Blog Feed: Profiles International Employee Assessment Solutions Blog

Lately we have posted a few articles on behaviors that can have an effect on the workplace, such as problematic personalities, bad attitudes, and business manners. However, what do you do when you have a workforce that consists of four generations and each generation has different values, different ideas, different ways of communicating, and different ways of getting things done? The four generations present in the workplace today > read more

7 Signs Your Customers Love You

Published on 2012-05-24 08:54:00

“An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.” - Elbert Hubbard For decades, the goal of many organizations has been to satisfy customers. While satisfaction is important, it is not sufficient to guarantee that your customers will continue to buy from you. As the business world evolves at a rapid pace, the minute you become complacent, BANG, a new competitor surfaces with a product or service they claim is better and more cost effective than yours. Suddenly, your customer no. [..] > read more

Diving Into the Deep End of the Internal Talent Pool

Published on 2012-05-23 10:00:00

One of the key issues facing businesses today is bench strength. Although, the overall number of people entering the workforce is increasing, most of those people are entry-level. > read more

Attitude Check: Tips to Manage Difficult Employees with Bad Attitudes

Published on 2012-05-22 09:26:00

Do you know an office grumpy? You know, the employee who walks in to work with a negative or demeaning attitude. It’s no surprise that bad attitudes are unhealthy in the workplace. The more negative employees are at work, the less productive and valuable they are for the organization. That’s why knowing how to manage difficult employees is a crucial leadership skill. Here are the four most common bad attitudes in the workplace: Negative emotions toward the organization. It’s. [..] > read more

Checkmate! The Secret to Strategic Talent Management

Published on 2012-05-21 08:19:00

Much like playing a game of chess, effective leaders need to be strategic. Now you might be asking yourself, what exactly does it take to be a strategic leader? Well, a recent article from Inc.com written by Paul Schoemaker presents the Six Habits of True Strategic Thinkers. These habits include: Anticipate future market and industry trends > read more

Mind Your Manners, Particularly in Business

Published on 2012-05-18 08:38:00

Most of what we have learned about manners, both good and bad, has come from our family and friends and most of us have a pretty good grasp on what is considered to be good manners in a social environment. However, where do you stand on business manners? Do you know the accepted protocol during a business meeting? How about the correct way to introduce a client or an executive? Etiquette can sometimes be tricky depending on the situation, but the basics of professional manners are quite... > read more

Keep the Peace: How to Manage Problematic Personalities

Published on 2012-05-17 08:23:00

According to Merriam-Webster, personality is a person’s set of distinctive traits and characteristics. Note that the definition does not say ‘good’ traits and ‘favorable’ characteristics. Although there are many people with extremely pleasant personalities, there are just as many people with ‘nails on a chalkboard’ type personalities that send shivers up your spine and make you want to scream. Whether it is constant complaining, inappropriate jokes,... > read more

Six Enemies of Successful Hiring

Published on 2012-05-16 09:00:00

Hiring new employees is one of the biggest investments a business can make, so managers need to make sure they hire employees who will be the most successful in a particular position. A popular article from Forbes presents “The Six Enemies of Greatness (and Happiness).” These six obstacles are also enemies of successful hiring, which lead to common hiring mistakes. Don’t let these factors get in the way of finding the best-fit employee for your organization! > read more

Would You Hire Someone With a Criminal Record?

Published on 2012-05-15 08:23:00

April 25th 2012 saw a shocking announcement that will affect the careers of millions of workers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a new Enforcement Guidance on criminal background checks. Despite heavy concerns from the Chamber of Commerce and background check industry professionals, the new guidance was passed in a 4-1 vote by Commissioners. The Guidance states: “Under Title VII of our civil rights laws, employers may not deny employment based on a conviction... > read more

Workplace Competition: Is Your Office Like The Hunger Games?

Published on 2012-05-14 09:25:00

The cinema hype has died down, but The Hunger Games isn’t going anywhere. The best-selling novel and recent box-office hit is still capturing readers and viewers across the nation. If you’ve missed out, the story is about a futuristic society where twelve kids, from ages 12-18, are submitted into a televised, life or death competition. Contestants are in a constant war between themselves to see who ends up as the champion. The excitement, fear and mystery keep readers and viewers on. [..] > read more

Reaching Best-in-Class Status With Profiles International

Published on 2012-05-13 14:40:00

We have all been told at some point in our life that it is important to make a good first impression. That rule of thumb not only applies to individuals, it also applies to organizations. It is crucial that organizations know how new employees view them from the beginning. Poor planning and sub-par onboarding not only negatively impact productivity, they can shatter an organization’s recruitment and retention efforts; ultimately affecting overall success. To avoid this downward spiral,... > read more

Expert Tips for Charting Your iPads for Sales Strategy

Published on 2012-05-11 08:37:00

Guest Post By Ashley Furness, Blogger and Market Analyst for softwareadvice.com/crm. According to recent reports, 78 percent of employers will invest in tablets by the close of next year, 83 percent of which will choose the iPad. Oddly, most haven't created a corresponding implementation strategy. With Mercedes Benz, General Mills and other big-name companies deploying the device, it's easy to imagine the iPad as some sort of silver bullet for sales. But as Boston Scientific CIO Rich Adduci... > read more

