LJNRadio: Nobody's Perfect

Not every employee is going to be a superstar, but how an organization handles poor performance goes a long way in determining the overall success of a company. Steve Kessel, a training specialist for MRA, explains to Tim Muma the many considerations that go into a company's strategy and execution when handling poor performers - whether it is skill-based concern or behavior-related issues. He also gives some advice on areas management can prevent problems and give plenty of help to those employees that are under-performing. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Tim Muma continues his conversation with Steve Kessel, a training specialist for MRA, who expalins how an organization can handle poor performance, acknowledging that it goes a long way in determining the overall success of a company. Steve brings his experience to the show in giving employers and managers advice on how to prevent poor performance from occurring and effectively working toward a solution when it happens. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Employers seeking talented workers are in the midst of certain transitions, whether it comes to technology, the workforce itself or what is truly valuable to an organization. With that in mind, strategies and philosophies need adjustment when it comes to hiring in the near future (even now if they're bold). Lou Adler, Founder and CEO of The Adler Group, a training and consulting firm helping companies find and hire top talent, discusses with Tim Muma about the areas that are impacting the success of employers' hiring habits and the ways best to target talented individuals. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

There are plenty of articles and stories we see and hear about motivation or engagement lacking in many workplaces. While there definitely is an individual element to those situations, employers and managers also play a role in killing or reviving their employees' drive to succeed. Tim Muma speaks with Chris Mittelstaedt, Founder and CEO of The FruitGuys, who describes some areas where the death of motivation is brought on by the actions of those in charge. He also adds his suggestions for reversing those tactics and gives us a peek as to why his employees stay motivated and contribute to the success of his company. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

A majority of workers believe their boss or manager plays an integral role in their progression in the company; however, most believe that same person is doing little to help - even blocking them from advancement. All employees and employers need to watch out for these obstacles to prevent from standing in the way of success - individually and as a group. Tim Muma chats with Kim Ruyle, President of Inventive Talent Consulting, about the role of managers in the growth and advancement of employees, and the important areas included in the process. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

It's evident that the workforce and the world of business in general is taking on major changes (and has been for a number of years) where most individuals and organizations are in some level of transition. ManpowerGroup, a respected, innovative workforce solutions company, has deemed this new era "The Human Age." Melanie Holmes, Vice President with ManpowerGroup, breaks down to Tim Muma what this "age" means for all of us and why we ended up here. She also elaborates on the details of how employers can tap into this new way of thinking, behaving and succeeding - particularly as it relates to talent. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

We're continuing our discussion about "The Human Age," a term created by ManpowerGroup, a respected, innovative workforce solutions company, as we continue a transition period of work and employment. Tim Muma and Melanie Holmes, Vice President with ManpowerGroup, pick up the conversation by zeroing in on the mobilization of talent and some potential issues with employers catering to the ideas of "The Human Age." Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

An important part of any organization's sustained success is often reliant on the assessment of employees and their performance. Rose Mueller-Hanson, Director of Leadership and Organizational Consulting at PDRI, argues there are many issues with the traditional model of performance management as a formal task. Instead, Rose tells Tim Muma that there should be a continuous two-way flow of communication and assessment that lends for better awareness and improved performance. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Efficiency is a word you cannot ignore in the workplace - it's become THE emphasis in most business environments. What if that is causing more harm than good? Founder of VeraSage Institute, Ron Baker, contends that limiting the focus on efficiency will lead to greater success. Ron explains to Tim Muma that in an intellectual capital economy, efficiency's impact is dwarfed by the value of effectiveness. He gives us some insight into how the quest for efficiency fails us and how we can move away from the grip of efficiency's appeal. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Trust in the workplace needs to flow both ways, so it's important for management and true leaders to examine their own thoughts and actions. A 20-year veteran in management, as well as a workplace consultant, Nan Russell discusses some areas related to trust that leaders should consider to help ensure growth and sustainability. Nan also explains to Tim Muma how building and working with trust is the ultimate key...and it all starts with management looking within. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Finding the right teachers and evaluating them based on performance is a difficult task for school districts, administrative staff and parents. Over the years, the ideas of what makes effective educators has changed, but their role may be greater than ever. Tony Bagshaw from Battelle for Kids talks with Tim Muma about identifying the best teachers and how they can be properly assessed during their career. Budget crunches and pressure to perform has taken a toll on schools; still, attracting and retaining top talent is essential to success, just like any other business. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

The discussion on evaluating teachers continues in part 2 with host Tim Muma and Tony Bagshaw from Battelle for Kids. Tony looks to give teachers some guidance in selling themselves to an employer and how to make an impression on administration, staff and parents. We also discuss the assessment of teachers from a parental point of view, which would be slightly different than the professional evaluation. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

