Randy Clark's Blog

So, last week I was having a conversation with a friend about how the hiring process has evolved. They mentioned using AI, and I asked should AI be used to vet employee candidates?

There are pros and cons to using AI in the interview process. However, in my opinion, it should only supplement  human decision-making, not replace it. While AI offers efficiency and consistency, it also presents risks of bias and impersonality that require diligent management to guarantee a fair, legal, and effective hiring process.

Benefits of Using AI for VettingEfficiency and Speed

AI tools can review hundreds of applications and resumes in minutes. It can save human recruiters valuable time and shorten time-to-hire saving time for the applicant as well.

Consistency and Objectivity

By applying the same criteria to all applicants, AI can help reduce unconscious human bias (such as favoring certain schools). Focusing on objective qualifications, skills, and experience leads to a more impartial process.

Enhanced Candidate Experience

Chatbots can provide instant responses, schedule interviews 24/7, and answer frequently asked questions, keeping candidates actively engaged and informed throughout the process.

Data-Based Insights

Advanced AI can analyze large amounts of data to spot patterns and predict a candidate’s potential success in a role, supplying insights beyond a traditional resume.

Risks and IssuesAlgorithmic Prejudice

AI systems learn from historical data, which may contain existing organizational biases. If not regularly audited, AI can replicate and even amplify these biases, unintentionally discriminating against protected groups (e.g., based on age, gender, or race), leading to legal liability and lawsuits from agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Lack of Human Decision

AI struggles to assess nuanced soft skills like adaptability, leadership, creativity, and cultural fit. These sklls are best evaluated through personal human interaction. Excessive dependence on AI can cause businesses to overlook highly qualified “diamonds in the rough” who may not fit the algorithm’s specific criteria.

Candidate Perception

Some candidates view AI hiring processes as impersonal and may be discouraged from applying or accepting offers if human interaction is lacking. A majority of U.S. job seekers prefer human interaction during the process, especially for interviews and final decisions.

Compliance and Regulation

The use of AI in hiring is a growing area of regulation. Jurisdictions like New York City, Illinois, and Colorado have specific laws requiring employers to conduct bias audits, provide notice to candidates about AI use, and, in some cases, offer an alternative non-AI assessment option.

Best Practices for BusinessesMaintain Human Monitoring

Use AI to manage administrative tasks and provide data insights but ensure that human recruiters and hiring managers remain in the loop to make final decisions and build relationships.

Regularly Audit for Bias

Conduct periodic, independent bias audits of all AI tools used in hiring to ensure they are producing fair results across all demographic groups.

Be Transparent

Clearly communicate to applicants when AI tools are part of the hiring process. Doing so creates trust and may be legally required in some locations.

Specify Clear Criteria

Ensure AI tools are programmed with specific, job-related criteria rather than general attributes. This can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of false negatives that filter out qualified candidates.

So, Should AI Be Used To Vet Employee Candidates?

It depends. If the hiring process overwhelms your organizaton, then yes, but only as a tool to improve the efficiency of the process. AI should never be the final decision maker in the hiring process.

Just as the industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th century changed industry and made the work of humans less laborious the AI revolution responsibly managed could do the same.

What are your thoughts?

How Can I Help You?

I like helping people and organizations, but I have three criteria before taking an assignment: I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

If you liked this post you might also enjoy, How to Create an Employee Candidate Profile

Photo by Gabriele Malaspina on Unsplash

 

The post Should AI Be Used to Vet Employee Candidates? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Recently, during a meeting I was conducting on holding meetings, I was asked when not to hold a meeting. Good question. I had mentioned not to invite the entire staff to a meeting when only one or two people needed to attend, but I hadn’t said much more about it. So, I started thinking and did a little research.

“We surveyed 182 senior managers in a range of industries: 65% said meetings keep them from completing their own work. 71% said meetings are unproductive and inefficient. 64% said meetings come at the expense of deep thinking. 62% said meetings miss opportunities to bring the team closer together.” — Harvard Business Review — Stop the Meeting Madness.

