The Importance of Recruiting the Right Senior People into your Team

The Importance of Recruiting the Right Senior People into your Team While all recruitment decisions are important, choosing the right executive leaders or board members can be one of the most challenging tasks a company can face. Senior appointments can have a significant impact on the strategic direction of a business and on the levels of employee engagement and motivation to deliver the planned vision of success. In turn, this all influences an organization’s employer brand and its success in recruiting and retaining high-caliber employees at all levels. Through our Pure Executive division, we specialize in board and top-level appointments across a range of sectors and work with organizations ranging from privately owned through to listed businesses. We are known for our personalized, consultative approach where we provide a balance between listening to employer’s needs and challenging them to make the right choices for the long term. Here are just some of the things we support clients to consider when recruiting at this level. Diversity and combined strengths When recruiting to build a leadership team, diversity is widely understood to be fundamental. This is because all great teams display a diverse mix of qualities, skills, experiences, and outlooks. The varied perspectives and a mix of voices which reflects the breadth of the organization’s stakeholders results in stronger governance and better decision making. There is a range of ways to achieve this including through assembling a team of high performing leaders with a mix of gender, ethnicity, age, and backgrounds. Alongside this, look at the skills and experience you already have in place and examine if there are any gaps to be filled in building a team with the combined strengths needed to drive strategy, mentor and invest in staff, shape company culture, and ultimately work effectively with each other. This helps to evaluate prospective candidates for their respective abilities and aptitudes, not just their experience in a role or industry. Appointing non-executive board members can also be a highly effective way of achieving a diverse team with combined strengths. NEDs can provide not just relevant experience but also an external viewpoint as well as acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the business. Relevant experience for growth ambitions Establishing a strong leadership team, from senior management through to executive board, is critical to the sustainability and future success of a business. However, the search criteria for senior recruits will vary depending on the size and history of the business. The skills and experience needed to launch a business and lead it through its first few years of growth are different from the ones needed to manage an established company for example. Even when a business is well established, expanding and further strengthening the leadership team can support the organization’s future growth by bringing in new ideas and experiences to help shape strategic direction. For example, we recently supported Treatt plc to appoint two new Non-Executive Directors in preparation for the organization’s next phase of transformative growth. Already one of the Eastern region’s most successful companies, it was important for Treatt to attract more international business experience to its board to help drive its worldwide expansion, as well as to achieve a greater balance and diversity of thinking. Authentic leadership qualities The subject of authentic leadership regularly comes up when we are recruiting for board and executive roles. At this level, the focus shifts from looking to find specific skills sets towards an emphasis on broader leadership qualities. Employers talk about finding candidates who are genuine and open, and those who have the ability to bring a team together by inspiring loyalty and trust. Whether leading the business as a CEO or leading the board as the chair, a poll of the Forbes Human Resources Council revealed the top traits they looked for when recruiting for these types of positions were; passion, integrity, problem-solving, action and vision sellers. These traits are all more focussed on the skills needed to effectively bring together and engage a team in delivering on the organization’s vision. The right cultural fit For a senior recruitment decision to be an effective long-term investment, the cultural fit must also be taken into consideration. It’s not just about finding the right skills and experience but also about selecting those who will best suit the culture of the organization. It is far easier for leaders to be authentic if they genuinely share an organization’s vision, values, and purpose. They are more likely to lead with the integrity, honesty, and passion needed to gain credibility and trust among existing teams. They won’t feel a need to mask their true selves, will be able to show their natural style and unique strengths, and lead by example in developing and maintaining your organization’s culture. Developing your own leaders for succession planning When planning ahead for executive recruitment we are often asked whether it is better to recruit externally or to nurture potential leaders from within existing teams. There are benefits to both options and various considerations needed, for example, the cost to recruit versus the cost to train employees in leadership skills. Developing your own leadership talent is likely to mean a good cultural fit is already established and that relevant company and industry knowledge will be at a premium. However, you may not gain different perspectives, achieve greater diversity or secure new areas of expertise to strengthen the existing leadership team. In essence, the decision all depends on the role, the timings, the current business plan, the vision for the future and the skills and experience already in place. At Pure, we are committed to developing the talent pipeline of Executive and Non-Executive Directors in the Eastern region with a team of highly experienced executive recruitment cons ultants. Our Board Ready Talent Scheme and Women’s Leadership Programme both support businesses to progress their own talented employees and to develop a succession plan for when the right leadership opportunities arise.

