Managing with Questions

How do you show your employees that their opinions matter?  Ask questions.  It's as simple as that.  Questions such as:

• What made you mad today?
• What took too long?
• What caused complaints today?
• What was misunderstood today?
• What cost too much?
• What was wasted?
  What was too complicated?
• What was just plain silly?
• What job involved too many people?
• What job involved too many actions?

Communicating with your employees will improve organization communication.  I know that you're tired of me saying that any organizations greatest resource is its people.  But there, I said it again!  Remember, employees feel appreciated and valued when they are listened to!

Candidate References

Checking references is critical in the decision making process and oftentimes will assist the employer in cutting down on selection errors.  While applicants may distort their employment history and accomplishments, reference checking will allow you to assess the accuracy of their claims.   Most importantly, it will allow you to assess if the candidate can do what s/he claims to be able to do.  Be clear with candidates from the beginning that you will be checking references. (Bear in mind that some employers have internal policies restricting the amount of information provided, oftentimes limiting the information to dates of employment and role within the organization.) 

Create a standardized process for checking references.  Ask questions pertaining to the candidates previous position.  What responsibilities did s/he have?  Discuss the responsibilities of the new position and if the reference feels the candidate could effectively fill the role.  Were there attendance issues?  Is the candidate a team player?   Would the reference rehire the candidate?   In what capacity was the reference associated with the candidate?  Most importantly, should you hire the candidate?  Avoid any inappropriate questions relating to health problems, disabilities, children, child care arrangements, etc.  (For the professional level employee, refine your reference process to encompass topics such as leadership, employee relations, oral and written communication, managerial skills and decision making, just to name a few.)

 

Remember, a candidate's past performance can be used as a predictor of future performance.   Increase your success rate in the employment selection process by conducting thorough reference checks. 

 

To avoid any questions regarding your hiring methods, ensure you maintain detailed records of your reference checking activities.  These may be helpful should you run into a negligent hiring claim later.

New Employment Eligibilty Verification Form I-9

On March 8, 2013 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised Form I-9.  Employers are encouraged to begin using the revised form immediately.  However, since some employers may need to update internal processes, USCIS is allowing 60 days from March 8, 2013, during which time employers can continue to use prior versions.  Beginning May 7, 2013 only the new Form I-9, with the revision date of March 8, 2013, may be used.

The new Form I-9 can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under the Forms tab.