Published Articles
Talent Optimization Strategies You Can Adopt at Your Organization Today
Most of us are feeling the pinch of the talent market affecting our businesses. I often ask company leaders what their talent strategy is and the truth is, many of them haven't invested any time into creating a playbook for attracting and retaining talent.
It's no surprise, as there are many factors keeping our leaders busy, such as managing growth or putting out fires. However, people are a company's most important asset, and the critical piece of the puzzle that's missing for most companies is a well-defined and easily executed talent optimization strategy. With a job market unlike any we've ever seen, now is the time to consider implementing talent optimization strategies within your organization.
SO, WHAT IS A TALENT OPTIMIZATION STRATEGY?
Talent optimization is a business' lifeline for managing and attracting talent. When we hear "optimization," we think about getting the most out of a resource.
By integrating a talent optimization strategy, you'll be able to get the most out of your people, enhance productivity and create a happier work environment. Getting the right person in the right seat doing the right job the right way, ensures your company will run smoothly on all cylinders. Creating an objective talent management process will enhance diversity, equity and inclusion, remove hiring biases and create a structured and consistent hiring process that works every time.
Here are five small and effective talent optimization tactics you can implement, right away:
1. Create a list of company cultural and behavioral traits used for employee hiring, promotion and discharge decisions.
Making decisions based on these traits holds each employee to the same standard related to the company's unique culture and values.
2. Gain hiring alignment on candidate qualifications by creating a candidate scorecard.
The scorecard does not have to be extremely intricate to be effective; a simple Excel sheet will do. Start with the top five prioritized skills and core behavioral traits for the role, which then makes it easy to assess a candidate's match on the scorecard.
3. Integrate behavioral or cognitive assessments into your hiring, selection and promotion process.
In a 2021 study conducted by the Predictive Index, employees determined that good managers utilize personality or behavioral assessments with greater frequency than bad managers. These make for easy and accurate data points for decision-making pertaining to talent. Do your research to select an assessment tool that's scientifically valid, equitable for a diverse candidate pool and compliant with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines.
4. Schedule consistent one-on-one meetings with employees.
All employees want to know where they stand. Having time set aside each week or month to discuss career mapping, role structure, and the changes in the organization will keep employees engaged and enhance the manager/employee relationship. Maintaining this relationship is vital, as 63% of employees with a poor manager relationship are thinking of leaving their company.
5. Create a standardized onboarding orientation for new employees.
It's hard enough to attract great employees, but once you get them, how do you keep them? New employees want to feel special and welcomed. Creating an onboarding checklist for an employee's first day will standardize the process for the leadership team and help the new employee feel the company was prepared to welcome them. Workstation set up? Check! Office tour? Check! New hire paperwork printed? Check!
In this job market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Start with these small, easy steps and your organization will be well on its way to having the most optimal environment to recruit and retain top talent, so you can continue to do what your organization does best.
Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of Hire For Hope, a talent consulting and recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. A survivor of domestic violence, Ashley founded Hire For Hope in 2017 with a mission to empower women experiencing domestic violence and now gives 10% of profits to the YWCA so that other women can have the same chance she did.
This article originally appeared in the Dec/Jan '21-'22 issue of West Michigan Woman.
Overcoming Burnout: Tips for Coping with Stress and Avoiding Burnout at Work
In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, burnout has become an all-too-common experience. Juggling professional responsibilities, personal commitments and societal expectations can take a toll on our well-being, particularly for women navigating their careers.
As an advocate for women's empowerment and work-life balance, I'm dedicated to sharing practical strategies to help you cope with stress and prevent burnout in the workplace. Keep reading for valuable insights and tips to support you on your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling work life.
1. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT
The first step in overcoming burnout is recognizing the signs. Common indicators include chronic exhaustion, decreased productivity, cynicism and a negative attitude towards work. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained or physically exhausted, it's essential to acknowledge these warning signs and take proactive steps to address them.
2. PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE
Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. As women, we often prioritize the needs of others over our own well-being. However, taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies or spending quality time with loved ones. By prioritizing self-care, you can replenish your energy and better handle the demands of your career.
3. SET BOUNDARIES
Establishing boundaries is vital to prevent burnout. Learn to say "no" when your plate is already full, and be realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe. Communicate your limits to your colleagues, superiors and even clients, if necessary. Setting boundaries allows you to maintain control over your time and workload, reducing the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed.