Don’t Underestimate the Power of an Intern

Published on 2012-05-10 08:39:00

Summer is almost here, which means students are out of school and many are in search for internships. Back in the day, interns used to be perceived as the guys who went on coffee runs, made photocopies and ran the fax machine. Well, times have changed! Internship programs have become valuable resources for top businesses across the nation. Interns may be young and work by the hour, but that is no reason to underestimate the skills and contributions they can bring to your organization.... > read more

Why You Need to Align Sales and Leadership in Your Organization

Published on 2012-05-09 08:51:00

Eliminate the guesswork of where your focus should be in developing and training your sales team to the top. Wouldn’t it be great if you could easily transform your ‘average’ performers into a top quality sales force? How do you identify a clear focus for the training and development of your sales team? If you would like the answers to the above questions, then you cannot afford to miss the upcoming webinar titled, Aligning Sales and Leadership for Success in Your... > read more

Windows to the Soul- The Power of Great Eye Contact

Published on 2012-05-08 08:23:00

Guest Post by Deiric McCann "The eyes are the windows to the soul” – Ancient Proverb Eye contact is a critical tool in creating a charismatic impression when you speak – either one-to-one or one-to-many. When charismatic speakers present every person in the room feels that their comments are directed at them personally. > read more

Keep Your Superheroes: 6 Steps to Reduce Employee Turnover

Published on 2012-05-07 08:19:00

Do you know what is important to your prospective and current employees? Do you work hard to meet those needs? If you answered yes to both questions, then you probably have a low employee turnover rate. However, this is not the case for all employers and many companies struggle with the issue of employee turnover. As we mentioned in It’s Not Me, It’s You: 5 Frequent Causes of Employee Turnover, the average employee tenure at a company is approximately 4 years. > read more

Develop Your Diamonds in the Rough: Managing Difficult Employees

Published on 2012-05-04 08:27:00

Dealing with difficult employees has been an issue that managers have faced for years. There are always employees who are lazy, poor performing, with bad attitudes and at times just downright rude. > read more

5 Lessons in Customer Service Etiquette

Published on 2012-05-03 08:25:00

We live in a fast world. Fast food, fast cars, fast computers and fast business. Convenience and mobility are power factors in sales and customer service etiquette. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there are over 2 million customer service reps employed, and we interact with them every day. The latest issue of the Baylor Business Review is themed around customer service in the digital age. The magazine’s cover story discusses the changing face of customer service and the.. [..] > read more

6 Conflict Management Skills from Coach Wooden

Published on 2012-05-02 08:33:00

A popular doodle illustrating “What People Think Success Looks Like Vs. What It Really Looks Like” has created a buzz online. In the image, ideal success is portrayed as a straight 45 degree arrow, constantly and steadily increasing. The image of what success really looks like is still an arrow moving up, but it resembles a bird’s nest with twists, turns and knots along the way. This twitter-popular image is simple, yet so true. The road to success is certainly not a straight.. [..] > read more

Dare to Be Different! 6 Tips for Winning in Business

Published on 2012-05-01 08:14:00

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different” – Coco Chanel Do your prospective customers know clearly why they should buy from you rather than from your competitors? > read more

All Aboard! 5 Factors of a Successful Onboarding Process

Published on 2012-04-30 09:33:00

Do you remember your first day of school? That moment standing at the bus stop, lunch box in hand, waving your mother good-bye, and your heart beating faster than ever. Well starting at a new job feels the same way. We’ve all been there – dressed in your finest business attire with butterflies in your stomach as you enter through the doors of a brand new job. But did you know it’s estimated that 45% of new-hires fail within 18 months? That’s why investing in a welcoming. [..] > read more

Profiles International Clients Deepen Expertise in the Use of Modern Employee Assessments

Published on 2012-04-27 08:29:00

Certification training for using assessments is a key component of working with Profiles International solutions. This week, Profiles International headquarters hosted a two-day training workshop for clients from all around the US. At these sessions, clients received in-depth training that outlines all elements of the science behind assessments. Attendees learned how to use the products for maximum impact in their own organizations for activities such as benchmarking their employees. In... > read more

Five Reasons For Failure

Published on 2012-04-26 08:41:00

Guest Post by Marvin LeBlanc I have not failed. I have just found one of > read more

Talent Management Today - Why Settle for Good When You Can be Great

Published on 2012-04-25 08:16:00

Talent Management is a key part of a business. Every now and then it is important for a company to review their employees, considering their levels of effectiveness and efficiency. Sure, there are plenty of employees who are GOOD at what they do, but wouldn’t it be better for the company to hire someone who is TERRIFIC at their job? The concept of “playing ball” is similar to the mentality managers have in the workforce. When playing for a sports team, if an athlete... > read more

The Heart of McDonald’s Success: Exceptional Customer Service

Published on 2012-04-24 09:25:00

McDonald’s released their quarterly financial results and to say the least, it looks like the fast food giant is doing great. The company generated $6.54 billion and global comparable sales increased 7.3 percent. > read more

