nora akins

March 1, 2007

Top Performers

Identifying and hiring great employees is a key challenge for many organizations. But even when companies are able to do this, they face a more important challenge – ensuring that strong employees reach their full potential. Top performers are the employees that will carry a company for- ward. Training and mentoring efforts – often used as remedial measures for sub- standard performers – must also focus on the best performers. Strong performers want to do their jobs well. They are motivated to achieve for personal as well as work-related reasons. Helping them to define job goals and providing them with […]
February 1, 2007

Poor Performers

Why won’t some employees just do their jobs? New managers in particular may struggle with this issue. Most employees need more than the opportunity to carry out their assigned job functions. But too often, managers assign and walk away, assuming the work will be carried out as they envisioned, but haven’t adequately communicated. Sometimes blame and punishment are used as methods of correction. In these contexts, employees are often inefficient – having to learn by trial and error. They are also often hesitant to innovate in their jobs lest they make punishable mistakes, and are ultimately de-motivated to perform at […]
January 1, 2007

Follow Your Bliss

A new year is often a time of reflection and a time when people resolve to make positive life changes. Joseph Campbell, writer, and orator, delivers a perfect example with his belief in “Follow Your Bliss” – find where it is and don’t be afraid to follow it. While inspiring, it is a huge undertaking, one that overwhelms many people. Goals and resolutions become manageable when they have boundaries. Boundaries are established through the selection of roles in your life or some see these as categories. It may be the role of spouse, parent, community member or boss. Categories include […]