4 (Other) Reasons Why Your Company Should Support a Charity

4 (Other) Reasons Why Your Company Should Support a Charity Let’s firstly acknowledge the founding principle of philanthropy: a care for humanity and others. The world isn’t perfect, and a charity venture can make it just a little bit more fair. If you value the social good done by a charity then you should get involved. And while the first reason for supporting a charity should be a genuine desire to make a difference, there are also many rewards for your company. Here are four (other) reasons why your company should support a charity. 1. Boost employee retention Making a real impact on others can infuse our lives with more meaning. The warm glow one gets from giving is so real, it’s scientific. In one study, researchers found that donating to charity activated pleasure centres in the brain. The act of giving can reignite motivation amongst employees as they feel more fulfilled knowing they are making a difference in this world. Not all jobs can offer the opportunity to make a great impact for change, but by supporting a charity, your company and employees can make a difference in your own way. Most of us want to get involved with charity but some struggle to find the time to do so, and participating in employer-sponsored fundraising gives staff the opportunity to make a difference, at the ease and practicalities of the workplace. Many volunteering and fundraising schemes can also provide learning and leadership opportunities, increasing productivity and engagement. Giving back is rewarding, and can be the catalyst to boost employee morale, promoting a sense of pride and purpose in themselves and the company. 2. Team building Supporting a charity can help build a motivated and collaborative team. Raising money can be, and should be fun, with many charities offering fundraising ideas that bring people together. Whether it’s a charity run, volunteering, or doing something silly for something serious, there’s an inclusiveness that offers all employees of different levels and departments to work together in an environment outside of their usual work parameters. This strengthens relationships and instills a sense of unity and camaraderie, as they work together towards a shared goal for a better good. 3. Networking opportunities We all know the importance of networking in business. Charity organisations allows you to build a mutual trust and respect with like-minded business people, with a regular platform to nurture those relations. Being part of a charity can open the doors to a powerful network of business owners. To quote a popular character from TV show  Mad Men: Philanthropy is the gateway to power. This can be met with some cynicism, but charity organisations are often associated with the world’s most influential individuals, and belonging to these groups can offer invaluable resources and opportunities. 4.  Stronger employer brand Making philanthropy a part of your identity can build positivity around your brand that will engage with the outside community, including clients, customers and prospective candidates. People respect and connect with leaders who show a social responsibility, with research showing that people want to work for an ethical company that is dedicated to helping others. In the world of business and corporation where motives are largely profit driven, the ethical element to a company can balance a positive image, defining your company from your competitors, which not only builds a stronger brand image but can attract the best talent.

Eliminate Costs for Increased Profit - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Eliminate Costs for Increased Profit - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career “The check is in the mail is not always a good thing!” While many anxiously await the mail for a desired check or notification of having won the lottery, receiving a check is sometimes a bad thing and reflects very poor business practices. In fact, entrepreneurs may take many lessons from giant corporations who waste inestimable amounts of money by dispensing useless checks. The abbreviated scenario is, checks were sent to individuals because they seemingly overpaid their account. These individuals were stumped as to why that might be so they spent time on the phone speaking with appropriate employees. Being assured they could cash their check, they followed their instructions. Several days later, these same individuals received notification by mail that their account was terminated due to lack of payment. Interestingly, these scenarios all stemmed from a variety of insurance companies. Monetary wastage stems from multiple employees spending their time cutting a check, sending the check, answering the telephone, getting their manager involved, hours spent on the phone with many experiencing the same, re-establishing the account and correcting accounting errors. Even worse is the real possibility of upsetting their clients to the degree that they may then seek other providers. Have you recently checked your processes in place, particularly if you have employees? Are your systems meeting the proverbial, “a mean machine”? Are they efficient, and do they get the job done? Are your employees well-trained on the systems so that everything is flowing effectively? Examine your profit center too. Where do your better streams of revenue stem from? Is it possible to create complementary venues to your top producing streams? By so doing, you will reach larger audiences thereby potentially increasing your clientele. However, just as you should keep an eye on the operations side, so should you on the customer satisfaction area too. Have you recently examined the level of satisfaction your clientele has with services provided? Do you have a system in place for checking in? Many companies rely on surveys, but these become an annoying time waster in the eyes of some. Vary the methods for connecting with your clientele. It is the caring attitude that will further increase sales. This is a key point should you encounter an unhappy client. Checking in becomes your opportunity to correct the situation quickly and in time to avert any negative messaging that might otherwise be promoted to their connections. Once you adeptly resolve problems, those you help become your most loyal clients. By monitoring all of your processes in place, you will undoubtedly find areas in which money may be saved or better utilized. Taking care of your business versus going on automatic pilot builds your personal brand as a dedicated entrepreneur. And accordingly, profit increases allowing for a long-term business. These actions bring about repeat business, referrals and testimonials, and will put you on the wave of the Smooth Sale! Author: Elinor Stutz, CEO of  Smooth Sale,  (800) 704-1499; authored “INSPIRED Business A New View for Building Business and Communities”;  â€œNice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, and “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews“. Elinor was designated as a “Top 25 Sales Influencer for 2012.”