4 Tips for Transitioning Into a New Job

Published on 2012-04-23 09:50:00

You applied, you interviewed, and you got the job; however, after celebrating, the panic attack hits. Starting a new job can be extremely exciting and stressful all > read more

No Leader is Without Weakness

Published on 2012-04-20 08:36:00

Guest Post by Marvin LeBlanc Being a leader is a formidable yet inspiring task. In any setting, the leader is a representation of the morality of their group, and those who follow them, do so with trust and willingness. A good leader knows this all too well, and this is often why a large ego has too strong a place in a leadership position. One of the most important attributes of a leader is their ability to be humble. Don't let the ego run wild and remain humbled by those who support you- and.. [..] > read more

It's Not Me, It's You: 5 Frequent Causes of Employee Turnover

Published on 2012-04-19 08:24:00

The days of marriage lasting forever and the days of an employee working at one company forever are long gone. Based on recent statistics, the average marriage only lasts 8 years, and let’s face it; it is uncommon for an employee to remain at one company for more than 5 years. According to the > read more

Facebook in the News: 3 Tips for Successful Mergers and Acquisitions

Published on 2012-04-18 08:21:00

It seems that Facebook can’t go a week without making headline news. The social media mogul has now bought Instagram for $1 billion. Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Facebook feed, “I'm excited to share the news that we've agreed to acquire Instagram and that their talented team will be joining Facebook.” For those of you who don’t know, Instagram is a popular mobile application for sharing photos. Users can edit and stylize their pictures, then share them on... > read more

Talent Management in Healthcare: Taking a New Look

Published on 2012-04-17 08:25:00

We are pleased to announce that Profiles International is sponsoring Talent Management in Healthcare: Taking a New Look. This is complimentary webinar presented by Kim Lamoureux, Senior Director Research Practices and Principal Analyst Talent Acquisition of Bersin & Associates, and Michael Guglielmo, VP Talent Acquisition & Development of Genesis Healthcare. Lamoureux will discuss modern developments across a number of talent management programs, including talent acquisition,... > read more

Innovation by 3M

Published on 2012-04-16 08:26:00

Guest Post by John Baker www.theaskingformula.com I was at 3M's Innovation Lab in St. Paul last year. There should be a sign out front of the building that says. "Forget ye all you've even known about innovation - enter and have your world rocked." I have worked with and > read more

13 Lists to Improve Your Business Today!

Published on 2012-04-13 08:26:00

It is not > read more

What it Takes to Achieve Excellence in Customer Service

Published on 2012-04-12 08:45:00

My dad has been > read more

Take a Bite Out of Apple's Guide to Hiring Great Sales Employees

Published on 2012-04-11 08:39:00

Whether you’re a small retailer or the world’s largest technology company, you need the best-fit sales employees to succeed. Recruiting and selecting effective sales reps is critical for any sales organization! Take Apple Inc. for example, when you go into Apple stores across the country, you'll find exceptional customer service. An article from Forbes discusses how the tech company successfully hires their retail employees and what specific qualities they look for. The article... > read more

3 Tips for Recruiting and Hiring Recent College Graduates

Published on 2012-04-10 08:32:00

It’s that special time of year when a new batch of college graduates are getting ready to enter the workforce. As college seniors scramble to finish final papers, pass exams, perfect their resumes and enjoy what little time they have left on campus, they’re all on a mission to find the job of their dreams. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among college graduates has been steadily decreasing; in February 2011, individuals with college degrees... > read more

The 2 Hottest Trends That Will Sky Rocket Your Retail Sales

Published on 2012-04-06 08:37:00

2012 is in full swing, and according to latest research from the Aberdeen Group, retail organizations are stepping up their game this year. It’s essential that organizations keep up with customer demands, and with today's evolving technology, mobility and analytics continue to be the top two trends driving retail best-practices. Mobility. Think about it, do you ever leave your house without your cell phone? People are glued to their iPhones, iPads, Androids and BlackBerrys, and research.. [..] > read more

Fired Over Facebook!

Published on 2012-04-05 10:34:00

The social network was only a short time in existence before organizations began screening job applicant’s profile pages pre-hire. It is common knowledge that the majority of employers today will visit your profile page before deciding whether or not to hire you. A Microsoft Research study conducted last year showed how 70% of recruiters said they’d rejected applicants based on the information they found online. Furthermore, in a new survey commissioned by Reppler, 91% of companies. [..] > read more

3 Ways Sales Organizations Increase Customer Focus

Published on 2012-04-04 08:26:00

“Sales without Customer Service is like stuffing money into a pocket full of holes” – David Tooman, Customer Service Expert This quote perfectly illustrates just how important customer focus is to the success of America’s Most Productive sales organizations. > read more

Set and Achieve Your Goals in 5 Simple Steps

Published on 2012-04-03 08:31:00

Realistically, we live and will always be living in the present. Our minds may > read more

Tips for Rewarding Employees Without Blowing the Budget

Published on 2012-04-02 08:07:00

Guest Post by Susan Solovic www.susansolovic.com Hillary Clinton said “It takes a village to raise a child”; to raise a small business, it takes a strong, loyal team. > read more

5 Ways to Make Sure You Win the Employee Lottery

Published on 2012-03-30 08:58:00

Tonight millions of people will be glued to their television waiting on the Mega Millions > read more

