Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
MANAGING IN A START-UP Monday, January 3rd, 2011
Dear Corporate Nanny,
Someone on my team, whom I have a lot of respect for and think she does a good job, is seen by my peers as a “light-weight.” Not really sure what they mean, but it’s disturbing to me. We’re a small start-up company, so if you aren’t up, awake, alert and in action 24 hours a day, you get the “light-weight” title. It’s unfair, but a reality. I believe in this person and want her to succeed? How can I turn around the perception of my staff member’s work?
-Ingrid
Dear Ingrid,
Emotions run deep in start-up companies, I know, I’ve been there. With people being “on-call” 24/7 and not getting enough rest and relaxation, it’s bound to get worse. The harsh reality is sometimes it’s not at all about the work performance of the staff member as much as the “trust and respect” factor. Competence aside, people have to have trust and respect for others, especially in a start-up, after all, there’s no place to run or hide when there’s only 10 people in the company! If you feel confident in her ability to make contributions to the organization, and you want to support her, give her a project that is both meaningful and will let her establish trust in the organization. Then ask your peers to give her a chance, and if they can’t, they need to tell you exactly what it is about her so you can address it head-on. Good luck!
-The Corporate Nanny
KNOW WHO YOU ARE RECRUITING FOR Sunday, November 21st, 2010
Dear Corporate Nanny,
I haven’t recruited in quite some time and I am now in the market to recruit for a new employee in my department. Any advice on how to get started?
-Alex
Hi Alex,
I have lots of advice! Checkout “Recruiting: Getting “Back to Basics” is Key” on my website www.thecorporatenanny.net. Recruiting in any economy, not to mention an uncertain economy, is not as easy as one would think. Make sure you know why you want to fill the job, how much you are willing to pay, what skills/competencies you are looking for and where you think these future candidates “hang out” (social media networks, Monster, community-based organizations, etc.). After the interviews, ask yourself, “Is this candidate able to make contributions to my company beyond what I am expecting as the manager?” This should help separate the good candidates from the so-so candidates. Good luck!
-The Corporate Nanny
SAYING “THANKS” GOES A LONG WAY! Monday, June 7th, 2010
Dear Corporate Nanny,
One of my employees was mad and me – and told me so. I asked her for something and she dutifully sent it to me. She was mad that I didn’t “thank her.” I get and send so many emails a day, I didn’t think I had to send a “thank you” email too! What should I do?
-Angelo
Dear Angelo,
Sometimes when people send emails to people, they aren’t sure they even received them! With all of the SPAM filters these days who knows! So when people don’t receive acknowledgment from the receiver, their minds run wild…“did he/she receive my response,” “hoping my email didn’t get stuck in someone’s SPAM filter,” “it would have been nice if he/she said ‘got it,’ that’s all I’m looking for!” Funny things push people’s buttons, and as managers we need to know what they are! In my book, Oops! I’m The Manager! Getting Past “What Do I Do Now?!” In 5 Easy Steps, I dedicated a whole chapter on Respect. Pick up a copy! You won’t be disappointed! You’ll be able to pick and choose from many insightful thoughts, what will work for you! And saying “good morning” and “thanks” go along way! Try it!
-The Corporate Nanny
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