10 Steps to Successful Employee Hiring & Preventing Costly Hiring Mistakes

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Imagine a scenario where a high-paid executive is recruited, only to face termination within three months, along with a significant one-year severance package exceeding $230,000. This situation, reported in 2016, highlights the importance of strategic hiring practices.

Insights gleaned from an Oxford Economics study further underscore the costs associated with replacing staff members, which can surpass $40,000. These costs encompass diminished productivity during the onboarding of new hires and recruitment expenses.

To curtail these expenditures and reduce turnover, follow this concise checklist of actions to ensure optimal candidate selection:

Crafting an Effective Job Description

Write a comprehensive job description that accurately reflects the role’s responsibilities. I have an article that discusses more about writing a compelling job description. Check it out here.

Creating a Distinctive Job Advertisement

Formulate an enticing job advertisement that sets your company apart, particularly in competitive industries.

Soliciting Motivational Letters from Candidates

Request candidates to express their suitability for the role, showcasing their motivation and communication skills.

Building an Engaging Career Page

Construct a webpage that showcases your company as an attractive workplace through images, videos, and employee narratives.

Strategically Advertising the Job

Promote the position on suitable platforms, leveraging word-of-mouth referrals from various sources. You can learn more here.

Harnessing Online Search Tools

Utilize online tools to reach passive job seekers who might be interested in better opportunities.

Conducting Interviews with Reference Checks

Structure interviews to include questions that can be validated through conversations with former employers.

Implementing Assessments and Skill Testing

Utilize assessments and tests to more effectively evaluate top candidates.

Conducting In-depth Follow-up Interviews

Delve deeper into candidates’ suitability through comprehensive interviews and post-assessments.

Conducting Thorough Reference Checks

During reference checks, seek quantifiable performance indicators from candidates, which can be verified with previous supervisors.

By adhering to these crucial steps, you can elevate your hiring practices, minimize unnecessary expenses, and streamline your hiring process.

For enhanced efficacy, consider adding PXT Select™ to your hiring process. PXT Select offers a comprehensive hiring assessment tool designed to facilitate informed and objective hiring choices. 

With a range of assessments, it enables you to identify candidates who align with your company’s values and requirements.

Visit http://www.optimusperformance.ca/PXT_Select/ to learn more about how PXT Select can reshape your hiring strategy, conserving both time and resources.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Marketing and Mindset with Sunny McGaw

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Today, we have an inspiring interview with Sunny McGaw, a renowned marketing and mindset coach who empowers women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams. Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey and gain valuable insights to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.

Sunny’s Background and Journey: 

Sunny McGaw has an impressive background in marketing, having worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. Her career took a groundbreaking turn when she became a creative director at the age of 41, defying the odds in a male-dominated industry. She continued her trailblazing path by delivering a TEDx talk in 19 countries at the age of 45. At 47, she founded and built a seven-figure business, proving age is not a barrier to success. Her passion for empowering women led her to establish “Sunny McGaw Marketing” at age 50.

The Power of Belief and Mindset: 

During the interview, Sunny emphasizes the significance of mindset in achieving success. She addresses common internal obstacles women entrepreneurs face, such as imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Sunny’s framework encourages women to: 

  • Believe in themselves 
  • Surround themselves with a supportive network 
  • Focus on achievable goals 
  • Take proactive action 
  • Set high expectations 

Marketing Strategies for Success 

Sunny highlights the importance of marketing for business success. She guides entrepreneurs in leveraging organic marketing strategies like SEO, social media, and content creation. By identifying the right platforms for their target audience, entrepreneurs can capitalize on their strengths. Sunny encourages embracing innovation and exploring new avenues to increase visibility and seize opportunities. 

We invite you to watch the full interview with Sunny McGaw. Discover how to overcome internal barriers, stay focused on your goals, and develop effective marketing strategies for entrepreneurial success. 

Sunny McGaw’s interview sheds light on the journey of women entrepreneurs and the mindset and marketing strategies that lead to success. Her empowering approach and proven framework can help you succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors. 

So, take the opportunity to watch the full interview and unlock your potential.  

