Alton Maiden played Defensive Tackle for The University of Notre Dame under legendary Coach Lou Holtz. In late October 1996, the Fighting Irish arrived in Dublin, Ireland to prepare for the first-ever Shamrock Classic – a November 2 football game between Notre Dame and the United States Naval Academy. During their time in Ireland, the team was able to do some sightseeing. One of their stops was a 12th-century cemetery. Coach Holtz said, “All we saw were dilapidated walls and huge tombstones.” Holtz would soon learn that Maiden saw something very different. Maiden was so moved [...]

Employees across many different industries find themselves grappling with issue of career fulfillment. Sometimes a lack of inspiration in your career is due to being in the wrong organization or niche; or not being paid what your worth. Yet sometimes it’s as simple as feeling overwhelmed and not mastering some of the simple skills needed to flow through your day with more ease. Improving these skills often requires some time and nurturing. If your quality of work is lagging and you’re feeling difficulty getting into the flow with your work, then I would encourage you [...]

One of the most important responsibilities of a manager is to motivate the team and keep them inspired. The first step to achieving great leadership is to have the right people on your team. If you hire people who can’t be inspired, you’ll find yourself uninspired to do that impossible task. People who are happy to be on your team and excited about the work they’re doing are people who can be inspired to do greater work and go beyond what they think they are capable of. Clear Direction: Even the most motivated employees need [...]

The job search can sometimes be fraught with uncertainty and stress. It takes a lot of leg work and keeping up with many different contacts and deadlines. It’s important to remain positive during your job search regardless of the industry in which you work. Keeping a positive attitude will help you attract just the right opportunity where you can grow and shine. Here are some tips to stay positive and motivated to land that next great position. Search Multiple Sites Increase your chances of finding your dream job by searching through multiple job sites, industry-specific [...]

Culture has become the watchword of the 21st century. Companies that have changed their focus from production to culture have seen a decrease in accidents, sick days, and absenteeism. Looking at these successes, what can you do to bring a positive culture into your company? Value and Commitment Many employees spend more time at work than they do at home, and when employers acknowledge that fact, it can go a long way in fostering a positive atmosphere. Letting your employees know you appreciate them through a fair reward system, recognition, and a good word can [...]

There are many benefits to developing a relationship with an industry recruiter, even when you’re happily employed. Like an accountant or a lawyer, an industry recruiter supports your personal goals and more specifically your career success. Business can be competitive, so having someone by your side who understands your industry and the market you’re in, is a clear advantage when you’re navigating career decisions. The right recruiter offers informed advice and relevant business intelligence because they work directly with the companies you will want to consider when you’re ready to advance to the [...]

How Can Companies Attract the Best Talent? All too often, companies focus their recruiting strategy on describing the job responsibilities and their preferred requirements - essentially what the company is looking for in a candidate. While there’s nothing wrong with sharing that information, it will not attract the passive A-players they want to hire: someone who is currently employed, doing well, and not actively looking for a job. Giving them a description of a job similar to what they are already doing will not compel them to make a move. In today’s highly competitive employment [...]

The beginning of the year represents a timely opportunity for employee reviews and providing feedback regarding performance and development. This is a cherished time for most leaders; it is the chance to reflect on the milestones achieved in the past year and the creation of new objectives for the new year. Annual reviews allow managers to praise positive behaviors, award well-earned promotions, and continue to bring out the best in each team member. In organizations around the world, the New Year brings revived optimism. As a manager, creating a well-rounded and high-performing team is one [...]