In order for a team to work well together, it's imperative they understand the individual thoughts and behaviors that are brought to the table. Individuals must also be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses to be most effective. Tim Muma talks with Vice President of Learning and Development for Team Builders Plus, Daniel Silvert, about the DISC design to help people discover their behavioral styles (and the styles of others) and how they play a role in our production and relationships at work. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Often times, where one works and conducts business can have a dramatic effect on the success or failure of certain companies. Furthermore, each state's "business friendly" reputation can impact a variety of phases both in the short term and in the future. Tim Muma talks with Vice President of Chief Executive Research, Michael Bamberger, who elaborates on Chief Executive Group's "Best and Worst States for Business," breaking down the factors that contribute to a state's terrific or horrible ranking. He also examines some trends and talks about how this information can be used by CEOs and individual employees alike. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

On the one side, it's understandable that employers would be hesitant to hire someone who is unemployed, especially for a long period of time - that could speak to a number of negatives. However, there are tens of millions of people without work and many are highly skilled, experienced people that could be had at an inexpensive rate. Tim Muma is joined by Matthew Bidwell, who attempts to dissect the issue of bias against the unemployed and the many factors that play a role in the reluctance of companies to open their doors. We also examine how those unemployed job seekers can limit the effects and help their own cause. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

There are ways interviews SHOULD be done, and then there?s the reality that many of those employment conversations aren't so ideal - particularly on the side of the employer. Tim Muma talks with David Couper, award-winning trainer, coach and consultant, gives the listeners an insider's point of view into the myths of interviews. His previous experience in human resources - including interviews - is the basis for debunking many beliefs of job seekers and employers alike. His hope is give people an understanding that things aren't always as they seem, so plan accordingly. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

While differences between men and women in job offers, pay and overall employment considerations has long been a hot issue, the concern and research often focuses on the employers. However, recent research also indicates a certain limitation that women either put on themselves or perceive when looking into a career or applying for a job. Ph.D. Matthew Bidwell, professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, discusses the various factors affecting gender segregation that stems from women themselves, as well as employers and their industries. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

We continue our conversation revolving around recent research that indicates some women limit themselves in their career searches or applications. However, stereotypes of professions and the culture surrounding many others also play a role in gender segregation. Ph.D. Matthew Bidwell, professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, discusses the various factors affecting gender segregation from different angles. We also examine how things can change and why it's such a difficult area to analyze and improve. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Loyalty is a buzz word and most people believe it doesn't exist anymore in the world of employment. Often times this is perceived to be an employer issue, but it really is a two-way street that is impacted by employees also by exhibiting their own lack of loyalty. Chris Woolard of Walker Information, Senior Consultant and blogger on Loyalty in the Workplace, explains to Tim Muma the ways in which loyalty has changed and diminished, as well as the affects it has on individuals and companies. How can we make loyalty a positive thought again? Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Leaders come in all shapes, sizes and personalities - and they have the potential to be highly effective in their posts. However, their effectiveness may be influenced by positive or negative strategies that have a long-lasting impact; therefore, being effective is not enough. Ronald Riggio, Ph.D., is a Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology at the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College, and he helps us break down the areas of leadership that truly define the value of a leader in the workplace. Do leaders NEED to be fair, unselfish or open-minded with their employees? No, but there are consequences to every action. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

The benefits of entrepreneurship can be far-reaching and satisfying, but it's a perilous position to be in if you're unprepared. Like any other business venture, there are a number of areas that end an entrepreneur's journey before it truly begins. Nick Wichert, Executive Director for VETransfer, reacts to an entrepreneurial "expert's" five biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make. He also gives his advice on what pitfalls to evade and how to, instead, thrive in your business. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

The look, the size, the information...the truth (sort of). Resumes still grab attention and set potential employees apart, but they can also be troublesome for employers looking to hire. Joanna Patterson of Alverno College tells us about the biggest faux pas made on resumes from design to content, and how to avoid or correct those miscues. She also touches on the mistakes employers make when utilizing the resume to find the right choice. With such great volume, it's easy for employers and job seekers to overlook important aspects of the resume. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

Humor can be a valuable skill in many workplaces, whether someone is looking for a job or currently employed. The complications of trying to be funny can backfire when used too often, with bad timing or in poor taste. Jessica Ollenburg, CEO of HRS Inc., talks about the mistakes made by the class clown in the interview, during a work meeting, and even during business transactions. Humor is subjective, handle with care. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

The best companies take their time determining which people are the perfect fits for their business, spending countless hours to find a handful to interview. However, just like a potential employee makes mistakes in the interview, so too do the people conducting the interview. Making sure you're impressed by the right person, for the appropriate reasons, is vitally important to supplying your company with talent. Dawn Adams, president of HResults, talks about the key factors for interviewers to focus on. She also tries to help eliminate the common errors that are made by things like emotion, bias, a lack of knowledge, and poorly structured questions. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.

During the process of the job search, finally getting an interview can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. With employment riding on the line, nerves and other human elements, it's easy to make mistakes that could cost you the position. Kristin Adler, Assistant Director (Employer and Campus Relations) for Career Services at Marquette University, stops in to guide us through the varying parts of the interview - and what mistakes send you home empty handed. Nobody's Perfect looks at things a little backwards: What NOT to do. Mistakes are often the best teachers and errors in judgment cross all industries. Job seekers and executives alike commit a variety of blunders that you can learn from so you can avoid the common, damaging missteps.