Connect with Susan McGaw here:

https://www.thesunnymcgaw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnymcgaw/

Three-Step Approach to Effective Employee Training

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Employee training plays a pivotal role in shaping a company’s success, and a strategic approach is essential to maximize its impact. Here, we delve into three key steps to enhance your employee training program.

1. Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Whether it’s training for employees or management personnel, clarity in goals is important. At the onset of the training journey, engage in a thorough discussion with the trainee or their manager. For instance, in the case of management training, point out the specific skills required for their role. Also, recognize their strengths and challenges to tailor the training content accordingly. This proactive step ensures a targeted approach that aligns with the trainee’s needs and the organization’s objectives.

2. Implement Periodic Check-Ins

To maintain the training’s momentum, regular check-ins are important. Even for shorter periods, a mid-training check-in serves as a valuable touchpoint. This offers an opportunity to gauge the trainee’s progress, address any obstacles, and ensure effective knowledge absorption. These check-ins foster a supportive environment, ensuring that participants stay on track and can confidently apply their learnings.

3. Measure Results and Continuous Improvement

Evaluating the training’s impact is integral. Conduct a comprehensive assessment at the training’s conclusion, followed by frequent follow-ups. Consider post-training follow-ups at the 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day marks. These checkpoints help gauge progress and identify areas for improvement. If the trainee’s growth trajectory isn’t as anticipated, this structured approach allows for timely adjustments, additional coaching, or refining the training content itself.

By doing this three-pronged strategy—defining clear goals, consistent check-ins, and thorough measurement—you’ll foster a culture of continuous improvement within your training initiatives. As trainees thrive and develop, your organization will reap the rewards of a well-structured and impactful training program.

Watch this video for more in-depth explanation.

Making Meetings More Effective: Key Tips for Productive Discussions

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Meetings are an integral part of any workplace, but they can often be a source of frustration if not conducted effectively. As someone with almost three decades of experience in this field, I understand the common complaints about unproductive meetings. In this article, I will share essential tips on how to make your meetings more effective and purposeful. 

1. Start with a Clear Purpose 

The foundation of a successful meeting lies in having a clear purpose. Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself if it’s necessary. Is there a more efficient way to address the issue at hand? Only proceed with the meeting if there’s a genuine need to bring people together. 

2. Invite the Right People 

One of the main reasons meetings can become unproductive is the inclusion of unnecessary attendees. Invite only those individuals who have a direct stake in the topics to be discussed. This way, you ensure meaningful contributions and keep the meeting focused. 

3. Time Management is Key 

Respecting everyone’s time is crucial for effective meetings. Set a specific start and end time for the session and adhere to it strictly. Going beyond the allotted time can lead to disinterest and hinder productivity. If certain topics need more discussion, schedule a follow-up meeting. 

Starting meetings on time not only shows respect for everyone’s schedules but also sets the tone for punctuality. Waiting for latecomers can frustrate those who arrive on time. Encourage all participants to be punctual, and lead by example. 

4. Create a Well-Structured Agenda 

A well-prepared agenda is the backbone of a productive meeting. Clearly outline the topics to be discussed and allocate time for each item. Having a structured agenda keeps the discussion focused and ensures that all necessary points are covered. 

I have a meeting planning worksheet that you can download for free. Check it out here. 

5. Define Actionable Items and Responsibilities 

A successful meeting results in actionable outcomes. Clearly define the tasks and responsibilities that arise from the discussions. Assign specific individuals to each action item to ensure accountability and follow-through. 

Another tip is to make sure to understand the roles of various participants. The meeting owner initiates and guides the session, while the facilitator (or chairperson) ensures the meeting’s flow. A note-taker records key points, a gatekeeper maintains order, and a timer helps manage time for each agenda item. 

6.  Evaluate Meeting Success 

After the meeting concludes, take a moment to evaluate its effectiveness. Determine if the meeting achieved its intended purpose and if participants actively engaged. Assess if the meeting adhered to the agenda and if action steps were clear and well-assigned. Gathering feedback from participants can also provide valuable insights for improvement. 

Meetings don’t have to be a waste of time. By following these key tips, you can transform your meetings into productive and purposeful discussions. Emphasize the importance of a clear purpose, punctuality, and proper planning. Implement these strategies, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in the effectiveness of your meetings, leading to a more productive and engaged team.