World's Greatest Boss

World's Greatest Boss

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World's Greatest Boss episodes

  • 198. Executive Assistants: How to Effectively Hire and Onboard Yours to Lighten Your Load with Michelle Penczak

    No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel https://bit.ly/4dSWQXD

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or struggled with effective delegation, you’re not alone, and this conversation is just for you! Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Penczak, an expert in hiring assistants with a wealth of knowledge to share. We’ll dive into the vital importance of hiring an assistant and how the right support can truly elevate your productivity and enhance your overall peace of mind. Michelle will help us understand why having an assistant isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game changer for anyone looking to maximize their potential.


    Throughout our discussion, Michelle shares her personal journey in the world of hiring and management, providing practical onboarding and delegation tips that can help you make the most of your new hires. We’ll also explore her company, Squared Away, where she reveals inspiring success stories from clients who have transformed their businesses with the right help. As a military spouse, Michelle has faced unique challenges that have shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, and she’ll discuss how those experiences influenced her decision to launch Squared Away. You’ll be fascinated by how she scaled her business from just one assistant to an impressive team of 425, showcasing the power of effective hiring and support.


    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [4:00] When to Hire an Assistant

    [5:45] Onboarding and Delegation Tips

    [12:50] Squared Away: Services and Success Stories

    [16:25] Overcoming Challenges as a Military Spouse

    [19:45] Scaling the Business: From One Assistant to 425

    [21:05] Hiring the Right Assistants: Key Qualities and Processes

    [24:35] Client Relationships and Effective Delegation


    Learn more about Squared Away https://www.gosquaredaway.com/

    Connect with Michelle on Twitter @michellepencz

    Connect with Michelle on IG @cmpencz


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    30 min
  • 197. 3 Reasons You're Hiring the Wrong People

    These hiring mistakes are common among many managers, but the good news is that you can easily fix them! We’ll explore the importance of crafting clear job descriptions that attract the right talent. We also touch on making sure you’re not just listing skills but clearly communicating the role's impact on your organization. Identifying the necessary skills and expertise for each position is crucial, and I’ll share tips on how to pinpoint what truly matters.

    We’ll also map out an efficient hiring process that saves you time and frustration, and I’ll touch on the “go slow to go fast” approach, which may sound counterintuitive, is a game changer in finding the right fit for your team. Plus, I’ll provide you with valuable resources to sharpen your interview skills, ensuring you ask the right questions to discover the best candidates. If you’re ready to elevate your hiring game and build a winning team, you won’t want to miss this episode!


    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:35] Common Hiring Mistakes and How to Fix Them

    [1:35] The Importance of Clear Job Descriptions

    [4:40] Identifying Necessary Skills and Expertise

    [7:15] Mapping Out the Hiring Process

    [9:25] The Go Slow to Go Fast Approach

    [11:25] Resources to Improve Your Interview Skills


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    Crucial Traits for Small Business Hiring Success

    Avoid These Common Mistakes When Creating Job Titles

    How To Determine WHAT You Need To Hire


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    13 min
  • 196. Hot Take: People DO Want to Work. Unlocking the Secrets to Employee Engagement and Retention with Eliana Goldstein

    Seasoned career coach, Eliana Goldstein joins me to tackle some of the most pressing issues in today's job market. We kick things off by debunking the pervasive myth that "nobody wants to work anymore," while exploring the real factors behind workforce trends.

    Eliana sheds light on the often misunderstood role of career coaching, explaining how it can be a game-changer for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their professional journey. We dive into common career challenges, from navigating workplace dynamics to overcoming burnout, and Eliana shares practical solutions for each. Self-reflection emerges as a crucial element in finding career satisfaction, and we discuss how understanding your values and goals can lead to a more fulfilling work life.

    Employee engagement is another hot topic, and Eliana has insights into how it drives productivity and company culture. We also identify the signs of poor management and provide strategies for addressing these issues effectively. Join us!

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:45] Introducing Eliana Goldstein.

    [1:40] Debunking the myth that nobody wants to work anymore.

    [5:00] Understanding career coaching.

    [7:35] Common career challenges and solutions.

