ConnectedHR in the Media 

Effective communication extends far beyond words. The unspoken gestures and actions that leaders employ can play a large role in conveying a message, expressing understanding and boosting overall morale. To truly excel in their roles, leaders must recognize the pivotal role of nonverbal communication in shaping interactions and organizational culture.

Leaders and hiring managers know that every job candidate must be considered based on their blend of skills, experience and personal traits, because every team member puts their personal stamp on their role and brings a unique benefit and perspective to a business. Still, there are certain qualities that all top employees tend to possess and demonstrate in their work, so experienced leaders look for them as they consider potential new team members.

Remember that first day of elementary school? Each year, heading into school with a tinge of sadness at summer’s end, but the excitement of seeing your friends, finding your classroom, and cracking open that box of new crayons.
First days were fun for the teachers, too (or so they made it seem).

Small businesses and nonprofits always have to be conscious of their spending and find ways to do more with less. While financial discipline is a necessary trait among leaders who are managing with limited budgets, the instinct to save every possible dollar can sometimes go too far.

Whether working in the office or remotely, parents often deal with multiple pulls on their time and energy, and this can be especially true in the summer. But at any time of year, many professionals are juggling managing parental responsibilities — such as attending school and sports activities and caring for their kids when they’re sick — with meeting work demands.

Every business will encounter stumbling blocks, but it’s easier to get past them if the team is prepared. While each company has to consider and plan for the unique issues that might impact it, there are broader strategies that can help leaders and their teams develop their proactivity, flexibility and adaptability muscles.

The concept of “conscious capitalism” is not just for large companies — it has applications for businesses of every size and can be particularly impactful when it comes to hiring and retention.

For those not familiar with “conscious capitalism,” it is the subject of the book “Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business,” by John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, and Raj Sisodia, a former marketing professor at Bentley University.

It’s never an easy decision to let an employee go, and good leaders put in a lot of thought before doing so. Still, when a final decision is made to part ways with an employee, a leader can feel more confident that they’re doing the right thing if they’re sure they’ve first done everything possible to salvage the relationship.

If your organization is planning to bring on interns for this summer, make sure your internship program is strategic and impactful. Remember you’re building the future, today.
As we enter the summer “internship season,” I’d like to share some advice on how to get the most out of your internship program:

Successful entrepreneurs and small business owners are confident problem-solvers who are determined and adaptable. Yet many get caught in a trap that inhibits company growth — they choose to handle people-related issues by dispersing them among existing staff members who have other responsibilities.