The Top Mistakes Executives Make in Leading Their OrganizationsWritten by Don Wells
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Lack of people skills: Remember that your employees are your most valuable assets and can give an organization its competitive edge. The ability to listen, be consistent and evoke trust is crucial in managing a team and creates an atmosphere of commitment and pride. Be sure to avoid asking for feedback from employees and then doing nothing about it. Not investing in your people: While most executives see return on investment in maintaining and improving equipment for their company, investment in one’s employees through providing career development and coaching opportunities pays off even faster. Missing such opportunities to improve morale and ensure retention can eventually damage a manager’s credibility. Wasting time on insignificant: Use your employee resources and trust your key people with decision-making responsibilities. Giving more autonomy to responsible staff members will free you up from putting out fires that can be handled by others. Also, remember that planning months ahead rather than being caught up in day-to-day details lends itself to effective leadership. The old adage still applies, ‘Criticize in private, praise in public.’ A good leader coaches constantly, not just during yearly performance reviews, and is constantly acknowledging great things employees do while being able to recognize and discuss areas for improvement along way.
Don Wells is the senior vice president and general manager of leading career services company Lee Hecht Harrison's Los Angeles office.
| | MANY OLDER WORKERS ARE OPTING TO STAY IN THE JOB MARKETWritten by Garth Jay
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For those that opt to change positions, it can be very challenging to contend in what is still a very competitive work environment. When there are so many candidates vying for positions, we tell our older clients to really focus on specific experience and skill sets that can give them an edge during interviews. If they can showcase these skills at a time when a company is looking for a certain position, age becomes less important—in fact, hiring managers may view experience as far more favorable. Of course part of trick is being able to do your research and identify companies that have these specific business needs so you can come in and fill void. It is imperative to understand what skills and experience you have that are readily marketable and what aspects of your experience differentiates you from other candidates, particularly ones with less experience. In this spirit, here are four tips for older workers in job market: Conduct extensive market research: Identify organizations that will view your experience and skills as relevant to their business equation. Keep your professional skills current: One of myths about older workers is that they are not as technologically savvy as younger generations. However, reality is that people over 50 are becoming fastest growing group of Internet users and those who change careers in their 40s and 50s are taking classes to keep their computer skills up-to-date. Network, network, network. Positions at upper levels are not as likely to be advertised, so networking is particularly important for older professional in job market. Seek out professional organizations, former colleagues and employees at companies you are interested in. Volunteering in your community or joining a board of a local organization can provide opportunity to meet your peers and showcase your skills and abilities. Focus on your accomplishments, not your age. You can turn around perceived hurdles regarding your age by demonstrating your vitality, experience and work ethic. Age is relative—you may be in better physical and emotional shape than younger workers, so focus on your strengths. Companies are very focused on retaining and adding to their top talent today. Position yourself as someone who can get job done and who can bring a great deal to table with your unique qualifications.
Garth Jay is the senior vice president and general manager of leading career services company Lee Hecht Harrison's Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio offices.
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