    [9:30] The role of self-reflection in career satisfaction.

    [16:25] The importance of employee engagement.

    [18:35] Identifying and addressing poor management.

    [29:05] Resources and final thoughts.


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    149. Compliance and Coaching: Building Culture in the Virtual World with Lesleigh Gennace

    176. How to Define Core Values for the Culture You Crave with Ashley Alderson

    184. If You Aren't Supporting Your Team's Financial Wellness, You Should Be with Mel Abraham


    * Connect with Eliana https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliana-goldstein/


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    35 min
  • 195. Master These 3 Habits to Transform Your Leadership

    What's the real cost of leadership and how can you navigate it effectively? Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about cultivating habits that drive success and growth for your team. Today, I'm breaking down three essential habits every great boss needs to master.

    I share the power of setting clear expectations, having consistent one-on-one meetings, and providing regular feedback. When your team knows exactly what's expected and you've built a strong relationship with them, they can hit those targets with confidence and precision. When done right, these habits can transform your team’s performance!


    Tune in to learn how to hone these three habits and elevate your leadership game to make you the boss everyone wants to work for. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!


    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:05] The Cost of Leadership

    [0:45] Three Essential Habits for Bosses

    [3:55] Habit 1: Setting Clear Expectations

    [7:25] Habit 2: Consistent One-on-One Meetings

    [11:35] Habit 3: Providing Regular Feedback


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    Navigating Team Turmoil: Strategies for Effective Conflict Management

    The Secrets of Building an Intentional Culture with Robert Glaze

    Compliance and Coaching: Building Culture in the Virtual World with Lesleigh Gennace


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    16 min
  • 194. Effective Real-Time Performance Management with Alan Paulin

    Today I welcome Alan Paulin, the brilliant CEO of Flint, to talk all things feedback, team management, and performance reviews. We start by tackling the big one: why are annual reviews such a pain? Alan’s got some strong opinions on this and shares why moving away from that outdated system can help teams hit their goals in a more aligned and efficient way.

    We also dig deep into tools and techniques for giving effective feedback—no more guessing games! Alan shares some great tips on how leaders can set clear expectations and create a culture where positive feedback flows regularly. Of course, giving regular feedback has its challenges, and Alan doesn’t shy away from talking about the real obstacles managers face when trying to make this happen.


    But here’s where Flint comes in as the game changer. Alan explains how Flint provides a continuous feedback loop, giving teams and leaders a tool to stay on top of performance without the dread of annual reviews. And, we also dive into a fascinating discussion on why separating performance from compensation could revolutionize the way businesses operate. Finally, Alan wraps things up with some actionable advice for all the small business owners out there looking to strengthen their leadership to build teams that thrive.


    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [2:10] The Problem with Annual Reviews

    [5:20] Challenges in Setting Expectations

    [6:35] Importance of Ownership and Behaviors

    [14:00] Challenges in Providing Regular Feedback

    [19:45] Flint: A Solution for Continuous Feedback

    [22:05] Decoupling Performance and Compensation

    [25:40] Advice for Small Business Owners


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    How to Manage and Document Performance Issues

    Navigating Layoffs, Performance, and Hiring: BTS at People Principles

    Effective Time and Team Management for Service Based Businesses with Jordan Schanda King


    * Find more information about Flint on their website https://flint.cc/

    * Connect with Alan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpaulin/


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    36 min
  • 193. The 6 C's Framework for Onboarding Success

    What exactly does onboarding mean, and why should you care? It’s not just about showing a new hire where the coffee machine is; it’s about setting the foundation for their success and your company’s growth. I’ll break down the undeniable benefits of effective onboarding and how it can be a game-changer for your business.

    I’m introducing you to the six C’s of new hire onboarding. This framework ensures that your onboarding process is not just a checklist but a strategic initiative. It's not just about legal compliance, onboarding is a huge opportunity to build relationships and culture while helping new employees understand and integrate into your company’s unique environment.


    It's essential to be intentional throughout the entire onboarding process. This episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you bring new team members into your business. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!