Survey after survey shows that meetings are among the least liked activities in any organization. Why is that? Is it because there are too many? Could it be because the meeting needs more structure? Is it because the meeting turned into a rambling lecture? Yes, to all of the above.

When Not to Hold a MeetingWhen it’s holding someone accountable or training that not everyone needs

I remember a sales manager asking me to review a meeting about following certain company guidelines. He was planning to give the meeting to the entire team. I asked him how many of the salespeople were not following the guidelines. He answered one. We talked about why he didn’t need a meeting. He needed one-on-one training with the salesperson not following the guidelines. Having the entire staff at the meeting would be wasting time for those following the guidelines. It could raise doubts about the guidelines and, at least, be boring. He held a training session with the one.

When it can be managed with a short email, chat, or sharing printed info, such as a training checklist

How many meetings have we all sat through that could’ve been managed in a more efficient way? If the topic is a specific point, send an email. If you want input trying chatting with teammates one-on-one. Or if it’s a topic that’s been previously covered, sometimes it’s good to revisit a meeting. However, if there’s printed material, you might try reshaping that first.

If key team members can’t attend, such as a department manager, when discussing their department

It might seem silly to include this point, but I’ve been in a meeting like this, have you? Before planning any meeting, be sure all decision-making and invested team members are available to attend.

If the topic is not urgent or all that critical

Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself how urgent, important, or critical is the topic of the meeting? I know I’ve held meetings for no other reason than we were scheduled to meet – not a good reason. Also, if you’ve scheduled an hour for a meeting but get it done in 40 minutes, end the meeting.

“Are you familiar with Parkinson’s Law? In 1955, the British historian and author C. Northcote Parkinson stated that “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”

Understanding Parkinson’s Law can help you and your team stay on task, save energy, and accomplish more. It will help you save time and keep meetings from being a source of negative vibes that spread throughout your culture.” —  3 Ways Understanding Parkinson’s Law Leads to More Productive Meetings.

During peak productive hours

Such as, too early or late in the day, or if short-staffed to the point where it would affect production. Also, consider rescheduling if the team is overwhelmed, burned out, or already has high workloads.

So, do you know when not to hold a meeting? Start by asking how critical the topic is, who needs the information, and what could it disrupt?

How Can I Help You?

I like helping people and organizations, but I have three criteria before taking an assignment: I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like Unplanned Meetings Are a Waste of Time.

Photo by Memento Media on Unsplash

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The post When Not to Hold a Meeting appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

I ask you, is your sales cycle outdated? I was chatting with the CEO of a midsize organization about the evolution of the sales cycle. Much of her career had been centered on sales. She had helped build the business by bringing in new clients while retaining valued customers. Back then, it was a different game. In her day, she was the educator and problem solver. People came to her wanting answers. Today, more often than not, consumers come to companies with an answer wanting to know if the company can fulfill it. The sales process has drastically changed, which means businesses must reevaluate their sales process or face being left behind.

The Salesperson as an Educator

There will always be a need for salespeople to educate consumers, but that need has shrunk dramatically. When I was in sales, my primary role was to train consumers about my product and how it fits their needs. Prospects would call or visit with a question or problem, and I was expected to deliver an answer or solution. Today the sales process seldom begins this way. Consumers have access to the same information as sales representatives. Many prospects seek and find solutions before contacting an organization.

Consumers are Shopping

Recently an old friend said, “These internet leads aren’t as good as old fashioned call-ins because they’re talking to three or four other providers.”  Think about it. In this day and age, isn’t that what most of us do? When we have a need, we go online, search for solutions, and compare providers. It shouldn’t surprise us when our potential customers, whether B2B, B2C, or NFP, do the same. Possessing this knowledge helps us prepare. It’s more important now than it has ever been to promote your USP (Unique Selling Proposition.) What sets you apart from your competition? Is it tenure, experience, equipment, training, or? Whatever it is, it should be shared. It needs to be easily accessed by prospects. When a consumer searches your website is your USP immediately apparent?

