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Making Search Effective
Written by John Berry on 12th November 2021. Revised 17th June 2022.
7 min read
Executive search and recruitment agencies abound. The industry is vibrant but that doesn’t mean all of the players are good at search. Search needs careful planning and thought and time allowed for – and mostly that’s not done. It’s not just about dipping into databases and advertising on jobs boards. Here we set out three key issues where agencies need to improve.
The role of training in culture change
Written by John Berry on 18th December 2017. Revised 17th June 2022.
4 min read
Whilst training interventions can indeed change the whole organisation, the culture change scenario differs from ‘normal’ training. ‘Normal’ training is in pursuit of change in competencies in individuals. Change in culture involves change in the way things are done in the organisation – the normative behaviour of all. Here's how they differ.
Making the shift to home working – practical steps for the firm
Written by John Berry on 7th December 2021. Revised 17th June 2022.
8 min read
A firm that’s oriented around a central headquarters and offices is a very different beast from one that embraces flexible working and working from home. There are some practical things that all firms must do when moving to home working. Here we discuss some of the changes needed to the terms and conditions of contract and employee handbook.
Director of Happiness is a sham of a job
Written by John Berry on 1st March 2022. Revised 17th June 2022.
5 min read
A Director of Happiness does not have the executive authority to make what’s needed happen every day. They can't build the trust needed in the relationship between manager and employee. Such a job is a sham. It’s an invention to avoid the hard work of learning and getting good at management. Here we discuss why.
Should recruiters ask candidates about current salary?
Written by John Berry on 18th November 2021. Revised 21st November 2021.
2 min read
The phrase ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’ is common in the labour market. Penned first by Carlyle and then Engels and it applies now. The employer and candidate reach a bargain between work and pay. It’s not necessary for managers to know about the past. They should never ask anything about history. As soon as they do, they're wide open to bias.
Writing Responsibility Statements in Job Descriptions
Written by John Berry on 25th June 2021. Revised 22nd July 2021.
6 min read
The vast majority of job descriptions on Earth contain a list of tasks or duties. The job holder can do these, year on year, and yet fail miserably in contributing to the business. Tasks and duties are useless. Sadly, that means that most job descriptions are useless. What’s needed is stated responsibilities or accountabilities embodying required achievement. Here's how to build such statements.
