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Looking For The Magic Bullet

May 16, 2018Narrasoft

key to success

There are no magic silver bullets. Whether you’re trying to build your company culture, recruit Rock Star employees, or re-design a benefits plan that’s meaningful to your team, there are, unfortunately, no magic silver bullets that are one-size-fits-all for your company. Every company is trying to differentiate themselves from the competition and create a unique culture, work environment, and plan for success. The one thing most have in common? Thinking there’s a magic silver bullet that will miraculously be the answer to all of their challenges.

The Golden Rule
There is, however, a Golden Rule that everyone can follow that will serve even better as you plan for business success. You may have heard it as a young child in Sunday School or kindergarten way back when, and it is still applicable today. What is it? Treat others as you would like to be treated. Simple yet often difficult to practice, especially in challenging, stressful situations. But the truth is, when people feel cared for company culture thrives, thus positively impacting both the team and the business.

If you’re trying to build the culture for your organization or trying to change the culture, this golden rule is key. Start with saying two simple words on a regular basis, “Thank you.” Just saying those two words is a phenomenal employee retention strategy. When an employee does a great job, demonstrates a company value, and/or offers to help a team member, acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. Saying “thank you” offers recognition, helping them feel valued.

Here are a few more ways the Golden Rule in action can lead to employee and culture success, and ultimately business success.

Share your story
The Golden Rule can be put to work right from the start as you’re interviewing a job candidate. Begin by sharing your own brief story with the candidate. Tell them why you’re working at this particular company, and why the company culture is meaningful and motivating for you. Put the candidate at ease by going first, so their butterflies and nerves can subside before they have to start talking and answering questions. You remember how stressful interviewing can be, right?

Listen to employees
Another way to put the golden rule in action is to actively listen to your employees. Everyone wants an opportunity to be heard and noticed. Ask someone for their input on a project, or for their opinion concerning a challenge the company is dealing with, or for their ideas about adding a new company benefit to the team. People are more committed and engaged when they can contribute ideas and suggestions because it gives them a sense of value and ownership.

Check in with your team
Managers should be doing “check-ins” with their employees weekly to maintain communication with their team. This opens the door to share positive remarks and steps for improvement, and provides the supervisor with the opportunity to listen and give appropriate feedback in a timely manner.

Everybody wins
Following the golden never fails to lead to a strong company culture that attracts Rock Star talent and, more importantly, retains that talent. When people feel their contributions matter, that they are recognized and appreciated, and feel like they have “ownership” in an organization, they are more likely to be long-term employees. And that means lower turnover, higher productivity, stronger skill sets, and better chemistry among your team. That means they win and your business wins.

There may not be any magic silver bullets, but there is a golden rule that will serve everyone well–treat others as you’d like to be treated.

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Tina BarnardCEO, Tina Barnard Designs LLC

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Michelle MorganFormer Owner, Job Ready Services

“Ann has high integrity and is very passionate about serving her customers.   She is the consummate HR professional and her HR Game Planner serves as a great business model for small to medium sized business owners.   I’ve referred her to my clients and they have told me that she is a pleasure to work with and did a great job for them.   I will refer her again and again and …..”

Dave VogelpohlOwner & President, Excellerate Solutions

“From making sure our business submits proper DOL forms to solid reorganization of our personnel records, Ann has been there for every step of our HR needs. Ann is an honest and caring expert with a great deal of personal integrity, and those are qualities we need in the people we trust with sensitive information. If you have employees, then receiving guidance from both a legal and an HR perspective are critical to balance one another and keep your business compliant. Ann is a great resource and is much appreciated by me and the rest of the team at Secure Network Administration, Inc.”

Joel PippinPresident & CEO, Secure Network Administration, Inc.

“Earlier this year, RB Engineering, Inc. made the decision to consult an HR manager in order to implement best HR practices and develop an employee handbook for our new employees. After a thorough review process, we chose Ann Close because she exhibits both the personal and professional qualities that we desired. Ann’s expert and professional knowledge in the HR field made the development process easy and her detailed work ethic and close interaction allowed us to be comfortable during the implementation process. Ann was able to meet the HR needs of our small business, and we will continue to use her services as our business grows. I recommend her services to other companies looking for HR support.”

Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Ron BittlerOwner & President, RB Engineering, Inc.

“Ann Close’s “HR Game Plan” convinced me she was the place to start when our growing business needed HR help. And she understood well our needs, business environment, and the growth we were experiencing. She came up with a flexible plan that allowed us to start small and tackle items according. Ann and her team are professional, knowledgeable, and caring–a huge help I would recommend to anyone.”

Stephen HathawayChief Operator Officer, Viztek LLC

“As a small business owner, the furthest thing from my plan was an HR manager. Yet bringing Ann Close onto my team as a consultant showed me how easy the hiring and employee management process could become, took a LOT off my plate, kept me compliant with all the government regulations I didn’t even know about, and was affordable. The biggest benefit, in my opinion, was the hiring process — Ann was able to come in, screen applicants, handle the paperwork, check backgrounds and pre-interview. Essentially I just had to come in for a final interview, and she did the rest. With a small staff and wearing multiple hats, this was an enormous benefit for me and I recommend Ann and her company without hesitation and with great enthusiasm.”

Lisa R. HigginbothamOwner & President, 5Star Awards, Inc.

“I’ve been in my industry now for 16 years and when I started my business I did not realize how little I knew about behind the scenes HR policies and procedures. Ann explains things in layman’s terms and advises me with sensitivity to growing a small business and my employee’s interests. She is an invaluable resource and has my business’ best interest at heart. She understands that our business success is her success. I would recommend her service to anyone in need of HR support.”

Brian CoxOwner & President, Hard Rock Concrete Cutting, Inc.

“What prompted me to reach out to Close HR Connections initially, was our need for HR support and Ann’s knowledge and experience. The most helpful aspect of the services provided at Close HR Connections initially, was writing an HR handbook, however, Ann’s expertise has been dealing with difficult employees. I highly recommend her!”

John BilosCOO, Neuro Community Care, LLC

“The first factor that prompted me to reach out to Close HR Connections is the knowledge that Ann has in providing the right solutions for your business. Second is the professionalism in which she operates her company and last is her truly caring in helping your business be the best it can be and have the best employees. The most helpful aspect of the services provided by Close HR Connections was putting together our employee handbook. If you want it done right call Ann!”

Steven LipstonePresident, Lipstone Insurance Group

“The driving force in our company which prompted me to reach out to Close HR Connections was continuous changes in the DOL guidelines for employers. The most helpful aspect of the services Close HR Connections provided was the review of our policy and procedures to be sure we are in compliance with the ever changing guidelines. Close HR Connections is very knowledgeable about the Human Resource aspect of a business. They are prompt and follow through with their promises.”

Deborah CameronCFO, Task Electric, LLC

 “The driving force which prompted me to reach out to Close HR Connections is that I needed an expert in HR. My company was growing and I needed a systematic way to hire, review, and manage my personnel. The most helpful aspect of the services provided by Close HR Connections is that Ann has a deep and extensive knowledge of HR. Her expertise is invaluable to us as we navigate the many aspects of managing our staff. You will be very happy with the services!”

Karen AlbrightPresident, BodyLase

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Helaine BilosPresident, Neuro Community Care, LLC

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