30Apr

Is Employee Feedback Being Neglected?

The pandemic has produced unimaginable disruption and changes, the results of which might take months to fully unravel. Remote work is posing a challenge for people outside of the workforce but with grave significance for organizations.

In the midst of this confusion, the call for clear-headed, informed leadership has never been more important. People want answers and not just any answer – they want leadership to make good decisions.

And so, we get back to the question posed in the title – Is Employee Feedback Being Neglected?

While many may not be quick to answer in the affirmative, there is decline in the conduct of Employee Satisfaction surveys (by whatever name you use). And there are understandable logistical reasons why organizations have not been getting feedback from employees at a time when it is more needed than ever.

Priorities

Just working to keep the staff safe and preventing in an outbreak that could dislocate operations is challenging enough. And so, the Employee Satisfaction survey is put on hold.

Perceived Employee Fatigue

There is a sense that given all the new pressures that employees are experiencing, asking them to complete a survey might be asking too much.

REALITY CHECK QUESTIONS

  1. Does your organization really have a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the issues that are front of mind of its team members?
  2. Given the gravity of the situation, would it be better to undertake evidence-based planning instead of relying on anecdotal information?
  3. What replacement mechanism is there for keeping the fingers of the leadership team on the pulse of the organization?
  4. Where is the organization’s alternative source of the gems that are embedded in the open-ended responses that are captured in good instruments?

There is no question that conducting the survey will add one more issue to address. But what is the alternative? Is it better to proceed blindly?

Why do we doubt that team members would love to get the opportunity to provide insights from their perspective as to the way forward?

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Be warned! Hidden under the cloak of the pandemic is the changing make-up of the workforce demographically and more critically – philosophically. Failing to get to grips with an appreciation of the world view of an increasing chunk of the staff could have disastrous consequences.

FULL DISCLOSURE

So yes, I do have a stake in this as we have conducted similar surveys are many years, with the assistance of increasingly sophisticated technology to remove the logistical challenges from our clients. In fact, we make it happen from end to end.

The technology solution is the revolutionary FinxS Platform from Extended DISC.

Extended DISC® Surveys collect individual responses objectively and confidentially and organizes them into insightful, readily-digestible reports. This provides an important compass that guides the organization to the achievement of its objectives.

At the same time, the survey data provide great value in benchmarking results across periods and operating units.

Ease of Implementation

Conducting surveys on the revolutionary FinxS platform is simple and easy. It eliminates all the administrative nightmares by infusing a series of features that remove the burden of tracking and administrative set-up from the user.

We even have a battery of questions that you can use to create your own instruments.

Speedy Information-rich Reports

We work with you to ensure that each survey generates the desired information. The FinxS Platform allows for a great deal of flexibility in the reports. Rich graphics enrich the data and facilitate interpretation.

NEXT STEPS

Contact us to discuss the implementation of a Workforce Climate Survey, Employee Satisfaction or Engagement Survey or Customer/Supplier Survey.

We will guide you through the simple process. Alternatively, we will set up and conduct the survey with your input and provide you with a final report and our guiding insights.

E-mail: info@infoservpeopletech.org

18Mar

Negotiating With A Dominant Personality

This is it. The final hurdle to close the deal. Her reputation precedes her. She is one tough cookie. What can you do?

Here is a proven strategy to get to win-win more frequently… even when faced with a dominant negotiator.

 

Your Outlook

Develop a strategy that concentrates on her goal of personal control of her environment and fear of having someone take advantage of her. Always let her feel as if she is in control.
Remember the dominant personality (D-Style) wants to WIN!

However, you can’t afford to come across as being weak. The D-Style wants to do business with winners.

 

Your interaction

 

  1. Limit the amount of socializing up front.
  2. Get to the point.
  3. Respond to their task-related/result-oriented needs.
  4. Be business-like.
  5. Ask ‘what’ questions that focus on their concern for results.
  6. Accept their bluntness.
  7. Show desire to achieve added results.

