Did you know that by 2030, the countries of the most developed economies will have more jobs than people to do the work? HR expert Rainer Strack recommends focusing on a human resources strategy to help companies address the shortage of skilled workers. He sees solutions in four areas - forecasting the competencies and positions needed, a plan for attracting great people, creating a system of internal training (upskilling and reskilling), and finally a plan for retaining great people. However, the first step to future success will be to change the leadership philosophy to a people-first approach:
“Employees are a resource and an asset to the company, not mere costs, numbers, and machines.” – Rainer Strack
Imagine you put out an ad and two candidates apply. The first one has a top degree from a prestigious university, speaks several languages, and has the required experience. And then you get someone who has inconsistent work experience, only a high school diploma, but whose cover letter radiates with passion for the position. Which candidate has more potential to succeed? The answer may not be what you think. Regina Hartley has a great TED Talk about bias in recruiting. And we would just add that bias can be prevented by screening candidates with online assessments. The results will help you get a better idea of what competencies a person really has. Regardless of what they have listed on their CV.
“Choose an underrated candidate whose secret weapon is passion and ambition.” – Regina Hartley
What distinguishes exceptional leaders from average ones? Why do we naturally follow some of them and the others don't inspire us to take action? Simon Sinek looked into this and found that there are two kinds of leaders––those who are leaders and those who lead us. Leaders come from a position of authority and power. And those who lead inspire us with their WHY. We follow them because we want to, not because we have to. This principle then applies beautifully not only to leading people, but also to communicating with customers.
“People don't buy what you do, but why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
According to Grant, you'll find three types of people in every company: giver, receiver, and matchmaker. Which group do the most successful and productive employees belong to? The answer may surprise you. In his TED Talk, Adam Grant offered several practical tips on how to create the ideal environment for these ideal employees and how to protect them (from themselves and others).
“The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” – Adam Grant
According to recent surveys, remote workers are 13% more productive than office commuters. Why? It's due to their work environment, which they can customize to suit their needs. According to Mullenweg, employee autonomy is one of the competitive advantages for companies. In his TED Talk, he passed on plenty of great tips on what to look for if you want to succeed in remote mode too.
“Talent and intelligence can be found in all people in the world. But not everyone has equal opportunity.” – Matt Mullenweg
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