Just last week I met with about twenty senior HR executives to discuss the state of the economy and how companies are responding to “the great recession.” In this post I have highlighted some of the key themes I gleaned from our discussion as well as examples of initiatives/actions companies are taking in lieu of […]

PEMCO Insurance: An Experimental Tweet-Up Success Guest Writer: Rod Brooks, VP and CMO, PEMCO Overview As Washington’s largest locally based insurer, PEMCO Insurance believes people of the Northwest deserve an insurance company as different as they are. That’s the sentiment behind the company’s “We’re A Lot Like You. A Little Different.” ad campaign, which seeks […]

This morning I facilitated a meeting with 25 senior HR executives from a very eclectic group of companies and industries, private/public/not-for-profit; large/small and so on. Topic: “executive compensation.” It was a fascinating and provocative discussion!!!! This group of HR executives “rocks!” I plan to address several critical questions that emerged in upcoming posts. Today we […]

A few days ago I met with my roundtable group of 25+ marketing executives from a very eclectic group of companies and industries to discuss how they are responding to social media. Some of these executives have barely dipped their toe in the water. Others have taken the plunge and are treading water, while yet […]

The debate around using social media in the workplace continues. We basically have three camps: 1) those that are 100% “for” full access to social media sites, 2) those against, and 3) those that want to provide access within boundaries. Here is some of the reasoning I am seeing: FOR 1. Productivity is positively impacted. […]

Did you know that pandemics can increase very drastically and exponentially is as little as a few weeks, they often come in waves, each successive wave being more serious. In fact, our businesses in today’s global, ”just-in-time” economy are more vulnerable than at any time before in human history. Just imagine that 40 percent of […]

Earth Day is almost over and I promised myself I would write a blog posting to add something of value before I leave the office. So, here I go…. What did you do today to support the environment? Is your company a leader? Are you making a difference! I promise your employees will feel better […]

In a few days I will be meeting with a group of senior HR executives to discuss talent management strategies in a down economy. One could argue that in an economic downturn talent management becomes increasingly important; nevertheless, it can also quickly become a lower priority in the minds of some businesses that are faced […]

A group of HR executives recently shared a list of tactics they use in their on-boarding initiatives to get new employees integrated more quickly. All new employees: · Are brought into the corporate office to experience the company culture. Big $ commitment. · Are set up to do business their first day of work. When […]

Some time ago I met with a group of executives to discuss their personal leadership journeys. In the course of “yakking”, a list of behaviors and traits emerged that they felt effective leaders today exhibit. They: Mentor, coach and grow others Care about people Know the right questions to ask Are credible Have courageous conversations […]