 

Gaining D-Style Co-operation and Commitment

 

  1. Highlight the key options available. Do not present only one option.
  2. Make it clear that you understand that the choice is theirs.
  3. Don’t try to push them to make a choice or to accept your recommendations.
  4. Work towards developing a long-term win-win relationship to your mutual benefit.
  5. Ensure efficiency and delivery as promised.
  6. Draw attention to your proven successes. No need to be humble.
  7. Focus on helping them to achieve their goals.

 

Remember the D-Style does not like:

 

  1. Waiting
  2. Idle chatter
  3. Slow responses
  4. Indecision
  5. Overly structured requirements
  6. Taking orders or losing control of the situation

 

Your arguments should always include phrases like:

“This means that you……”
“The benefit of this to you is…”
“The competitive advantage for you is …..”

NOTE

Negotiating For Success is one certification included in our Leadership Development Program that is delivered online and with supporting live webinars through your branded Virtual Academy. Complete the form below to learn how your organization can participate.

Trevor E S Smith | INFOSERV People Tech Solutions | Success with People Academy

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12Mar

Values-driven Leadership Development

I feel compelled to share the structure of a highly successful Leadership Development Program that is in a follow up phase of implementation with an important public sector entity. 

VALUES 

The organization is committed to becoming a Centre of Excellence. That led to the unavoidable conclusion that it was important to start by distilling the Values that would underpin their quest.

FRAMEWORK 

The next consideration related to the challenge of cascading Values down through the various levels of the organization such that they are manifested in the day to day conduct of business. 

The decision was taken to adopt an updated, futuristic approach to Competency Frameworks – Competency Framework 2.0.

Core Competencies along with the carefully crafted and insightful descriptors were developed for each level of the organization. 

HUB

In recognition of the critical need for across the board buy in, care was taken to conduct small group review, adjustment and acceptance of the competencies and the very important descriptors.

The 2.0 approach does not use one blanket Statement of Competency that applies at all levels. 

CEOs and entry level clerks have different responsibilities related to communication or the use of initiative. Consequently, developing forward-looking, role-specific descriptors provides clarity as to what is expected in the performance of each job.

That in turn feeds into performance management as well as learning and development considerations. In that way, Competency Framework 2.0 becomes a hub for Workforce/Talent Management – from Recruitment & Selection, through Onboarding, Learning & Development, Performance Management & Appraisal, Career Development and Succession Planning.

THEN WHAT?

Some entities look upon the approved and bought into Competency Framework 2.0 like it is a trophy. Something to be set up to be admired but not touched.  Motivated by the earnest quest to become a Centre of Excellence, the organization embarked on an implementation program. 

The initial phase was to develop a Leadership Development Program that would embrace the values, competencies and overall philosophy that was contained in the Competency Framework 2.0.

That program was aligned with HR Training Plans which had already identified competency and knowledge gaps.

VIRTUAL ACADEMY 

The program was delivered using best of class technology support. An organization-branded Virtual Academy was developed to host and deliver the program.

Interactive online content was developed. Each course offered Professional Development Credits that are approved by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for SHRM CP and SCP recertification. 

Each course had built in or appended mini quizzes to validate the transfer of knowledge. This also facilitates Training ROI considerations.

In a display of recognition of learner challenges, a live synchronous component was incorporated. This was limited to one weekly online 90-minute session.

OUTCOME

The take up of the offer to participate in the program was outstanding. The live sessions were a thing to behold. Critically, completion rates (i.e. the granting of certificates and professional development credits) exceeded all expectations. 

It is not surprising that Phase 2 has attracted a significant increase in registration. 

ACTION 

This program from end to end is now supported by our SPIKE technology solution (Strategic Performance Improvement and Knowledge Enabler).

Let us have a conversation as to how this positive experience can infuse resilience and future-readiness into your Leadership cadre.

Trevor E S Smith

Success with People Academy

INFOSERV People Tech Solutions

05Mar

What Does Evidence-based Workforce Development Involve?