Say What? 6 Ways to Improve Your Workplace Communication Skills

Published on 2012-03-29 07:59:00

George Bernard Shaw once said “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” > read more

How to Get the Most From Your Employee Assessment Investment

Published on 2012-03-28 07:29:00

Are you getting the most out of your employee assessments? According to a recent study by Aberdeen Research, organizations that get the most out of their assessment programs: Consider assessments to be a tool to enable better talent decisions throughout the employment lifecycle. Create competencies to assess against, based on a collaborative effort between HR and the business. Use a variety of assessment types, appropriate to the decision point, to help them minimize risk when making... > read more

Keep the Sales Momentum Going in 2012

Published on 2012-03-27 10:52:00

Every year, CSO Insights presents a Sales Performance Optimization Study that examines industry trends, outlooks and sales best-practices. This year’s study found that, despite economic challenges, sales performance has steadily continued to improve. Sales force turnover has remained low, 63 percent of sales reps have met or exceeded their revenue targets and 94 percent of companies are actually raising their revenue goals. Profiles International had the pleasure of sponsoring CSO... > read more

Babysitter or Boss? 4 Ways to Handle Micromanagement

Published on 2012-03-26 08:03:00

Do you ever feel like your boss acts more like a babysitter than a manager? Micromanagement can be frustrating; however, there is hope. Stop being frustrated. If you have a boss who refuses to give you space, then try these 4 steps to improve your situation: 1. Focus on your job. No matter the situation, in the workplace you always need to focus on doing your job, and doing it well. If you feel micromanaged, it may be because you failed at a task or missed a deadline in the past. Your boss... > read more

How to Break the Barriers for Strategic Talent Management

Published on 2012-03-23 08:07:00

Edited by Christina Krenek According to the latest report from Gallup, the U.S. economy looks pretty unpredictable. Economic confidence has decreased, 55 percent of Americans say the economy is “getting worse,” and with the U.S. presidential elections coming up this year, the economy is as uncertain as ever. But a shaky economy is no excuse to brush off strategic talent management strategies! In fact, it’s a time to make sure you have the best talent management in place so... > read more

6 Social Media Landmines for HR Professionals to Avoid

Published on 2012-03-22 08:00:00

Researched and edited by Aoife Gorey The National Labor Relations Board’s Acting General Counsel > read more

Who Are You Really Hiring? 10 Shocking HR Statistics

Published on 2012-03-21 08:04:00

Sometimes words can't do justice to the importance of pre-employment screening. The statistics below describe, in further detail, the kinds of workplace risks that pre-employment screening will help you avoid. HR Statistics: False Information 1. 53% of all job applications contain inaccurate information. 2. 49% of the 3,100 hiring managers surveyed had caught a job applicant fabricating some part of his/her resume. 3. 34% of all application forms contain outright lies about experience,... > read more

The Most Neglected Fact in Business

Published on 2012-03-13 08:37:00

Guest Post by Chip Conley www.emotionalequations.com Henry Ford complained, 'Why is it when I need a pair of hands, I have to get the whole man as well?' Sorry, Henry, that's how it works. My father, when he was in the midst of strenuous management-labor negotiations would say to me as a kid, "I love business, but the people side of business can be really frustrating." As much as I love my dad, I see the fallacy in his thinking now that I'm no longer a young whipper-snapper. There is no... > read more

3 Ways to Minimize Work-Related Stress Before It Overwhelms

Published on 2012-03-12 08:39:00

Many people, regardless of their role or level in the hierarchy, experience stress from work. The combination of quickly approaching deadlines, crashed hard drives, and too much coffee may seem like day-to-day annoyances, but they each contribute to a person's stress level. Some people work well under pressure, while others may fold like a cheap suit when the going gets tough. A manager’s ability to help employees to minimize work-related stress can have a significant impact on... > read more

Ensure an Effective Hiring Process in Healthcare - Part 2

Published on 2012-03-09 10:27:00

Original material sourced from Bersin & Associates 2011. One of the main reasons new hires fail is that companies don't recognize the qualities that are crucial to successful job performance and thus fail at selection. –Bersin & Associates, 2011. Attracting and retaining the very best people in healthcare is never easy, and definitely easier said than done. Many of our clients often get excited about using our assessments for the first time and how impactful they will be on... > read more

What Do All Thought Leaders Have in Common?

Published on 2012-03-08 07:52:00

Guest post by Peter Winick I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest thought leaders of our time. I learn something from each of them during every interaction and (hopefully) more often than not they learn something from me as well. The range of expertise that my clients have is vast; sales, leadership, management, communications, strategy, marketing, finance, emotional intelligence, innovation, relationship development to name just a few. Someone asked me the other day... > read more

How To Give Constructive Feedback in 6 Easy Steps

Published on 2012-03-07 08:27:00

Researched and Edited by Christina Krenek Without a doubt, knowing how to give constructive feedback is one of the most valuable skills you can have. With the issue of feedback, we’ve already discussed situations when it’s essential to give feedback and presented 6 constructive strategies. Now, let’s continue with more detail about the 6-step process of giving constructive feedback in the workplace. Following these simple steps ensure your feedback is received well and... > read more