4. DELEGATE AND COLLABORATE
One of the most effective ways to avoid burnout is to delegate tasks and collaborate with others. As leaders, we tend to take on too much, believing that it's our responsibility to handle everything. However, learning to trust and empower your team is essential for your well-being and the success of your organization. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, and foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility.
5. FOSTER SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Building a strong support system is crucial for combating burnout. Surround yourself with positive and supportive colleagues who understand the challenges you face. Share your thoughts and concerns with trusted mentors, peers or friends who can offer guidance and perspective. Having a network of like-minded individuals who can empathize with your experiences can provide valuable emotional support and help you navigate difficult times.
6. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
Incorporating mindfulness and stress management techniques into your daily routine can significantly reduce burnout. Take regular breaks during the day to clear your mind, practice deep breathing exercises, or engage in short mindfulness sessions. Additionally, consider incorporating stress-relieving activities such as yoga or journaling into your schedule. These practices can help you stay grounded, manage stress and maintain a positive mindset.
7. TAKE TIME OFF
Vacations and time off are not indulgences; they are essential for your well-being and productivity. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that constant availability and long working hours make you a better professional. Instead, allow yourself regular breaks to rest and recharge. Disconnecting from work during your time off is crucial to ensure you come back refreshed and rejuvenated. Ask coworkers to cover for you when you're out so you can really unplug, and do the same for them in return.
8. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED
If despite your best efforts, you find yourself struggling with chronic stress and burnout, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and support necessary to overcome burnout and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care. I have two therapists and a mentor, and they have made a world of difference in my life pertaining to different topics and life lessons.
Overcoming burnout requires a proactive and holistic approach. By recognizing the signs of burnout, prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, fostering supportive relationships, practicing mindfulness, taking time off and seeking professional help if needed, you can regain control over your well-being and career.
As a professional woman, your health and happiness matter. Embrace these strategies, find what works best for you, and strive for a harmonious balance between your personal and professional life. Together, we can create a workplace culture that values well-being, productivity and the success of women in their careers.
Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of W Talent Solutions, an executive recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. A survivor of domestic violence, Ashley founded W Talent Solutions in 2017 with a mission to empower women experiencing domestic violence and now gives 10% of profits to the YWCA so that other women can have the same chance she did.
Finding Hope After Domestic Violence
There was a time when I found myself torn between two decisions: to stay in a toxic relationship and allow my daughter to believe that violence equated love, or to flee an abusive situation, leaving behind everything I had, facing homelessness and the unknown.
I chose freedom. I chose myself. I chose to break the cycle.
The relationship started strong, and I was heavily courted. There were gifts, trips, the showering of affection, and an elaborate, over-the-top marriage proposal. I thought, "What more could I ask for?" But suddenly, these grandiose acts had strings attached. The manipulation was meticulously laced throughout every facet of our relationship. I seemed to have developed blinders from the enchantment and couldn't see the blatant red flags rearing their ugly heads.
The relationship spiraled and I began to gradually find myself emotionally manipulated, gaslighted, shamed, belittled, name-called, abandoned and isolated. I walked on eggshells until the tension became too overwhelming and I became the victim of an aggressive outburst. I was expected to perform the traditional duties of a wife based on his perception of a marriage that was unattainable. My basic rights were taken away, such as driving my car or using my cell phone. The ties with my family and friends were slowly severed through guilt and manipulation.
I doubted my own sanity.
A myth about domestic violence is that it manifests in the form of physical abuse only. I used to believe in that concept and didn't think my suffering was worthy of seeking help. It wasn't until my daughter was afraid for her safety in our own home that I gave myself permission to leave.
I sought help from two local domestic violence agencies that gracefully took me in and helped open my eyes to the prevalent abuse in my relationship that had been corrupted by power, control and narcissism. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, spiritual, financial or sexual abuse, and I found myself enduring them all.
The resources the agencies provided restored my sense of hope. They provided the knowledge to put my abuse into words, with a safe space to plan an exit strategy from my relationship, with an educational support group, a pro-bono legal service, and the funds for my daughter and I to get an apartment for six months so I could financially get back on my feet.
The healing journey is a lifelong evolution comprised of discovering and embracing our authentic selves while discarding the muck, shame and negativity of the past. I equate it to the lotus flower. Through mud, roots and sludge, the lotus flower beautifully blooms, proudly claiming its position in the world, demonstrating strength, resilience and perseverance.
Thankfully, there are healing methods I've discovered for the post-traumatic stress that many domestic violence survivors experience. None are a one-size-fits-all, and none of them are a quick cure, but all of them have helped me move gradually toward peace while healing. Therapeutic yoga, essential oils, meeting with my therapist, neurofeedback, and a regular exercise routine have all positively impacted my stress levels. Being vulnerable, leaving my shame at the door where it belongs, and openly sharing my story with the community has helped me reclaim control over my life while relating to others who share similar experiences.