The Modern Sales Cycle is a Two-Part Process

In the past, when clients came to salespeople with questions, the answers began the sales process. Along with problem-solving and education, rapport was established, trust built, and credibility accepted. The sales process today begins in the middle. Consumers have found answers and vetted organizations well before contacting them. Their questions are more about how the provider can meet their needs and less about establishing the need or product knowledge. Since salespeople are contacted later in the sales cycle, there’s less time to establish a business relationship. Add to this segmentation, cooperative enterprise, and content marketing and it becomes apparent a new sales process is called for.

Build A  New Sales Process Now

I don’t have the answer for your business. You do. But I can share where you need to concentrate and where to start building a 21st century sales process.

Website Fluidity– If consumers are searching for answers, which you provide, will they find you online? Your website needs to be proactive and continuously updated.Content Marketing – Useful content is king. Blogs, case studies, eBooks, video, photos, and infographics, all direct consumers to your business.Segmentation – “Market segmentation is the identification of portions of the market that are different from one another. Segmentation allows the firm to better satisfy the needs of its potential customers.”– NetMBACooperative Enterprise –Making customers part of the marketing process by soliciting their needs, opinions, and ideas about and for your product or service.Responsive Salespeople – Consumers may take days or weeks searching for answers, but when they’re ready, and make contact, they want an immediate response. It’s a poor business plan to contact inquiries the next week, day, or sometimes—even the next hour is too long.

Is Your Sales Cycle Outdated?

Is your sales process state of the art and able to meet the needs of the modern consumer or is it like many—part new age with old school remnants? Do you and your salespeople reminisce about the “good old days” or see the opportunities available for those ready, able, and willing to fulfill consumer’s expectations? Many organizations are at a crossroads—integrating modern sales processes while holding onto outdated sales systems and techniques. Which road will you take?

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you liked this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

 

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Holiday Wishes 16 is my 16th Holiday Wishes post. My first was in 2010. There have been many heartful, enlightening, fun, hopeful, and wonderful wishes in 16 years. I enjoy looking back through the old wishes as much as I love reading the new ones. I hope you do, too. Happy Holidays!

Mary W — Since I had cancer and know of many friends who have been diagnosed with cancer and some lost their battle, my wish is for a complete cure of all cancers.

Ward W — I wish that my friends cancer surgery on December 14th is successful and he becomes cancer free!!!!!

Carol S — Hi Randy, my Christmas wish is for all family members struggling with their health to have miraculous recoveries.

Larry M — My Christmas Wish this year is for a family photo with my Grandson – who is about to arrive into this World anytime between now and tomorrow morning.

Chris H — All I would like is a shiny lump of coal. Mines getting kind of worn down. Seriously though, my biggest wish here at work is that my team has the best financial year they’ve ever had and the rewards help their lives prosper more than they could have ever imagined. I think my dream is coming true, finally after almost 32 years in business. All their hard work, dedication, loyalty and determination is paying off for them and I can’t thank you enough for your tutelage.

Mandi W  — I would love for more unity and peace and equality in 2026.

Sam L — My Christmas wish this year is plain and simple—yet, somehow, it feels almost impossible.

If you know me and what I’ve walked through this past year, you might think my wish is for new lungs or restored health. But no… Of course I want to get better, whether through a lung transplant or by a miracle only God could provide. But using a wish on myself feels too small, too selfish, in a world that needs so much more.

Because the truth is this: if I were to leave this earth tonight, I’ve lived a blessed life. I have loved and been loved. I’ve traveled to places many never get to see. I married the love of my life—my high school sweetheart. I’ve been given three wonderful sons and three beautiful grandchildren. I’m not ready to go… but if I did, I would still leave grateful.

So, my wish is this:

That two would become one.

I’m not talking about marriage. I’m talking about healing the division between people—any people. Democrats and Republicans. White, Black, Red, or Yellow. Men and women. Gay or straight. Jew, Muslim, and Christian. Etc.

We live in a world that is tearing itself apart. We have forgotten that we all bleed the same blood. That we are all human, all created by God. We can’t recognize love in someone else’s eyes because of the hate we’ve allowed in our hearts.

