your employees’ opinions and concerns.

It is possible that the flexible-work or work-from-home model will be the right choice for your business, allowing you to choose based on what is truly best for your employees. Whatever you choose, it is important to think about the long-term implications of your decisions. With careful consideration, you can make choices that will allow your business to adapt, grow and succeed for many years.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

If you’re an entrepreneur or in leadership, knowing how to manage people is a critical skill. Even if you don’t work in a role specific to Human Resources, there are some basic HR skills you need to have. Personnel management skills will benefit you no matter what type of job you have or business you own, especially if you don’t have a designated HR department.

The first HR skill to hone is organization. It’s critical to keep employee files, contracts and other important documentation labeled, easily accessed and carefully organized. This can help prevent issues in case this information needs to verified or referenced in the future.

Second, you will find it helpful to have a basic understanding of employment laws. Without a designated HR department, the responsibility may fall on you to make sure employee rights are protected. You also need to be familiar with the right course of action in case of an employment issue or dispute.

These are examples of the administrative side to HR, but being an employer also requires you to know how to manage people as well. When creating jobs, develop meaningful roles so employees will connect with what they are doing. Strive to care about the employees as individuals, not just people who will benefit your company or help you accomplish specific goals. When there is genuine care and respect on both sides of the partnership, the employer-employee relationship will be much simpler and productive.

HR goes beyond paperwork and understanding employment laws. It is about creating a work environment that is respectful and beneficial for everyone. If you are a business owner also juggling the responsibility of HR management, it may help you to remember that prioritizing people and their well-being should be the first and primary goal as you manage employees.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

In many of the most complex fields, individuals must shadow and learn from a more experienced person in that specific job. Learning from example and first-hand experience is one of the most valuable types of educational experiences, and this can be something that benefits people in virtually every type of professional setting. This is why it may be beneficial to consider having a mentor as you pursue a specific career path.

If you don’t have a mentor, you have a few different options available that will help you connect with the right person. There are companies that are able to match people with the right business mentor, or you could simply connect with someone the old-fashioned way. When choosing the right mentor, it not only helps to look at their current success, but to take stock of where they came from as well.

Business mentors don’t necessarily have to be older or wiser than you. You simply need to look for someone who has experience and has met similar goals to those you have set for yourself. This is someone who can fill in the gaps of your own knowledge with what he or she has experienced and learned already. Your chosen mentor can set an example, answer questions and provide guidance for complex situations you may find yourself in someday.

Mentors aren’t perfect. They have likely experienced their own failures and setbacks, and they’ve managed to learn from them. Having this type of guidance and store of knowledge at your disposal can give you a boost in your career and help you gain an advantage as you pursue your dreams.

If you don’t have a professional mentor yet, ask yourself how you could benefit from the experience and guidance of someone a bit farther down the road than you. You may be surprised to learn how simply having a listening ear and wise counsel can help you in your career in multiple ways.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC