World at Work

"It's not that you're doing something wrong. It just may not be the right fit there at that moment."

Episode Highlights

[00:05:18] There's nothing wrong with making money, but genuine motivation is important for job satisfaction and self-worth.

[00:09:49] Importance of genuine reasons for pursuing a role and the need to consider whether certain organizations or positions are a good fit.

[00:12:29] Feedback is constructive, but frustrating. Not personal, just not the right fit.

[00:14:53] Workplace commitment varies and colleagues will not always be fully supportive of your professional growth, which may indicate it's time to seek new challenges.

[00:18:13] Acknowledge and understand feelings of bitterness but be self-aware and act accordingly.

[00:20:43] Advice on professional behavior during difficult conversations and job transitions.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

What to Do When You're Been Passed Over for a Promotion

Have you ever experienced the disappointment of being passed over for a promotion that you were hoping to land? It can be tough, but it's important not to let it discourage or define you. Whether you've recently found yourself in this position or you're simply looking to gain some valuable career advice, this episode is a must-listen. Katie and I share practical steps to help you move forward, focusing on self-reflection, understanding motivations, and finding alternative paths to success.

Three key takeaways from this episode are:

• Reflect on Your Motivations: When faced with a promotion setback, it's crucial to ask yourself why you wanted that promotion in the first place.
• Embrace Personal Growth: Getting passed over for a promotion can be disheartening, but it's also an opportunity to assess your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Take Ownership of Your Career: Instead of dwelling on the missed promotion, channel your energy into reflecting on your long-term goals and strategize ways to achieve them, whether it's within your current organization or exploring new opportunities elsewhere.

So, if you've recently been passed over for a promotion, don't lose hope! Use this setback as an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and taking charge of your future success.

Make sure to listen to this episode for a deeper dive into what to do when you've been passed over for a promotion. Let's empower each other to navigate career challenges and create fulfilling paths.

"Different ideas are not a bad thing. Where they become a bad thing is when people either avoid them or they deal with them in a way that is not very constructive."

Episode Highlights

[00:02:52] Focusing on the mission while respecting others' opinions.

[00:06:11] Hire motivated leaders that address conflicts constructively and embrace diversity training.

[00:08:03] Train for clear expectations and address situations effectively.

[00:10:15] Have policies in place as a proactive measure, to prevent incidents and promote team cohesion and conflict resolution.

[00:11:16] Behavior reinforcement is vital.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Keeping External Distractions Out of the Workplace

A pressing issue faced by many organizations is how to prevent external events and distractions from infiltrating the workplace. From hockey matches to geopolitical conflicts and heated elections, external factors can easily cause tension and distractions among employees..

At the core of a strong workplace culture is a shared mission and goal. Regardless of personal opinions or backgrounds, everyone should be united in working towards a common objective. That doesn't mean individuals can't have opinions or engage in discussions about external events. It's important to respect diverse perspectives and allow room for different opinions. But remember, when at work, the mission should always take precedence.

Creating a professional expectation is key. Employees should be reminded that while they can have individual opinions, their primary focus should be on the mission of the organization. This helps minimize distractions and maintain a productive work environment. One way to address this is through proper hiring. Use motivation-based interview questions to assess how candidates handle conflict and diverse ideas. Building a team that can navigate disagreements constructively is essential.

Another important step is setting clear expectations around how conflicts and opinions should be addressed. Encourage healthy debates and provide training on diversity and inclusion. This ensures that everyone understands the importance of coexistence and collaboration. Training not only educates employees, but it also sets clear expectations for how situations should be addressed within the organization. Meaningful diversity training can greatly contribute to a harmonious and focused workplace culture.

Remember, external distractions will always exist, but it's how we handle them that matters. By staying focused on the mission, respecting diverse opinions, and creating a culture of constructive dialogue, we can keep distractions at bay and achieve success. The key is to remember that while we may have different opinions, we are all on the same team, working towards a common goal.

Let's build workplaces where people come together, regardless of external distractions, to create winning cultures and fulfilling careers.

"This is a great exercise for many reasons, not the least of which is that, people get to learn. Actually, it has also made me, better at what I do."

Episode Highlights

[00:02:49] Time goes quickly when focused on creating.

[00:05:10] Not rehearsing forces me to improve and stay adaptable.

[00:09:02] Remote became prevalent during pandemic, now shifting back to in-office.

[00:11:35] Preference for remote work, flexibility and accountability.

[00:17:11] Partnerships and continued growth that come with podcast.

[00:19:50] Appreciation to listeners.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

One Year of World at Work

It's incredible how time flies when you're busy creating valuable content and engaging with listeners. Podcasting has allowed me to offer value beyond my business while also making me better at what I do. The spontaneous and unscripted nature of conversations keeps me on my toes, challenging me to constantly improve my knowledge and communication skills. It's a rewarding experience that helps me provide better insights to my clients and listener.

Throughout the past year, I've realized that the core principle of success in leadership, recruitment, and retention remains unchanged. Hiring the right people, providing proper training, and treating them with clarity, respect, and fairness is the key to winning. Although the methods may evolve, the importance of prioritizing people will never fade. It's a reminder that everything we do ultimately revolves around the people we work with.

Releasing episodes every week for the past year has taught me the power of consistency. It's remarkable how time flies in the fast-paced world of podcasting. This experience has reinforced the value of showing up regularly, delivering valuable content, and building a loyal audience. Consistency not only helps us grow as content creators but also builds trust and credibility with our listeners. It's an essential ingredient for success in any endeavor.

I'm grateful to everyone who has been a part of this wonderful podcasting journey. Your support and engagement have been invaluable. Here's to another year of creating winning cultures and fulfilling careers together.

"Once I knew what the mission and vision were, and how to execute the work, it became a little bit easier to figure out how to welcome people in as employees."

Episode Highlights

[00:01:06] Building a strong culture, customer experience, and leadership vision in business.

[00:06:01] Consolidating tasks and outsourcing work

[00:07:18] The execution and evolution of bringing a vision to life.

[00:12:40] Ongoing job application allows for submissions for potential hires.

[00:14:33] Training programs can be empowering or micromanaging, depending on mindset.

[00:18:23] Organizational reviews and deliberate decision-making for growth.

Connect with Jamey

https://stonemaiergames.com/

Instagram: @jameystegmaier

YouTube: JameyStegmaier

Facebook: @StonemaierGames

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Building a Culture as a New Company

Strong company cultures do not happen by accident. They require deliberate actions and decisions. Jamey Stegmaier, founder of Stonemaier Games knows this firsthand. Using his lifelong passion for playing and designing board games, he built his business with the mission and vision to bring joy to tables worldwide. Building a winning culture doesn't happen overnight, but by hiring trusted individuals, consolidating tasks, and focusing on consistency, you can create something extraordinary.

Jamey shares how he became fascinated by crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. He found them to be a great way to connect directly with customers who share a passion for the products he would create. In the case of Stonemaier Games, board games. He was able to work as the sole full-time employee for nearly a decade by outsourcing tasks to independent contractors. However, as the business success continued he felt it was time to build a team.

Hiring employees can be scary for entrepreneurs since it means relinquishing some control over the brand. Consolidating related tasks became a priority for him as a way to improve communication and customer service. Jamey's key decision was to hire people he already knew and trusted, even though it may not align with traditional hiring practices.

Consistency and brand alignment are crucial to business success, much like the impact you'd feel when visiting a Disney theme park. Jamey recognizes the importance of creating a culture that offers memorable customer experiences and has worked to make sure Stonemaier Games delivers that consistent brand experience.

Make sure to listen to this episode to hear more of Jamey Stegmaier's story and the deliberate steps he took to build a thriving company culture. This is a great conversation for anyone looking to build winning cultures that empower our teams and create game-changing experiences.

"You should never blindly put out the same post that you had last time. Because when you do that, all you're gonna do is you're gonna be hiring for yesterday, not hiring for tomorrow."

Episode Highlights

[00:04:05] Ensure job postings reflect future changes. Include mission/values statement.

[00:08:16] Testimonials provide valuable proof, so the discomfort of asking for them is worth it

[00:09:53] Explain your job process clearly to attract more candidates and gain trust. Transparency and accountability are key.

[00:13:31] Using masculine or feminine coded language in job postings affects the type of applicants.

[00:16:50] Recap of the six things to attract and communicate with the right talent effectively.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Too many organizations create job postings that lack the impact they should have. When you know how to write an effective job posting, you will attract top talent and engage the right candidates.

Make sure our job postings are relevant, compelling, and aligned with the future needs of the role. It is important that you attract purpose-driven individuals who are eager to make a difference and grow within our organizations. Don't just dust off an old one and reuse it. Take a moment to reflect on how the role has changed in the past and how it may evolve in the future. Be deliberate in capturing the job's current and future needs.

People want to be part of something bigger, something that aligns with their own values. Instead of solely focusing on monetary benefits, make sure to also highlight the unique opportunities, growth potential, exposure to different clients, and chances for specialization. Show why working for you adds value to their life. Emphasize how the role allows candidates to contribute to a bigger purpose and how they can progress and improve within your organization. Appeal to their desire for meaningful work.

An effective job posting attracts the right candidates, not just anyone. By being intentional in your approach, you can create a posting that resonates with potential hires and sets you apart from other organizations.

I hope these tips help you create top-notch job postings. Remember, it's all about finding the right fit and connecting with candidates who align with your values and mission. If you need more than just luck in your recruitment endeavors, reach out to our team at Best Culture Solutions.

"If you look around your organization and you all look the same, you're missing out. You are missing out a whole bunch of other tools and talents and skills." – Valerie Cockerell

It is not often you hear people talk about the similarites between eadership and motherhood. Until now. Valerie Cockerell brings her wealth of experience as a leader, mother, and author of "Manage Like a Mother." She shares about the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and how motherhood ultimately shaped her perspective as a leader.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership is not just about having a high IQ.. EQ plays a crucial role in nurturing collective intelligence and creating an inclusive environment. Valerie emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize EQ when it comes to cultivating strong leaders. She shares her own journey as a leader, implementing techniques like motivational-based interviewing and witnessing a shift in the gender balance within her team.

Valerie challenges the traditional hiring approach that solely relies on experience. She argues that experience is not always an accurate indicator of future success and that self-motivation is a far more crucial factor. Drawing from personal experiences, Valerie reflects on her own career choices and the confidence struggles many women face. She wishes she had known certain things when she was younger, and now she seeks to pass on her wisdom through a forthcoming book on leadership.

Throughout the episode, Valerie illustrates the parallels between being a mother and a leader. She acknowledges that these roles do not automatically complement each other but can be learned from and leveraged. Valerie encourages leaders to create a culture that embraces mistakes, fosters growth, and recognizes the unique strengths of each team member.

The insights shared during this conversation are not only relevant to mothers and women. They are things all individuals seeking to thrive in their leadership roles would benefit from the perspective on. Her message of being adaptable, recognizing diverse skills, and evolving communication styles will resonates with any professional..

Take a listen to this episode and make sure to order Valerie's new book, "Manage Like a Mother." With its release just around the corner on October 10th, 2023, we anticipate it will provide further valuable insights and strategies for strong leadership.

Order the book - Manage Like a Mother

Email - [email protected].

LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Episode Highlights

[00:05:57] Connecting between leadership and motherhood.

[00:10:01] Learn from mistakes, embrace individual strengths.

[00:11:31] Different ways of achieving tasks are important.

[00:14:51] Fair and balanced feedback for workplace equality.

[00:17:37] Experience is not the best hiring criteria.

[00:21:54] EQ is the most important leadership trait.

[00:23:26] Diversity brings needed talents for effective leadership.

[00:26:48] Simple tools resonate and make transitions successful.

"If you never feel enough without something, you will never feel enough with it."

At some point we have all heard the age-old question, "is the grass really greener on the other side?" It is often brought up when someone mentions the idea of making a career change. During this episode, Katie and I talk about how to determine if that big change will truly bring fulfillment and happiness.

The phrase "the grass isn't always greener" can have an impact on people considering career transitions. While it is true that the grass isn't always greener, that phrase should not become a deterrent. Be deliberate and mindful in defining what "greener grass" would be like for you before making any hasty decisions.

Everyone should take the time to assess their personal and professional goals. That is the best way to determine if a change aligns with those aspirations. That will help you avoid making reckless or impulsive career decisions. At the same time, you do not want to be paralyzed by fear or doubts about the potential outcomes. Instead, sit down and intentionally map out what a preferable career situation would entail.

This episode draws parallels to our last conversation about moving the goal post and setting conditions in life. Katie and I both have noticed that external opinions and limiting beliefs from others can sometimes hold people back from pursuing new opportunities. Trust your instincts and create your own definitions of success.

Take a listen to this episode as we highlight the significance of being intentional and purposeful when considering career changes. By defining what "greener grass" means to you and aligning it you're your personal goals and values, you will be able to make informed decisions that lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in your professional lives. The next time you find yourself contemplating a career change, remember to define what the "greener grass" looks like for you and pursue it boldly.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Episode Highlights

[00:03:04] Important to seek happiness-not perfection.

[00:06:02] Career changes may not be understood by anyone but you

[00:08:24] Define high level values, principles, and skills to find fulfillment in business.

[00:10:20] Multiple options lead to the right decision.

"You're better off being decisive and making it happen than you are prolonging things even further."

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in your career, knowing deep down that it's time for a change? Recently Katie and I have a conversation diving into our experiences with career shifts, knowing many are held back from change due to fear. Despite our unique career moves, there are three similar and valuable lessons we learned in the process.

It is important to acknowledge that making a significant career change is no walk in the park. It requires time, effort, and unwavering commitment. Whether you're starting your own business or shifting to a new role, understand that success won't happen overnight. It's crucial to be prepared for the steep learning curve and be willing to put in the work to reach your goals. Remember, anything worth achieving takes time, and the rewards will be worth it in the end.