We no longer listen to understand—we interrupt to disagree. We cling so tightly to our own beliefs that we will ignore the truth right in front of us just to feel justified. And little by little, we are destroying ourselves.

But the solution—though difficult—is simple:

Let go of the need to be right and choose to see love in one another.

My Christmas wish this year is that two would become one.

That division would give way to unity.

That hearts would soften.

That love would win.

Nancy C – Peace, Love, and Happiness for all of my family. Love always.

Michael P — I have never lived in a world without war. I wish for world peace. They should give it a try and see how it works out. I would also love a world without hunger, suffering, greed, thievery, etc. I am dreaming, humans can never get along.

John S —  A cure for cancer.

Rhonda SI — Wish there was NO Cancer!

Laura B — My wish for the new year is that people focus more on the present than the past. I see relationships severed – more and more adult children divorcing themselves from their parents, for instance. Could they perhaps see themselves as a new parent at age 25 and doing everything perfectly? Or outrage when a politician changes his or her stance on an issue. Perhaps new information or experiences led to that change is mindset. Or too much focus on the wrongs of history and not the potential of the future. Remember history; but realize we can create our own, better experiences now. Life is long. People and perspectives change. Let’s all learn from the past, but don’t dwell there in the new year!

Kevin M — 2026 is the year for you to be the listening ear, helpful bystander, and mentor that someone else was to you. As a side note, I miss our wonderful talks. Thank you for thinking of me. God bless and may your season be bright.

Sandy C — I’m wishing for health and happiness for all my family & friends!!

Jim K — After the last few months — and after almost four months since I got laid out with L5 and arthritis back pain in my right leg — having completed physical therapy, which pulled off a personal miracle, I’d wish for good health. World peace is a runner up, but Miss Iowa beat me to it.

Josh H — My wish is that the world unites and re-engages to a more human and kind future.

Debbie B – My wish is for my health to continue to improve and my family to prosper.

Randy C — I wish for health, happiness, and prosperity for all my friends and family but most of all that we all do what’s right to the best of our understanding. I was moved beyond words by the more than 20 Republican Indiana state senators who voted against redistricting. They did what they thought was right —  not what their party directed. Every one of us and especially everyone in government whether local, state, or federal should follow this example. The three branches of government as well as the military should follow this example. We all need to do what’s right and that’s not always what were told to do. Happy Holidays everyone!

If you’d like to read more wishes from previous years click here,  Holiday Wishes

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

The post Holiday Wishes 16 appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

So, what does Christmas mean to you? I love this time of year. Each December, I gather more than twenty-five movies, twenty-five books, and even more CDs, all stacked and ready to enjoy throughout the season. Will I get through them all? Probably not. I’ve watched six, read five, and listened to even more.

Yet part of the joy comes from trying, and these traditions remind me of past holidays spent with family, watching classic Christmas movies, sharing laughter, and stories as the snow falls. It makes the season feel truly special. Who knows what memories this year will bring? I still have 17 days.

What Does Christmas Mean to you?

Christmas has many meanings. For some, it’s a deeply religious celebration. For others, it’s a secular holiday focused on time with family. Still, for others, it’s a time for generosity. What Christmas means is personal and varies from person to person.

Religious Significance

For many Christians, Christmas is the annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Love and Hope

Many see the Nativity as an act of love for humanity, offering hope and joy.

Spiritual Reflection

It can be a time for reflection on one’s faith, considering and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth.

Worship and Gratitude

People attend church services and express gratitude for God’s gift, often seeing gift-giving as a reflection of the gifts the Magi brought.

Secular and Cultural Interpretations

Christmas is widely celebrated as a secular cultural holiday by many non-Christians as well, emphasizing shared human values. There was no tree at the manger.

Family and Togetherness

A central theme is gathering with loved ones, making memories, sharing meals, and strengthening social bonds. It is often the one time of year when busy families can all be together in one place.

Generosity and Giving

The season fosters a spirit of giving, not just through material gifts, but also through acts of kindness, charity, and volunteering to help those in need.

Peace and Goodwill

Christmas traditions often carry universal messages of peace, goodwill, and joy to all people, encouraging a positive spirit and a focus on what is truly important in life.

Tradition and Nostalgia

For many, Christmas is tied to cherished childhood traditions, such as decorating the tree, singing carols, or playing games, which evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

From my observations, most people combine the religious and secular customs to create their own celebration. Christmas is a season rich with various traditions and meanings, connecting individuals to their heritage, their loved ones, and themes of love, hope, and generosity that resonate across cultures. So, what does Christmas mean to you?

If you enjoyed this you might like, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review. 

Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash

 

The post What Does Christmas Mean to you? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

What? Top Ten Top Ten Holiday Lists? Okay – The title is a little confusing. Besides, there are so many top ten holiday lists. Do we really need one more? There are the top ten Irish gifts, top ten odd traditions, top ten holiday horror movies, top ten holiday cookbooks, gadgets, and getaways. I thought I’d share a few of the top ten lists currently at or near the top of the holiday top 10 heap. From movies to cookies, there are over 200 suggestions. Maybe this should be titled the Top 200-holiday list.

My Top Ten Top Ten Holiday Lists

10. Good Housekeeping.com — The Hottest Toys from the “Toys We Love” 2025 List. Since I don’t have any youngsters to buy for, can someone tell me what a Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is? Is it a toy or a pizza?

9. Holiday Cocktails. I posted 10 days of holiday cocktails. Here’s a couple of them.

8. Penguin Random House — 15 Christmas Classics This has three of my favorites, which I read every year: A Christmas Carol, Skipping Christmas, and A Christmas Story. I’d like to add Miracle and Other Christmas Stories by Connie Willis and The best Christmas pageant ever by Barbara Robinson. BTW, I loved the new movie! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

7. Good Housekeeping — The Top 76 Christmas Movies of All Time You’re sure to find some of your favorites and some new to you movies on this list. However, Ernest Saves Christmas made it and not The Ref. C’mon, man.

6. Allrecipes.com — Our Top 22 Traditional Christmas Dishes. Here are a few must have holiday recipes.

5. Cookies It’s 250 calories just to look at this list. Mexican tea (sometimes called wedding) cakes should be first, not tenth!

4. Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 Songs Billboards top 10 out of their top 100 includes my favorite at number 4 The Christmas song (Chestnuts roasting). It’s my Christmas Karaoke go to.

3. 25+ Christmas Traditions in the US and Around The World. “Explore the heartwarming world of Christmas traditions, from festive customs to timeless family rituals. Discover the magic of the holiday season” with our guide, Mint.

2. Psychology Today — 10 Tips for Surviving the Holidays. Holidays can bring mixed emotions. Follow these tips to make them more joyous. This post is an oldie but a goodie.

And drum roll please…

The number one Top Ten List is not a Top Ten List

 #1. Sharing the Joy 365 Days a Year

Okay, so it’s not a top-ten list, but it does have 365 days. The holiday season is about joy—the joy of sharing time with loved ones and the joy of giving and receiving. It is a time that invites us to slow down and embrace the wonder of the season. So, as we light our candles, sing our carols, and reflect on the year that has passed, let us remember that the true meaning of the season is found in the love and peace we bring to one another 365 days a year. Happy Holidays!

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

The post My Top Ten Top Ten Holiday Lists appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

I was shopping at my local Dollar Tree when I was handed an opportunity to give, to make a difference. I was called to give. If you’re unfamiliar with Dollar Tree, almost everything in the store is one dollar or one dollar and twenty-five cents , it’s the 21st-century version of the five and dime store. This has nothing to do with my story, but back when everything was a dollar, twice I convinced cashiers to have some fun and announce over the store sound system, “Price check on register one.” It’s fun to watch folks in line stop and wonder what the …?

In Line at the Register

Anyway, I was in line when the register next to me closed. Two young ladies had been waiting longer than me so, I invited them to jump in front of me in line. It seemed the right thing to do.

