More than a living

Do you employ experts? Do you wish you did? What’s the hold up? A review of some past rants on Pride and Workmanship have me wondering,
Does the conferring title of “expert” on members of your team result in a higher quality of work?
I’m inclined to think it does.
Right or wrong, when I am invested in […]

Rick and I were recently having a conversation about the value of a consultant or contractor’s time, and how the concept of “consultative value” may or may not translate into a meaningful bill rate. Rick observed that too often the line of tactical versus strategic advice is backwards, with “strategic” insights being given away for […]

(Feel free to hum along with Peter Tosh while you’re reading this.)
When I was on the corporate side of the desk, I tended to place a great deal of emphasis on writing plans.
So much so, that some people still cringe when I mention that I’m working on a plan.
“Does it have an executive summary?” they […]

You’ve had your review. Hopefully with feedback from many, likely with input and reflections just from your manager.
No one becomes “valued” doing just their one thing - we are all replaceable when we fail to differentiate against our stereotype or next-best candidate for the job. You can be the most brilliant, wicked smart recruiter (or […]

I was reviewing a few of the sample questions on HRinterviews , but didn’t see my favorite:
Take me through an example project or challenge that would be similar to your work here, as you understand it. Give me a few specific examples of how you identified challenges and worked to overcome them.
This is from […]

I work with contractors and consultants in nearly every aspect of my life. How is it that the idea of “workmanship,” or the pride of a job well done, can vary so greatly among the masses that work as independent contractors and consultants?
I’ve done a few remodels over the last few years, and find that […]

I’m loving the thinking bouncing around, reading about value and influence at SystematicHR ” HR Versus Finance – Influence, Power, and a Seat at the Table Part 2” and ItzBigBlog “Want to increase ROI? Start investing in talent.” This is precisely what I love about blogs and blogging - seeing ideas spin in new and […]

After a read at SystematicHR titled “HR Versus Finance - Influence, Power, and a Seat at the Table Part 1“, here’s the question that has me puzzling this morning,
“Is human capital more or less valuable than financial capital?”
In bobble head fashion, I start my nodding while thinking “Yes, people are more valuable than wheelbarrows full […]