Before jumping into the unknown, take the time to reflect on what you truly want to achieve and fix in your professional life. Dig deep and explore your passions, strengths, and aspirations. This self-discovery phase will not only help you align your career path with your values, but it will also provide clarity and confidence as you navigate new opportunities. Don't rush this process; instead, embrace it as a valuable part of your journey.

When you make a big career change and enter a new environment, it's vital to resist the urge to prove yourself immediately. Take the time to absorb the knowledge, expertise, and perspectives of those around you. By actively listening and learning from others, you can gain valuable insights and leverage the resources available to you. Remember, success comes not only from your own abilities but also from the collaborative efforts of your team.

Making a significant career change is both exciting and challenging. Take a listen to this episode to hear Katie and I really unpack the impact of these three key lessons. It's not all reflection. We share plenty of practical advice on navigating this transformative journey successfully.

Remember, making a big change is possible, and with the right strategies, you can create the career of your dreams.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Episode Highlights

00:00:55] Never feel fully ready, always be preparing.

[00:03:17] Making big career changes requires hard work.

[00:07:38] Don't shift goalposts, stick with your goals.

[00:12:24] Don't obsess over minor details, take action.

[00:16:40] Importance of persevering through challenges and change.

When the applicant tracking system chooses a person for you, it's almost like a suggestion. You still have to be the one that makes the conscious decision to choose who you interview. - Tim Dyck

The first time I had to sift through a pile of resumes without the aid of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), I was overwhelmed. Looking at the array of qualifications and experiences was like staring at a jigsaw puzzle. I had no idea where to begin. That was what lead to recognizing the value of breaking down the job requirements into core skillsets.

Hiring for certain roles is not just about ticking boxes based on previous job titles. A key part of searches is finding someone who has been able to demonstrate the necessary skills in their previous roles. I remember going through the stack of resumes, and spotting one for a chef. Many might have overlooked it, but I could see the potential. The ability to handle stress, multitask, and prioritize tasks – these were all skills necessary for the role I was filling. From that moment, I started to see the task of searching for who to interview in a different light.

The other thing to consider is the location of candidates. I have had to rule out exceptional candidates from different parts of the world due to logistical constraints. Despite their potential, it also helped me appreciate the value of using a local talent pool.

There's an inherent complexity in reviewing resumes manually. Remembering my initial dilemma makes me chuckle now. While it is a challenging task, manual resume review also gave me a deeper understanding of what truly matters in the hiring process. It's not just about the skills or the location, but a delicate balance of both, among other factors. Make sure to send this episode to anyone you know that is in charge of hiring so they can also be reminded of ways to approach common challenges around deciding who to interview.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]

Episode Highlights

00:03:37 - Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems 00:05:19 - Importance of Skillset 00:11:47 - The Impact of Location 00:13:01 - Criteria for Initial Resume Review 00:14:20 - Screening for Job Jumpers 00:16:37 - Final Pass Selection Process 00:19:44 - Seeking Help with Hiring Process

Don't let a career break define you. Highlight the incredible work you did as a stay at home parent or caregiver, because that's just as important and valuable. - Tim Dyck

Employment gaps happen and they are nothing to be ashamed of. There is no reason to hide your employment gap on your resume. Embrace it and showcase the valuable skills and experiences you gained during that time. It is important to be upfront about them. And believe it or not, there are some fun and creative ways to communicate these gaps on your resume.

For example, if you were a stay-at-home mom returning to the workforce, you can include that period as if it were a job. List the employer as the name of your household and the position title as Stay at Home Mom. Highlight the skills you gained during that time, like managing logistics and transportation for a family of five.

There are also ways you can address negative experiences with certain companies. One strategy is to only include the years of employment instead of specific dates. That allows you to leave out short-term negative work experiences without creating an obvious gap. Ultimately, be honest and creative in a way that presents you as a valuable candidate. Employers appreciate authenticity.

Make sure to listen to this conversation for more strategies and tips around addressing employment gaps. Your career journey may have taken unexpected turns, but that doesn't diminish your worth. Be upfront about your experiences and let employers see the real you.

Episode Highlights 00:01:34 - Using Creativity and Honesty 00:07:13 - Overcoming Stigma 00:08:19 - Unwanted Experiences 00:11:34 - Seeking Professional Guidance 00:13:17 - Why Projects Fail 00:14:19 - Mitigating Employment Gaps 00:15:07 - Acknowledging Caregiving Responsibilities 00:15:21 - Embracing Individuality 00:16:17 - Owning Imperfections

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: [email protected]