Case Study - Reducing Painful Manager and Staff Turnover at Applebees

Published on 2012-03-06 11:47:00

Edited by Aoife Gorey At Profiles International, we work closely with our clients across all stages of their employee lifecycle process to enhance the productivity and performance of individuals, teams, and organizations. We help screen-out unsuitable candidates, understand strengths and limitations of successful onboarding, and identify opportunities to enhance performance and maximize their long-term contribution to the organization. Our clients are in a range of industries from... > read more

Case Study - Reducing Painful Manager and Staff Turnover at Applebee's

Published on 2012-03-06 11:47:00

Play ball! Talent Management Lessons from MLB’s Spring Training

Published on 2012-03-05 08:45:00

Researched and Edited by Jeffrey Meyers If you’re a baseball fan, then you’re likely very excited at this time of year. Pitchers and catchers have reported to their team’s spring training facilities to prepare for the coming 6-month season, and position players are starting full-blown practices and workouts. Before long, exhibition games will give way to the official opening day in April. If there’s a central theme for Spring Training, it’s talent management. For. [..] > read more

Free Webinar: Using Assessments to Hire and Develop a Winning Sales Team

Published on 2012-03-03 20:16:00

Many of our clients have expressed the desire to learn more about how our assessment solutions can help them hire and develop a top performing sales team. In response, we have scheduled a 45 minute webinar to share some new ideas and our innovative Sales Performance Solution Set. The Profiles Sales Performance Solution Set is includes: The Profiles Sales Assessment™, that matches individuals to specific sales positions in an organization based on the qualities required to perform... > read more

Want to hire the best? 2 Reasons Why Interviews Aren’t Enough

Published on 2012-03-02 08:00:00

Researched and edited by Christina Krenek Today’s economy is an unemployment rollercoaster, where hiring the best job candidate is a challenge. And contrary to popular belief, interviews are not the best indicators for selecting the right individual for the job. How do you know if your new-hire has the suitable skills, intelligence and attitude to perform on the job? A recent article from Forbes, titled “Stop Being Deceived by Interviews When You’re Hiring,” was spot on. [..] > read more

Break the Micromanagement Cycle and Return to a Productive Workforce

Published on 2012-03-01 08:32:00

This article was researched and edited by Jeffrey Meyers. Just saying the word “micromanaging” instantly conjures many thoughts, all of them negative. Do you micromanage your employees? Are you micromanaged by your boss? Certain situations or circumstances might justify it, but if that’s the routine, then you need to find a way to break the cycle. Outside of a business context, the term “Helicopter Parent” has emerged to describe guardians who hover over their... > read more

3 Best-in-Class Human Capital Management Trends from Aberdeen Research

Published on 2012-02-29 09:42:00

Profiles International is a proud sponsor of Aberdeen Research Group's latest report: Human Capital Management Trends 2012. Aberdeen has been on the forefront of identifying the practices that differentiate best-in-class organizations from their peers. As companies are required to do more with less, talent decisions take on greater complexity. The mandate for greater efficiency with fewer resources draws attention to the power of assessments. The data derived from these tools can help to... > read more

Is Your Staff Bored and Unproductive? 4 Tips for Employee Motivation

Published on 2012-02-28 08:14:00

Guest Post by Nadia Jones It’s simply a part of most people’s job to feel pockets of boredom throughout the day. However, if employees seem exceptionally bored, become much less productive, or seem to feel frustrated, then it may be time to check in as a manager. It’s true that your employees are there to get the job done, whether that is boring to them or not, but it’s also true that your job as a manager is to make sure that you are creating an efficient and... > read more

6 Strategies for Giving Constructive Feedback

Published on 2012-02-27 07:54:00

Edited by Christina Krenek Feedback. We’ve all given it, received it, and possibly even loathed it. But constructive feedback is essential for everyone in the workplace, especially as a manager or leader. It lets people know where they are and where to go next in terms of expectations and goals - yours, their own, and the organizations. The main objective in giving constructive feedback is to provide guidance by supplying information that either supports effective behavior or guides... > read more

Profiles International Sponsors Evanta HR Leadership Summit in Chicago

Published on 2012-02-24 09:23:00

Profiles International is proud to sponsor the Chicago HR Leadership Summit built “by HR Execs, for HR Execs”. Evanta is hosting over 15 events in the coming year and the Chicago event is the first. The one-day event is designed to facilitate collaboration across industries throughout the US and build leadership skills through the sharing of best practices, from industry experts and thought leaders in HR today. This individual event is hosted by The University of... > read more

Incorporating Successor Development into Succession Planning (Part 1)

Published on 2012-02-23 08:36:00

Researched and edited by Jeffrey Meyers, and based on a presentation delivered by Profiles International's John Bradford. Think about your business 5 years from now. What will your business be like? Will your products and services be the same as they are today? Serving the same customer base? In the same markets? With the same demand? What type of employees will you need to fulfill your plans and objectives? The foundation of your success could hinge upon an effective talent management program. [..] > read more

