Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Salma, I understand exactly what you are saying. I sometimes suffer from the same "malady." Thinking of the professional growth of the employee helped me to delegate more effectively. You still have the ultimate responsibility so you don't escape completely but assist and guide as needed. That all takes time, but the end result in terms of morale and professional growth makes it worth the extra effort on your part. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

The Effective Job Interview

Salma, It sounds like you have a great process in place. I like the fact that you involve others on the team to be part of the interview process. Organizational fit is such a key component and your process should help determine if the candidate is a fit. If you don't already do so, I would encourage you to establish a list of questions that you would ask all candidates. I assume you actually interviw at least two or three candidates. Asking them all the same questions allows for a good basis for comparison. Even if you are hiring someone… >>>

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Recruiting the Best Person for the Job

Salma, Welcome to the class. It sounds like you have a steady supply of well qualified candidates. In today's economy that is probably quite common. In preparation for a time when that isn't the case, I would encourage you and your staff to do some professional networking through professional organizations, in particular. This can serve two purposes. One: to get you a pool of qualified candidates; and two: to establish contacts for possible career placement for your students. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

Miriam, I agree. Dismissals should be done privately, behind closed doors. I have also learned over time to have another person in the room, usually from Human Resources. I would try to have a man from HR in there with me so that gender does not become an issue or accusation. As you say, you want that person to leave with dignity and respect so delivering the message accordingly is important. Be factual in delivering the message. It is never easy to dismiss someone but can and should be done professionally. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Retaining Your Top Employees

Miriam, Any company will make a significant investment in recruiting and training a new employee to bring them to the point where they are productive. If they leave, the company may never recoup on that investment. As you say, sometimes positions will require a particular certification or experience that may not be easy to come by and will require more work/investment to recruit qualified candidates. Then there is the company history that walks away with an employee as well. Attrition is natural and expected but when it becomes excessive, it carries a significant cost for the company. Pat Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Delegating or Dumping

Miriam, You did a excellent job of distinguishing between delegating and dumping. The follow up is important as well. Since the person to whom you are delegating is possibly learning new skills, it is also important to touch base periodically to see how the project is going, if he/she has any questions, etc. Ultimately, you are still responsible, so you don't want to just delegate and walk away. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Recruiting the Best Person for the Job

Hi Miriam, Welcome to my course. Those are excellent techniques for recruiting. From your list, the one I am not clear on is billboards. Are saying that you advertise open positions on an actual billboard or are you saying a bulletin board? Since few companies use the old fashioned "want ads" anymore, I agree that word of mouth or networking tend to be the most effective. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Recruiting the Best Person for the Job

Susana, Both websites and staffing companies are good ways to recruit candidates for a particular position. How effective have you found them to be for you? Do you use different methods depending on the position? Sometimes networking through professional organizations can be very effective as well. It is a great way to recruit new employees and also a great way to find placement opportunities for students. Since few positions are actually advertised, it is important to establish a network to tap into when you have a recruiting need. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

You are absolutely correct. In the current economic environment, supervisors are being called upon to dismiss employees on a more regular basis. Therefore, learning how to do so in a humane fashion is so important. It is never easy but being caring and compassionate allows the employee to leave with their dignity and respect intact. Congratulations on completing the course. Best wishes. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

Alexis, You make some good points. The private room is important. I also usually try to have a person from HR in the room with me and like to have that person be of the opposite gender from the person being dismissed. That just reduces the "he said, she said" possibility as well as the sexual discrimination problem. HR can then accompany the person dismissed to their office/desk to pack things up. It depends on the reason for the termination whether I would allow them to say their goodbyes. I agree with you on the Monday dismissal. Why is Monday… >>>