Four Tips For Looking Like The Powerful Business Woman You Are

Four Tips For Looking Like The Powerful Business Woman You Are As a business woman, you want to make sure that people see you as the boss, not just a woman in the workplace. Unfortunately, all too often women get treated lesser than the men that they work alongside, or that work in the same field as them. It isn’t fair, and the best thing you can do about it is to keep your head held high and keep doing what you’re doing. You definitely want to give off the vibe of a powerful business woman, and looks can actually have a lot to do with how you’re perceived (it’s that way for men and women). Just think about it; if you want to work in jeans and a t-shirt people would take you less seriously than if you were wearing a pantsuit if you work in an office or you are in a management position. Get The Right Beauty Routine Going You need to care about yourself in order to pull off a look of power and sophistication. That doesn’t mean caring about what other people think of you, it’s about what you think of yourself. If you want to build your own confidence it starts with liking what you see in the mirror. Some people can look in the mirror and be happy no matter what they see, others feel like they need a little help, and that’s OK. Clean up those eyebrows, find a face wash that works for your skin type and any skin issues you suffer from on a regular basis, and consider the makeup you use. Healthy skin and makeup you feel comfortable in will help you feel the part of the powerful business woman and will boost your confidence immensely. Get The Right Attitude With the right look and clothing, things you feel comfortable in, you will also start to develop the right attitude. You’ll feel confidence and it will show in your walk and the way you talk. You won’t have to fake it anymore, you’ll know you’re good at what you do. It’s not arrogance, it’s self-esteem. See yourself as a success and you will start to become one. A positive attitude will help with your continued success. Get The Right Wardrobe Wardrobe will not only work to make you feel more comfortable but if you work in a position of authority you want to look the part. People will take you more serious in a sales or office setting if you’re in a suit or a nicer outfit than they would if you were wearing jeans or shorts. Get The Right Physique Exercise helps with balance and posture, among other things. If you stand tall and walk with confidence you will look more professional (and maybe, even more, intimidating at the right times). Instead of slouching at your desk, sit up. Not only will you will happier and in control, but you’ll also end the day with less back and neck pain.

How to Write a Science Writing Resume

How to Write a Science Writing ResumeOne of the most effective ways to get a job at a large company is to have an essay that shows your ability in science writing. A good science writing resume can show potential employers that you have an analytical mind and also that you are willing to be educated about different types of science and have an idea of what they do. This will help your chances significantly.You must start by taking some time and read through some Unc Biology Writing Resume samples. This will help you understand what will be needed. If you are going to go to college, you may be required to write your research papers. There are several samples available on the internet that you can use.Each sample science writing resume should be different in the information that is provided. Each one should contain different topics that are relevant to your goal. This way, you will be able to write about subjects that will be useful for you and also that will increase your odds of gett ing the job.Include the type of career that you are looking for. This can be in the science-related field or in the medical field. Be specific about your job search and how you feel that this information will help to get you the job.Add in your two years of work experience and list these items in the 'Masters, PhD or D'PhD and Associates' sections. Also, put your awards and recognitions in the same place. You want to be listed as a Doctorate candidate or doctorate holder. Make sure that all of the items are placed in their correct areas.It is important to write a summary of what you have written in each section of your essay. A concise, yet detailed overview is needed because you will not have many opportunities to ask more questions during your interview. You must be able to answer the interviewer's questions about each section and your experience.Do not forget to explain what you see when you look at a scientific paper. Explain why it was important and why you found it very intere sting. You want to make a good impression.Remember that writing a science writing resume is important. The more information you include, the better. Take the time to choose a sample that is appropriate for your career and your life goals.

What Food labels Really Mean [Infographic]

What Food labels Really Mean [Infographic] Photo credit: minhquanfoto on Foter.com / CC BY The New Year has begun and some people will have plans to start eating more healthily. The problem with many of these plans is that they often fall by the wayside after a couple of weeks as maintaining a healthy diet is not easy. This infographic from HappyCleans aims to clear up the big problem of how misleading food labels can be. For example, two very popular words at the store are natural and organic and to the untrained eye they both mean very similar things. However, they it’s important to know that organic is a far more healthy option. The labels on snack products are also worth understanding. You might think that it’s okay to eat a lot of a reduced fat snack, but remember these foods are still very unhealthy. Just because they are 25% less unhealthy, does not make them healthy. The reality is that while some food labels are beneficial, many of them are more marketing ploys than anything else. Don’t let misinformation on food labels get in the way of your plans for a healthier 2018. Check out the full infographic for more information.

What Employers Can (and Must) Do To Support Women at Work - Kathy Caprino

What Employers Can (and Must) Do To Support Women at Work  I recently penned a cover article called “Women in Today’s Workforce Have Unique Opportunities: A New Call to Action for Women â€" And Employers” for CA Employer, the monthly newsletter of Employers Group (www.employersgroup.com).   The article shares critical information about the 12 common crises working women face today, as well as 8 recommended approaches for employers to take that will help women not only survive the current challenges they face, but ultimately thrive in their professional roles.   These recommendations are based on six years of research with professional women, as well as coaching and seminar work with thousands.   I’d love your views about this article, and my recommendations.   Do your personal experiences as a working woman match the crises and challenges I describe?   And do you believe that the initiatives recommended would go the distance in helping you as a working woman overcome your challenges effectively?   If not, what would you suggest employers do â€" specifically and tactically â€" to support women in overcoming the obstacles they face.   Please share your experiences, insights and viewpoints.   Add your voice to the discussion, and your recommendations to the research.   Diversity of thinking is so vital today, and a real, authentic, and contemporary dialogue about what career women are facing is needed.   Thank you speaking up and being an active participant in this powerful breakthrough movement for women.