Both girls were wearing bright green camp T-shirts, which I asked about. They were camp councilors working at an Indy Parks camp for the summer. When I was a teenager this camp was the local YMCA. I shared a few of my teenage memories with them.

I asked if it was a volunteer position or paid. They laughed and said paid, but not enough. They weren’t negative about it – just honest. 

Popcorn and Pretzels

As I watched them empty their shopping basket, I noticed it was full of snacks – bags of unpopped popcorn, sunflower oil, pretzels, and cookies. I asked the young ladies who the snacks were for and was told it was for the kids at camp. It seems there wasn’t much at the camp in the way of snacks.

And then I asked who was paying for it. I learned the girls were using their own money. I shared that both of my daughters had careers in education and had spent countless out-of-pocket dollars on school supplies. They bought the snacks because they had been called to give.

As the cashier started to ring the two girls purchase, I asked if they’d inserted their charge card. They hadn’t. I asked the cashier to please put their items on my tab. It was $22.00. It was the best $22.00 I spent that week.

Called to Give

When I got home, I told my wife I had a present for her, and then handed her the receipt. She asked me what it was, and I told her the story. She put her arms around my neck, kissed my cheek, and said, “Thank you, it’s a wonderful gift.” Like I said, best $22.00 of the week. So, will you be ready when the opportunity to give presents itself?

If you enjoyed this you might also like, Leadership Development Doesn’t End at the Office.

If you have any leadership questions be sure to Contact Me.

 

 

The post You Never Know When You’ll be Called to Give appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Content is king. Hail the king! Long live the king! Except … is content really king?

Yes, content curation is an effective strategy to bring prospects to the top of the lead generation funnel. Without content, sites end up languishing on page three of a Google search. Therefore, content is a critical need, right?

Not All Content is Good 

Bad content not only doesn’t help, it hurts your marketing efforts. When consumers open your content to disappointment they don’t follow through browsing your website. Their journey is over. Content that disappoints the consumer is bad content. Bad content includes:

Poorly written content

Content creation isn’t texting; grammar and sentence structure matter. It’s not okay to publish poorly written copy. Don’t get me wrong, writers make mistakes. You will publish posts that contain errors. Earlier today I read an article online from a local newspaper that contained “an vicinity.” I didn’t think less of the journalist because they put out thousands of words a day and they try there (see what I did?) best.

I have a problem when the writer doesn’t try. When I see a post with improper grammar, misspelled words, and unclear thoughts throughout the post I leave and I think less of the organization. If you want to improve your writing, if you care what you publish there are many sources, my book How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever covers the basics.

Unappealing typography

We all know that Comic Sans in’t funny, but any font that’s difficult to read or detracts from the content is a problem. Posts with cumbersome layouts, articles that don’t use subheads or bullet points, and blogs that don’t share images are not inviting to readers. When you click a link to a post and find a page of uninterrupted words what do you do? Do you read it? I don’t. I move on. Online content shouldn’t look like a page in a book. It should be pleasing to the eye, invite the reader in, and then hold them with great content.

Improper formatting

This includes content that doesn’t fit all devices from mobile to full screens. Responsive design is key to your content looking good regardless of the size or type of screen. “Put simply, responsive is fluid and adapts to the size of the screen no matter what the target device. Responsive uses CSS media queries to change styles based on the target device such as display type, width, height etc., and only one of these is necessary for the site to adapt to different screens.” — UXpin

False Promises

Click bait (when the title doesn’t match the content) may get you visitors but they will not stay, and they certainly will not interact with you. When an organization sinks to click bait tactics, whether online or through the US Postal System, they often do their brand more harm than good. It’s not the number of visitors you bring to your site that matters it’s the number of visitors your site connects with and converts.

So, Is Content Really King? 

Is content really king? Yes, and no. Good content, content that is useful, that benefits an audience is king and will be into the foreseeable future. However, content for content’s sake isn’t even a prince.

If you enjoyed this post you might like, How to Defeat Writer’s Block.