New Certification Workshop - Maximize the ROI of Your Assessment Investment

Published on 2012-02-22 08:03:00

We are pleased to announce that April 25-26, we will host a certification workshop for clients at our campus in Waco. The program will cover 4 assessments: ProfileXT Checkpoint 360 Profiles Performance Indicator Profiles Customer Service Profile Although certification is not required to use our assessments, our certification programs have been extremely valuable for our... > read more

Weekly Recap February 21, 2012 | Leadership & Management

Published on 2012-02-21 15:31:00

In case you are catching up on your reading or just joining us, check out the hot topics in Leadership & Management. This Week's Top Articles in Leadership & Management How to Give Feedback to Your Boss Without Getting Fired You have concerns about something at work. Who would you be more inclined to speak to about it, your supervisor, manager, vice-president or CEO? The topic of giving feedback can be quite a sensitive one, as the issue may be about how... > read more

How to Give Feedback to Your Boss Without Getting Fired

Published on 2012-02-21 07:46:00

Researched and edited by Aoife Gorey. You have concerns about something at work. Who would you be more inclined to speak to about it, your supervisor, manager, vice-president or CEO? The topic of giving feedback can be quite a sensitive one, as the issue may be about how your boss is conducting himself. No one likes to tell the person that pays their salary that they are doing something wrong. However, a true leader and fair boss will appreciate your feedback considering it is fair and... > read more

Profiles International Sponsors CSO Insights’ Webinar “Keeping the Sales Momentum Going in 2012”

Published on 2012-02-20 07:41:00

According to Gallup weekly reports, the U.S. economic confidence is the best it’s been in a year. We’ve seen moderate improvement in unemployment and job creation, and 43 percent of Americans say the economy is “getting better.” So what does this mean for sales? CSO Insights, a research firm specializing in sales analysis, conducts an annual “Sales Performance Optimization Survey” that covers industry trends, outlooks and best-practices. In the past two... > read more

3 Unconventional Programs that Enhance Sales Force Productivity

Published on 2012-02-17 07:36:00

As we discussed before, extreme customer focus is crucial to increasing sales productivity. But is it enough? Research from the America’s Most Productive Companies: Large Sales Force Analysis suggests there is more to successful sales than just good customer service. Focusing on the customer is great, but to be the best, top sales organizations have to take it to the next level. They must carefully analyze customers’ high priority needs and then align their products, services and... > read more

Strategic Workforce Planning in 6 Steps

Published on 2012-02-16 08:35:00

Strategic workforce planning is a process that ensures that your business has the right people in the right jobs at the right time to achieve your expected results. This discipline helps organizations understand their current state, forecast talent gaps, and take the necessary steps to close those gaps. It is a core business process that is often handled by HR, but it is so important to the success of an organization that its leaders should approach strategic workforce planning proactively and.. [..] > read more

Free Webinar: Using Assessments to Improve Performance and Measurable Bottom-Line Business Results

Published on 2012-02-15 10:36:00

We are very excited to announce a complimentary webinar series to help our clients use Profiles assessments to support their leadership development and succession planning initiatives. Many of our clients initiate an assessment program to support their hiring efforts. Our assessments do a great job of helping you select candidates who will fit the job, the manager, the team and the organizational culture. But, our assessments also provide a wealth of knowledge about a candidate and about... > read more

You Made it to Management - Now What? 10 Tips for First-time Managers

Published on 2012-02-15 08:04:00

You have a new management position opening up in your organization and you are responsible for selecting someone to fill that position. On your team, you have a pool of determined hard working candidates that have been working hard for years to deserve such a position. They are high performers and you have assessed that they would fit such a position. Clearly it’s a win-win, right? Wrong! Leading other employees can be a significant adjustment for most. Just because someone is high... > read more

Valentine’s Day: Minimize Conflicts of Interest from Office Romances

Published on 2012-02-14 07:42:00

Jeffrey Meyers researched and edited this article. Coworkers and colleagues spend so much time together, often more time at work than at home. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s helpful to recognize that office romances are difficult to avoid – it’s hard to intervene when there’s a spark. The most important concerns resulting from office romances are conflicts of interest and work distractions. The extent to which you can manage and minimize these problems... > read more

4 Tips for Motivating Sales People with Recognition and Praise

Published on 2012-02-13 08:25:00

When it comes to motivating sales people, there is the common misconception that money is the only driving factor, but studies have shown that motivation comes from more than dollar signs and fat paychecks. In fact, employee recognition and rewards are essential to keeping employees happy, engaged and motivated. Giving positive feedback and praise simply makes people feel good! When someone receives praise, their brain physically ignites a “feel-good” high, which in... > read more

5 Tips on How To Manage Conflict Within Your Sales Team

Published on 2012-02-10 07:33:00

What every great sales leader needs to know To have great sales effectiveness, you have to have a great sales team. Within all teams, whether they are NBA players, the neighborhood little league or the company softball team, there is always opportunity for conflict. The same goes for sales teams. And for independent, results-driven sales people, keeping the team in mind may not be their number one priority. So it’s important that sales leaders know how to effectively manage team... > read more