    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:45] What Does Onboarding Mean

    [1:55] The Benefits of Effective Onboarding

    [2:55] Introduction to The Six C's of New Hire Onboarding

    [6:35] Compliance: The Basics

    [7:30] Clarification: Defining Roles and Expectations

    [9:50] Confidence: Setting Up for Success

    [11:05] Connection: Building Relationships

    [12:55] Culture: Understanding the Company

    [13:55] Checkbacks: Continuous Improvement

    [14:40] Conclusion: Be Intentional


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    How to Manage and Document Performance Issues

    Don't Make This Common Mistake When Hiring New Team Members

    How to Motivate Your Team and Build Culture with Cory Charles


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    17 min
  • 192. The New Hire Onboarding that Will Improve Retention & Performance with Adrienne Dorison

    No more headaches with managing your leave process. Head over to https://bit.ly/4e3NBon to learn more and get up to a fifty percent implementation fee discount.

    If you're someone who expects to hire A+ players into your business, you cannot give them a D- onboarding experience! I'm thrilled to have Adrienne Dorison join us for an inspiring conversation. Adrienne shares the invaluable lessons she's learned about agility in small businesses and the crucial differences between operational and HR issues. We discuss the art of integrating people and processes seamlessly, and the significance of setting clear expectations. Adrienne's insights into feedback and leadership are a game-changer, and her emphasis on curiosity and learning from differences is truly enlightening.

    Hiring and onboarding are key topics we explore, with Adrienne offering practical advice on aligning onboarding with company values and the importance of transparency throughout the process. She provides tips on improving onboarding practices, including the innovative idea of creating user manuals for employees and achieving autonomy in the first week. Adrienne also highlights the significance of training on tools and systems and the role of leadership in empowering the team. Tune in!

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [1:11] Introduction to Adrienne Dorison.

    [4:50] Her transition to small business consulting.

    [7:35] The value of agility in small businesses.

    [9:10] Operational Issues vs. HR Issues.

    [11:25] Integrating people and processes.

    [16:05] Feedback and leadership.

    [20:50] Hiring and onboarding considerations.

    [28:45] Achieving autonomy in the first week.

    [32:25] Training on tools and systems.

    [38:05] Empowering your team.

    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    126. Intentionally Crafting Your Team Operations with Lia Garvin

    156. Master These Three Pillars for a Strong People Foundation

    182. How to Build Effective People Processes in Any Business with Kristina Bartold


    * Follow Adrienne on Instagram: @adriennedorison

    * To learn more, check out her website: https://www.runlikeclockwork.com


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    46 min
  • 191. How Will Pay Transparency Affect Your Business?

    No more headaches with managing your leave process. Head over to https://bit.ly/4e3NBon to learn more and get up to a fifty percent implementation fee discount.

    Pay transparency is reshaping workplaces everywhere. We kick things off with an introduction to what pay transparency is all about and why it’s more important than ever. I break down the concept, shedding light on how being open about salaries can build trust, improve company culture, and promote fairness.

    We then explore practical steps for implementing pay transparency in your business, from creating clear salary bands and levels to tackling the tricky issues of equity and compensation disparities. I also share how to communicate salary ranges effectively in job postings, ensuring that potential hires are well-informed and that your company stands out in a competitive market.

    As we look toward the future, we touch on the evolving landscape of pay transparency laws and what they mean for employers and employees alike. To wrap up, I share actionable steps for leaders to embrace pay transparency in their organizations and call on all bosses to lead the charge for a more transparent and equitable workplace. Tune in now and take the first step toward transforming your business!

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:00] Introduction to pay transparency

    [0:50] Why pay transparency matters

    [2:40] Defining pay transparency

    [4:50] Implementing pay transparency in your business

    [6:40] Creating salary bands and levels

    [9:25] Handling equity and compensation disparities

    [12:20] Communicating salary ranges and job postings

    [14:25] The future of pay transparency laws


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    Don't Make This Common Mistake When Hiring New Team Members

    How to Define Core Values for the Culture You Crave with Ashley Alderson

    Strategies for a Positive Workplace with Aisha Marshall


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    19 min
  • 190. How to Create a Culture of Excellence with Kyle McDowell

    No more headaches with managing your leave process. Head over to https://bit.ly/4e3NBon to learn more and get up to a fifty percent implementation fee discount.

    Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to download somebody's playbook for creating company culture and just follow it? Today we're diving into the world of company culture with none other than Kyle McDowell. Kyle is not just some thought leader or college professor sharing a bunch of theory about what you should do, he's somebody who has developed these principles throughout a 20+ year career leading and building teams in corporate America.

    We kick things off with an introduction to building company culture and why it matters SO much. Kyle brings his unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the leadership void that's all too common in corporate America. He passionately discusses the importance of care in leadership and how showing genuine concern for your team can revolutionize your workplace.

    Kyle emphasizes the need for flexibility in modern leadership, highlighting how adaptability is key in today's fast-paced business world. He also dives into effective meeting strategies that focus on outcomes, ensuring every meeting is productive and impactful. Tune in to get an inside look at Kyle's book, "Begin with WE," a must-read for anyone looking to transform their organization!

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:00] Introduction to building company culture.

    [0:45] Meet Kyle McDowell, creator of the 10 We's.

    [3:05] The leadership void in corporate America.

    [5:50] The importance of care in leadership.

    [15:45] Flexibility in modern leadership.

    [22:25] The importance of measuring outcomes over activities.

    [23:35] Challenges in shifting focus to outcomes.

    [24:50] Effective meeting strategies for outcome-oriented work.

    [26:10] Rewarding outcomes over activities.

    [28:10] Introducing the book: Begin with We.

    [29:50] The 10 We's, a manifesto for organizational culture.

    [31:45] Making principles a living, breathing part of the culture.

    [36:05] The impact of authentic leadership.

    [37:40] Where to find more.


    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    172. Cultivating Core Values for Your Small or Non-Traditional Team with Shannon Weinstein

    176. How to Define Core Values for the Culture You Crave with Ashley Anderson

    179. How to Build A Strong Company DNA to Attract the Right Candidates


    * Connect with Kyle on Instagram @kylemcdowellinc

    * To learn more, check out his website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com

    * Purchase Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    43 min
  • 189. Converting Contractors to Employees the Right Way

    No more headaches with managing your leave process. Head over to https://bit.ly/4e3NBon to learn more and get up to a fifty percent implementation fee discount.

    In this episode, we're diving deep into the crucial aspects of employee management to help you navigate the complexities of HR like a pro. I'll start by breaking down the differences between exempt and non-exempt employee classifications, ensuring you understand the legal implications and how they affect your business operations. Next, we'll explore the intricacies of navigating state employment laws, which is a vital component in maintaining compliance and protecting your company. We'll also cover state registration requirements, so you can be sure your business is properly registered and adhering to all necessary regulations.

    Essential paperwork and documentation is key; I highlight the key forms and records you need to keep your HR department running smoothly. Join me for an engaging and informative episode that will arm you with the knowledge and tools to manage your HR responsibilities with confidence. You won’t want to miss these essential insights that can help you become the best boss your team has ever had!

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    [0:50] Understanding exempt vs non-exempt employee classification

    [1:55] Navigating state employment laws

    [3:05] State registration requirements

    [4:55] Essential paperwork and documentation

    [5:45] Leveraging HR tools and platforms

    [6:50] Final steps and best practices

    [8:45] HR audit service: to help ensure compliance

    Listen to Similar Episodes:

    Should Your Contractors Actually Be Employees? How to Properly Classify Workers to Avoid Legal Issues

    What You Need to Know About Updated U.S. Labor Laws

    Underperforming Team Members? Don't Fire Them Without This Documentation


    * Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/

    * Find more information on my website peopleprinciples.co

    12 min

About World's Greatest Boss

From the publisher's feed

Jackie Koch has been in the trenches building the teams that grow companies for over 15 years. She’s hired hundreds of people, navigated countless sticky situations, and earned an MBA along the way. From being deeply involved in the nitty-gritty of team building to now helping others navigate the waters of running a business, she wants to help you avoid the messes she’s had to help clean up.