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

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Is your team meeting your expectations? If so, I applaud you. But if expectations are unmet and your belief is people should just do their job – good luck with that. My observation is that most managers fall somewhere in the middle. You don’t expect everyone just to do their job because people need direction. But it would be nice if the team met expectations. The 7 steps to the art of setting effective expectations can help.

What Can I Do When My Team Isn’t Meeting my Expectations?

I was chatting with a manager recently when he told me that his team wasn’t getting the job done. They weren’t meeting his expectations. I asked if the team was given clear expectations and he said yes. Then I asked him if he’d ever thought or said, “That’s not how I would’ve done it!” “I can’t believe it took them so long!” or “What were they thinking!?” He said. “Well sure, hasn’t every manager uttered something similar at one time or another?” I told him he was probably right. However, he needed to consider the message behind those statements. When a manager makes statements like the three above, they need to take a hard look at how expectations were given.

If your first thought is that’s not how I would’ve done it. Ask yourself, “Do they know how you would do it?”If you’re upset over how much time a project took, did you set a timetable?If you don’t know what they were thinking, ask yourself, did you share what you were thinking regarding the project?7 Steps to the Art Setting Effective Expectations Don’t assume your team knows what you expect. Make certain they know your expectations.Have the person or team repeat your expectations back to you.Set realistic expectations.Give your team the training and tools they need to meet your expectations.Share your authority with your team so they can procure the resources they need.Follow up throughout the project to ensure the team is on track.Recognize positive behaviors and results.

The next time you’re disappointed when your team or a teammate didn’t meet your expectations look at the seven steps above and ask yourself, “Did I set expectations they could meet?”

How Can I help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a  management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

 

 

The post 7 Steps to the Art of Setting Effective Expectations appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Today, 11/11, is Veterans Day, but what is Veterans Day? At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918, an armistice, a cessation of fire, went into effect, all but ending World War I. The war to end all wars officially ended 7 months later. In 1919, President Wilson declared the 11th day of the 11th month as Armistice Day.

What is Veterans Day?

As a child, I recall my elders referring to the day as Armistice Day. The nation celebrated with parades, public meetings, and businesses closed at 11 am. In May of 1938, Armistice Day was declared an official Federal holiday, and then in 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

In 1971, in an attempt to give federal employees four 3-day weekends every year, the move was announced with much confusion that it would be celebrated on October 25th. President Ford officially moved the date back to 11/11 in 1978, where it has remained. US Dept of Veterans Affairs.

Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

It seems a silly question. But let me ask you a question – when was the last time you thanked a Veteran? When’s the last time you took a soldier’s hand and shook it? When’s the last time you looked a veteran in the eye and said – thank you? When’s the last time you considered where you’d be without veterans? If you’re not sure where to find a veteran to thank, I’m sure there’s a VFW or American Legion near you.

 Writer Cathy Maxwell may have said it best.

“Thank you for stepping forward when others step back.

Thank you for placing yourself between us and danger.

Thank you for delaying plans for college, marriage, and other opportunities and choosing to serve.

Thank you for braving the unspeakable horrors of war.

Thank you for sacrificing time with your families and missing those significant milestones the rest of us take for granted.

Thank you to your spouses who find themselves living nomadic lives, often far away from the support of loved ones.

Thank you to your children who accept your absence as a way of life and understand they share you with a nation and sometimes the world.

Thank you to your parents who have nothing but prayers to protect you and must now trust you will be safe and that we will offer the best we have to you.

Thank you for continuing to support your country once you leave military service by following new careers and becoming the teachers, clergy, business owners, employees, pilots, civil servants and so much more that we need to be a successful society.

Thank you for involving yourself in your local community, your state, and your country, helping us to solve problems and to create a vision for our future using the skills you learned during your tour of duty.  

Thank you for being a conscience to our nation.

Thank you for serving as a heroic example of who we are and what we can dream to be.”

On this Day

On this Veterans Day my thoughts go to those who have served, are serving, and those who have given the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. One day a year isn’t enough to repay you for your service. You deserve recognition 365 days a year. Your contributions to the security of our great nation are priceless. Thank you.

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

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