5 Strategies for Leaders to Ride the Social Media Wave and Boost Performance

Published on 2012-02-09 09:03:00

Researched and Edited by Jeff Meyers Social media is at the center of 2 big headlines in the business press in early February. The first is the much-anticipated IPO filing by Facebook. The second is the announcement that Procter and Gamble (P&G) is laying off 1,600 marketers as a result of slashing its advertising budget. These two stories have a tremendous impact for all employers: embrace social media for your business or risk fading away. The rise (and maturity?) of the Internet has... > read more

What to Look for When Hiring Recent College Graduates

Published on 2012-02-08 08:30:00

According to U.S. News and World Report, things are looking up for the class of 2012. Employers say they plan to hire 9.5 percent more graduates this year than 2011. With the steadily increasing number of college graduates entering the workforce, Reagan Consulting conducted “The Young Producer Study” to investigate the recruitment and selection of younger men and women for sales positions. This study specifically deals with the insurance industry, but the findings can apply to... > read more

5 Tips to Minimize Job Distractions: Lessons Learned from Super Bowl 2012

Published on 2012-02-07 07:49:00

Researched and Edited by Jeff Meyers By now we know that the New York Giants defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. No matter which team you were rooting for, there’s no denying that Super Bowl opponents face incredible pressure to perform under an intense spotlight. When the big game’s on the line, the extent to which you can minimize job distractions can mean the difference between victory and failure. How can you keep your employees on track, on... > read more

Effective Workforce Planning Helps Managers and Employees Work Together

Published on 2011-07-05 13:35:10

As we enter July, many companies are getting into the full swing of preparing for their next fiscal year, which means budgets and forecasts; new initiatives, promotions, and product launches; and hopefully, effective workforce planning to ensure that > read more

Effective Talent Management Starts with Job Fit

Published on 2011-06-30 16:50:41

Organizations that truly value effective talent management place a priority on ensuring good job fit. One way to maximize job fit is to use employee assessments in the employee selection process. Managers need a plan before they seek applicants. Good > read more

Managing Talent: What’s Your Approach?

Published on 2011-06-29 15:02:58

In a recent article by Profiles International UK’s Martin Goodwill, he argues that “lazy talent management has to stop” and that “recruitment is no substitute for a proper talent strategy.” What’s your company&rsqu > read more

Engagement through Employee Assessments in Australia

Published on 2011-06-27 14:39:54

Employee assessments can help Australian businesses increase engagement in their workforce. Learn how as Profiles International’s Andrew Henderson discusses the current business environment in Australia, the leadership development and people-re > read more

Employee Innovation: A Series of Singles or a Home Run?

Published on 2011-06-24 14:37:15

When you consider which industries enjoy the greatest employee innovation, many people would first think of electronics manufacturing. With household names such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), InterDigital, Broadcom Corporation, and SanDisk, not onl > read more

Learn Why Employee Assessments Are Critical for Business in South Africa

Published on 2011-06-22 13:36:57

In a recent interview, Profiles International’s Mark Cunningham discussed South Africa's business environment, people-related challenges they face, leadership charisma – and how Profiles’ employee assessments can help organizati > read more

How to Improve Employee Productivity in the Workplace

Published on 2011-06-21 14:38:39

Is your organization plagued by substandard employee productivity? Do you depend on your employees to be motivated and engaged in their work? How can you improve productivity in the workplace so that you can maximize your bottom line? read more > read more

Six Ways to Make More Productive and Effective Employees

Published on 2011-06-20 14:40:31

It is easy to complain about how our employees don't live up to our expectations. Yet how often do we ask ourselves if we are enabling our employees to be effective and productive? Probably not often enough. read more > read more

Performance-driven Cultures Deliver Results Through Employee Productivity

Published on 2011-06-17 14:45:01

Cultures worldwide shape societies and offer opportunities for different groups of people to find a common association. Business cultures are just as significant as societal cultures. The way people within an organization think and act has a tremendo > read more

Making Goals Work for You: 5 Tips for Setting Goals

Published on 2011-06-16 14:59:10

Realistically, we live and will always be living in the present. Our minds may focus on past experiences and dream of future possibilities, but no one can question that the present moment is all we have to work with. Therefore we must focus all our e > read more

Improving Productivity — Five Attributes of America's Most Productive Companies

Published on 2011-06-15 16:27:26

Who survives a treacherous economy? America's Most Productive Companies (AMPC) not only live through turmoil, but also thrive in spite of it. How do they do it? read more > read more

How To Measure And Increase Employee Productivity

Published on 2011-06-14 16:56:24

For the third consecutive year, Profiles International has conducted a study of America’s Most Productive Companies. The research and findings provide the most comprehensive study of human productivity available. read more > read more

How to Improve Employee Productivity?