This is an invitation to explore a multi-faceted source of integrated, digital assessment systems that provide end-to-end support for many of today’s most challenging HR and Workforce Development issues.

For one budget-friendly, flat fee we provide a palette of solutions that can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Recruitment & Selection – Role Fit Solution

Reduce the high cost and negative impact of bad hires with our Hiring Smart solution. Create an Ideal Template that represents the applicant of your dreams for each role in your hiring plans. Match short-listed applicants against the Ideal Job Template to help you select the best fit. Use the information to guide the chosen candidate to achieve success in their role. No more square pegs in round holes!

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Team Dynamics

It sounds corny, but it is true – Teamwork makes the dream work. An examination of team dynamics can tell the story about the long term success of an organization. Our vast array of customizable individual and team diagnostics will present your story using a compelling mix of graphics and text.

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We guarantee that you will gain insights about your organization, each team and individual members that are not available to you from any other source!

It is from those insights that a successful strategy to increase employee engagement and retention is finally crafted.

Are your teams fully aligned to the requirements of the current and future environment?

Our Team Maps graphically depict how the team will cope in a changing environment and undergird the critical importance of resilience and reliability as pillars on which your operations must be grounded.

Front-line Presence

How are you being represented by your customer service/client care representatives?

People see your organization through the experiences they have with those individuals. Have you taken extra care in your selection, training and management of those team members?

We have some specifically-crafted assessments and reports for client care that are guaranteed to move the relationship with your clients and stakeholders to a higher level.

Customer Service – Role Fit Analysis Extract (Property Extended DISC Intl)

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As with other roles, the Ideal Job Template is created with input from individuals who fully understand the requirements of the role. They decide on the ratings of the competences that are drawn from the vast FinxS® Behavioural Competency Library.

Employee Engagement

Consecutive Deloitte studies indicate that 2 out of every 3 employees are not engaged on the job. Two-thirds of your employees are merely going through the motions. What does that mean for your overall effectiveness and goal attainment?

Monitoring the workplace climate and level of engagement with easy to implement Satisfaction Survey instruments is a good starting point. You can also add the use of 360 assessments to identify where your leadership challenges lie and what to do about them.

The flat-fee licence also includes the new Remote Worker Assessment.

Training/Coaching

One-size-fits-all training and coaching is a regular occurrence. However, it is not the most effective solution. Our behavioural assessments provide the opportunity for laser-like, targeted training and coaching that addresses the specific needs of each individual in ways that suited to their behavioural style. Improved competence drives enhanced performance!

We routinely include behavioural assessments in all our training programmes. With the flat-fee licence, you gain access to the revolutionary FinxS® Platform which facilitates the creation of multiple, situation-specific reports on any individual in the FinxS® database. This means that once an individual has completed the assessment you can look at them in a variety of contexts. The FinxS® Playground allows you to conduct this review on screen with the ability to view a group and compare their respective level of comfort with displaying any competence from the library.

How does the budget-friendly, flat-fee licence work?

We have a conversation about your organization and we will send you an agreement that outlines the package that is designed to meet your unique needs.

We will also be happy to have a no-cost, no-commitment online consultation with you to better explore how we can add value to your organization and answer any questions that you might have. E-mail: info@successwithpeople.org

Limited Time Opportunity

We are currently offering an HR/Talent Management support package to licence-holders that incorporates in-demand, online courseware and downloadable e-books >>> At No Additional Cost!

In real terms, that offer can dramatically increase the reach and impact of your training budget!

My Gift to You

These publications have been very well received. You can get your copy at no cost by replying to this e-mail and changing the subject to the publication that you desire.

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We are also incorporating for a limited period formal Extended DISC/Success With People-backed Certification of key members of your HR/Talent Management team that yields Professional Development Credits that can be applied to SHRM CP and SCP Recertification.

Act NOW!

Trevor E S Smith

INFOSERV People Tech Solutions

E-mail: info@infoservpeopletech.org

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