The Birkman Method
One of the primary assets of a Human Resources Manager is to be objective. This means being non-judgmental, and able to understand another’s point of view. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Birkman Method® early in my career, and I believe it contributed to my growth in Emotional Intelligence.¹ The Birkman Method is a powerful tool that identifies a person’s passions, behaviors, motivation and interests. I have used Birkman for Teambuilding, Conflict Management, and most recently in Career Counselling, but there are many more ways it can be used:...
Read MoreTerminations
Terminations are among the most difficult things a manager has to do, but this may become necessary for a variety of reasons: performance issues, changes in job requirements, company downsizing, etc. It is never easy, but things will go more smoothly if the manager is prepared. It is important to know the employee’s entitlements under Employment Standards as well as the company’s potential liability at Common Law. Using this information, prepare (or have legal counsel prepare) a letter to the employee that clearly states the situation, and that outlines any notice period, or...
Read MoreRecruiting and Hiring
Recruiting candidates who are the right fit for your organization can be challenging. A person may have the education and training, but not the right personality. Some people are good at presenting themselves in interviews, but may not be as well qualified as less polished individuals. Others would be excellent employees, but don’t know how to sell themselves. Interviewers may have personal biases that prevent them from recognizing the attributes of good candidates. Define the Job Defining the job means more than just picking a title and advertising for an open position. What are the...
Read MorePayroll
Canadian employers are required to establish a Payroll Account with The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). A payroll account can be added to an existing business number (BN). Employers are responsible for ensuring that the people they hire are eligible to work in Canada. This is accomplished by obtaining the employee’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) and keeping it on file. The employee must show you his/her SIN card or letter. If the SIN number begins with a “9” you are also required to confirm that the employee is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid immigration...
Read MoreOrientation and Onboarding (The New Employee)
Orientation and Onboarding refer to the process of getting the employee in position and up to speed. The first few weeks on a new job are crucial: as managers evaluate the employee’s fit for the organization, and as the employee assesses the company’s fit with his/her expectations. The more that is done to make the person feel comfortable during this period, the more likely that there will be a happy, committed hire. Prior to the new person joining the organization, let the team know that person’s name and start date. On the first day, take the new employee around, explain the layout, and...
Read MoreManaging Others
Managing others doesn’t come easily to everyone. There is an adage that people don’t leave companies: they leave managers. The opposite is just as true: a good manager can keep a team motivated and engaged through the most difficult times. Managing in the 21st century is about motivating, engaging, coaching and developing others in a fast-paced and increasingly diverse workplace. The technical skills that get one to the top of a trade and the entrepreneurial skills that help one develop a business are not the skills required to manage others. Today’s leaders are...
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