Published on 2011-06-13 16:27:13

Employee utilization seems to be one of those over-used business terms that poorly describes one of the most important elements in productivity. The most productive companies in America know that successful employee utilization is an active ingredien > read more

Don't Let Managers Derail — For Effective Leadership and Management, Coach with Communication

Published on 2011-06-09 15:32:54

Times of change and uncertainty present many challenges for organizations, particularly for front-line managers whose people will be responsible for implementing the change. Pressure to perform is high, as are emotions, and everyone is expected to do > read more

Want Highly Effective Managers? Watch for These Five Warning Signs of Management Derailment

Published on 2011-06-08 16:40:30

Times of change present many challenges throughout organizations — especially for front-line managers, who need to implement change through their people and do more with less. Ironically, when you need your highly effective managers to perform > read more

How To Be An Effective Manager

Published on 2011-06-07 14:31:40

Some managers inspire, some motivate, and others fail miserably to engage their employees. The entertainment industry seems to have created the ultimate formula for the "bad manager" character, so why can't real people understand how to > read more

Times are Changing, Managers Should Too

Published on 2011-06-06 13:39:08

Business as usual was suddenly interrupted at the end of 2007 when the recession began. Drastic changes were required of all businesses if they were to survive. Costs were cut, people lost jobs, and expenses were minimized. This dramatic economic sit > read more

Caring Is Key!

Published on 2011-06-03 13:13:45

The easiest way to be happy in your job is to care about what you do. In order to do this, make sure you do something you love, something that will make a difference and really matters to you. When you find this, you will be automatically enthusiasti > read more

How to become an effective manager? First alleviate management derailers

Published on 2011-06-02 17:15:01

Because managers carry more responsibility than any other position in most offices, their personal development is sometimes forgotten. Over time procedures can become routine, and managers can unconsciously begin to derail. How can your leaders becom > read more

Management Training and Development Makes Managers Better

Published on 2011-06-01 13:45:41

Management training and development solutions will help you help your employees become more effective in management roles. Yes, many organizations slashed T&D budgets during the recession. But how else can you help your managers improve the criti > read more

Shocking HR Statistics (Part 2): Selecting the Right People without Help is a Tough Task

Published on 2011-05-27 17:05:02

Sometimes words can't do justice to the story of pre-employment screening. The statistics below describe, in further detail, the kinds of workplace risks Profiles International assessment solutions will help you avoid. read more > read more

Shocking HR Statistics (Part 1): Selecting the Right People without Help is a Tough Task

Published on 2011-05-26 14:00:51

New-hire Assessments Help Small Businesses, Too

Published on 2011-05-25 16:32:36

If you run a small business, you need to make every hire count. Period. Larger companies have the benefit of a larger workforce, usually with more roles per function to get the job done. (That’s not to say that big companies are bloated with redund > read more

Hiring Successful Employees for Mid-Sized Businesses With Pre-Employment Screening Assessments

Published on 2011-05-20 17:12:22

There is no greater tragedy in business than hiring competent employees into jobs in which they are destined to fail. When this happens, their potential is wasted. Could your employee hiring process use some improvement? Do you find that you hire emp > read more

Want Productive Employees? First Start With Job Assessments

Published on 2011-05-19 14:40:31

Capability refers to the skills, tools, and experience that a person needs in order to successfully perform her job. When any of these factors are missing, there is an increased chance that the employee will underperform. It isn't uncommon for hiring > read more

The Science Behind Employee Assessments for Hiring

Published on 2011-05-18 10:54:12

Personnel decisions are too important to leave to chance, and interviews and background checks can only reveal so much information. In this time of uncertainty, it is imperative companies try to surround themselves with as much certainty as possible. > read more

Improve Your Hiring Process to Cut Costs With Pre-Hire Assessments

Published on 2011-05-17 14:25:02

Did you know that an estimated two-thirds of employee hiring decisions may be mistakes? In the aftermath of a recession that decimated employee ranks, most companies hiring today are challenged to improve their hiring processes to cut costs and maxim > read more

Recruiting process best practices: The hiring process isn’t over when the candidate accepts the offer

Published on 2011-05-11 09:49:32

You’ve followed recruiting process best practices to find the most talented person with the best fit for the job and your company. Mission accomplished, well done! Well, not exactly done. The hiring process doesn’t end when the candidate > read more

The Opposite of a Leader Is a Pessimist!

Published on 2011-05-10 11:05:11

How many charismatic people do you know with a negative attitude? Zero! That is because optimism is essential for sustained charisma. No one is attracted to someone who makes them feel bad about themselves; we humans do not need any help in that area > read more

Don’t overlook the obvious: More best practices in recruitment and selection

Published on 2011-05-09 13:29:12

Does your company have a formalized hiring selection process? It might seem obvious that best practice guidelines for recruitment and selection include using a consistent selection process for all positions, but you’d be surprised at how many don > read more

Best practice in recruitment and selection: Do your homework!

Published on 2011-05-06 15:36:52

Although we’re seeing “job growth” in the aftermath of the recession, no one is rushing to herald a hiring boom. Rather, companies are adding jobs slowly and perhaps prudently while also taking advantage of filling jobs with part-ti > read more

Don’t reinvent the wheel: Recruitment and selection best practices include promoting from within

Published on 2011-05-05 14:02:07

Hiring to fill an existing position shouldn’t mean reinventing the wheel. True, sometimes a fresh start with an outside hire is your best option. However, don’t overlook two recruitment and selection best practices: Use what you know > read more

Best practices in talent management: Know how each job supports your key objectives

Published on 2011-05-04 17:11:27

Unless you’re a lone wolf entrepreneur or a small business, one significant aspect of any sizable company is hiring and managing talent. While there are fundamental aspects of those processes that all companies follow, there are certainly diffe > read more

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