One thing I can count on is that Sunday morning at my house will be quiet. At least, that is, early in the morning. Long before the kids are up and getting ready for church, I am sitting down with my first cup of joe of the day. I flip to the same show each week, CBS Sunday Morning. It’s one of those shows that is as predictable as the ages, but there is something comforting in that. I like that the format is a “news magazine” and they give me quick little stories on a wide array of topics. A couple weeks ago, they ran stories on the new movie ‘Precious‘, one on the remaining “Brothers Gibb“, a blind man who adopted a blind child, and one on zombies. As you can see, it was a very diverse morning.
In the spirit of CBS Sunday Morning, I want to share a few “quick hit HR/business stories” that caught my attention this week.
- 10 Things Not to Say When Firing an Employee: I usually don’t read these type of “top ten” lists, however, this one got my attention. Since we are in a deep recession, it’s fair to say that a majority of HR pros have been laying off employees in the last year. This is one task that no matter how many times you do, you will never be good at it. This article gets at the heart of layoffs. The first cut are those with less than acceptable performance. But as more cuts come, those decisions become harder. What can you avoid saying to keep you, and your company out of trouble. Read this article to find out.
- McDonald’s employee talent content on FaceBook, YouTube: USAToday.com announced that McDonald’s has launched their 3rd annual talent competition that features their employees as the contestants. Top prize is $25,000 in this singing competition that is similar to American Idol. Customers are able to go online and vote for their favorite employee. What I find interesting about this is not the fact that McDonald’s is promoting a singing competition. I think it is wonderful when a company can showcase and celebrate the skills of their employees, even when it does not directly affect the employee’s performance at work. How many of your employees have skills that put them clearly head-and-shoulders above the rest, and how many times are you looking the other way. Great job McDonald’s.
- Worker’s May Jump Ship as the Economy Improves: BusinessWeek ran this article and it caught my attention because when I read the title, in my head I said “duh”! But it’s too easy to see a headline like that and dismiss it, so I dug deeper. This article really hones in on the importance of employee engagement. I am a personal proponent of measuring employee engagement to determine the likelihood that the employee will stay with the company. And, when engagement slips, the company can address the reasons and make fast improvements. Here is where many companies fall down. They are not worrying about engagement until it is too late and they begin losing their best employees. Great read for anyone interested in learning how to improve their company’s Employment Value Proposition.
- Barenaked Ladies “For You“: Every Sunday morning episode has some fun element so I’m including a video of Ed and Kevin from the band Barenaked Ladies singing an acoustic version of their song ‘For You’. Hope you enjoy. Barenaked Ladies \”For You\” from YouTube
5 Comments
As much as think I am not going to read another Top 10 list on what to say or what not to say in every situation. I have to admit I always take a peek.
These lists do serve as a good reminder to those who need the reminding. Since like you said, this is a task you will never be good at, it’s not merely who needs reminded, it’s when. When emotions are running high, probabilities are high the wrong thing may be said.
Great job in channeling the spirit of Charles Osgood
The Barenaked Ladies song was a nice touch.
All that’s missing is a bow tie.
Neat to get a glimpse of your Sunday morning, Trish. Was especially interested in the “jumping ship” article; sounds like it would cover a lot of territory near and dear to our hearts here. The link doesn’t seem to be working though; anything get missed in there?
Thanks again for a great Sunday-morning post!
Nice summary. I also really like CBS Sunday Morning and you’ve captured the spirit nicely. I especially like the BareNaked Ladies song!
And of course am paying attention to the Business Week story especially as it pertains to workers #worklife.
@Paul- Thanks for commenting this morning. I guess people keep using the “Top ___” approach because it still gets us hooked every time, right? 🙂 I will take it as a great compliment that I could channel Charles Osgood. Next time, I’ll have to put the bow tie in my hair or something.
@Lorne- So glad you stopped by and commented. Thank you. I checked the link and it seems to be working. Not sure what the glitch was. Here it is again, just in case, since it was a really interesting article. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33346418/ns/business-businessweekcom//
@Leanne- Glad you liked the BNL song. I’m a huge fan and I also thought both the song “For You” and the acoustic version captured a little of the CBS Sunday morning feel. Well, it would if you picture geese flying over a lake as you listen to the song. lol Appreciate the feedback.