Now, I have the confidence and freedom to blaze a new trail.
In 2017, I founded an executive recruiting and talent consulting agency, Hire For Hope. My firm donates 10% of its profit to West Michigan-based domestic violence agencies to support the same programs that have forever changed my life's trajectory. My hope is that I can help make change possible for women who are experiencing domestic violence and serve as an example of someone who was able to come out of it on the other side.
I am not alone in this journey. One in four women have experienced domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence doesn't need to be a taboo topic. The statistics prove that we all likely know someone experiencing domestic violence, and there are ways to make a difference by understanding the warning signs and being a resource to those in need.
By speaking up and being catalysts of awareness, resources and support, women experiencing domestic violence can lay the groundwork to change their lives for the better and receive the same hope that inspired me to rebuild my life.
RESOURCES:
YWCA West Central Michigan | ywcawcmi.org
Safe Haven Ministries | safehavenministries.org
SELAH Empowers | selah-empowers.org
Resilient Roots Trauma Informed Yoga | resilientrootsgr.com
Sound Body Sound Brain | soundbodysoundbrain.com
ThriveWorks Grand Rapids Domestic Violence Counseling | bit.ly/3oRp52b
Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of Hire For Hope, a talent consulting and recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. A survivor of domestic violence, Ashley founded Hire For Hope in 2017 with a mission to empower women experiencing domestic violence and now gives 10% of profits to the YWCA so that other women can have the same chance she did. Learn more at hireforhope.com.
This article originally appeared in the Oct/Nov '22 issue of West Michigan Woman.
Doing More with Less People: Maintaining a Functioning Workplace
As a business owner or a people manager, you don't always have the resources to match bigger, more established companies. However, that doesn't mean that you can't achieve big things. Instead, you've got to be nimble and make the most of the resources you do have.
Business owners and managers know that having the right people in the right positions can make or break their success. But sometimes, budget constraints can make it difficult to hire more staff or offer competitive salaries. One of the trickiest parts of building a business is knowing when and how to add employees to the team.
Here are my best tips for running a small business by doing more with less people to maintain a functioning workplace:
1. MAXIMIZE INTERNS.
Plugging in an intern wherever possible is a brilliant idea. They're often very eager to apply themselves (not to mention brilliant with technology!). To maximize the capabilities of an intern, it's essential to make sure their tasks are connected to the company's goals, while ensuring the intern can connect the dots between their tasks and the bigger picture. This will help them to be as effective and productive as possible.
2. BE RESOURCEFUL.
Leverage technology to automate certain tasks and streamline processes. Automating mundane, repetitive tasks can free up your team to focus on more important, value-driven activities. Having the right technology in place is essential for small business owners looking to do more with less people.
3. OUTSOURCE TASKS.
Outsourcing certain tasks to freelancers or virtual assistants is a great way to get help with tasks that can be time consuming or require specialized skills, without the expense of hiring a full-time employee. Freelancers and virtual assistants can help with a range of tasks like social media management, website maintenance, data entry, content creation and more. With the right freelancer or virtual assistant, small business owners can free up their time to focus on the core aspects of running their business.
4. CREATIVE INCENTIVES.
Get creative with compensation and benefit packages. Think outside the box to reward your employees for their hard work and dedication. Consider offering flexible work hours that allow for more productivity, additional or unlimited vacation days to promote a healthy work-life balance, or other incentives such as discounts at local businesses or additional training opportunities.
5. TALENT OPTIMIZATION.
Implement a training program to ensure employees are equipped with the skills required to do their job, which helps increase efficiency and productivity. In addition to training, employee engagement is key to reduce turnover, while saving time and money. Talent optimization is an effective strategy to help small business owners maximize their resources. With the right training program and an emphasis on employee engagement, you can create a productive and engaged team that will help your business thrive.
Business owners don't have to feel overwhelmed by the challenge of doing more with fewer people. By investing in the right tools, having a clear plan and being creative, they can successfully accomplish their goals and maximize their resources.
Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of W Talent Solutions, an executive recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. A survivor of domestic violence, Ashley founded W Talent Solutions in 2017 with a mission to empower women experiencing domestic violence and now gives 10% of profits to the YWCA so that other women can have the same chance she did.
This article originally appeared in the Apr/May '23 issue of West Michigan Woman.