
Who are “they” exactly? And what are their goals?
Recently, I read an article about a leader who was alert when their team said, “They won’t allow…” The leader would then ask who “they” were and challenge their team member to have a conversation before making an assumption. I often used this technique with my team. Here’s an example.

The future of work is changing — fast
Have you ever thought about what kind of job you'll be doing in 10 or 15 years? The future of work involves continuous learning, adaptability, and being open to roles that may not have existed when you started your career journey.

Here’s how to help high school students fast track their future in healthcare
Are you in healthcare in KC or St Louis and interested in ensuring that tomorrow’s healthcare workforce is ready to care for the citizens of the cities they serve? Explore this opportunity.

Take a break!
In 2022, each private-sector worker left an average of 10+ days on the table. Here a few key reasons why you should plan your next vacation and encourage your team to take time away.

The productivity lie
Workplaces trying to enforce productivity strictly through office presenteeism are going to struggle to retain top talent in this new world of work. The most innovative companies will treat employees like the intellectual knowledge workers they are. Here’s how I learned the lesson about team productivity.

Recruitment blind spots? Bring in fresh eyes
When it comes to your organization’s recruitment and hiring process, you may think you have it nailed down. But even the most robust and well-designed hiring processes can develop blind spots over time. That’s where the value of a fresh-eyes review comes in. Read on.

Defusing email tensions: The count-to-10 rule (as many times as needed)
We’ve all been there – an email lands in your inbox and immediately triggers an emotional reaction. In the heat of the moment, firing off a snippy response feels deeply satisfying. However, the momentary relief often leads to escalated conflict and strained workplace relationships. Try the count-to-10 rule instead.

Don’t be blindsided by the surging retirement wave
There are 2.7 million more retirees in the U.S. than projected.The surge in retirements puts organizations at risk of losing invaluable institutional knowledge and finding themselves shorthanded for critical roles. Keep reading for insights on how you can proactively address the issue.

The data revolution in talent acquisition
In today’s competitive job market, organizations are turning to data-driven decision-making to gain a strategic edge in talent acquisition. The power of analytics is transforming the recruitment landscape, providing valuable insights that go beyond gut feelings and intuitions. Read on.

Futureproof your workforce through strategic reskilling
In today’s rapidly changing business world, reskilling your workforce is crucial for staying competitive and resilient. The first step is to identify gaps among your workforce. Then, it’s about mapping out a comprehensive reskilling strategy. Here are a few ideas to consider.

In the school-to-scrubs journey, representation matters
It’s clear that we need more racial and ethnic diversity represented in healthcare to inspire the next generation of Black nurses, Asian physical therapists, Latinx technicians, and Native American public health officials. Here’s an idea for tackling the challenge from a recruiting standpoint.

Flexibility & balance: Combatting burnout in healthcare
Even as the demand for healthcare workers is projected to rapidly increase over the next decade, our current healthcare workforce has dwindled to near-crisis levels. Many complex factors contribute to this shortage. One that’s often overlooked is a lack of flexibility and work-life balance. Read on for concrete ways healthcare administrators and policymakers can promote flexibility and improve worker retention.

Incentives can help the healthcare sector tackle staffing challenges
The healthcare industry is experiencing a severe shortage of workers across all types of roles, from physicians to nurses to home health aides. While the causes of the shortage are complex, here’s a look at several incentives that can make a difference.

One day more: Embracing Leap Year 2024
Every four years, we’re gifted an extra day on our calendar—a phenomenon known as a Leap Year. In 2024, this bonus day presents itself as an opportunity to embrace life, reflect on personal goals, and indulge in some well-deserved self-care.

How cooperation will help solve the healthcare worker shortage
The shortage of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in the United States is nearing a crisis point. Here’s a look at how a partnership between the Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council and Real World Learning is reaching out to students to highlight opportunities in healthcare.

Put yourself in the job seeker’s shoes
As recruiters and hiring managers, it’s important that we remember what candidates are thinking when we review resumes. Put yourself in the candidate’s shoes with this story from their point of view.

Winning back nurses: 3 ways to tackle the staffing shortage
More than 100,000 nurses have left the profession since the COVID pandemic — and another 600,000 say they intend to leave by 2027. So, what can healthcare organizations do to attract them back to the profession – and the bedside? Here are a few tactics to consider.

Are your job postings falling into the TLDR trap?
Not too long ago, I worked on a posting that had 28 different “key responsibilities.” The employer was frustrated with a lack of candidates. I think TLDR was the culprit! Here are a few ways to make sure your job description doesn’t fall into the too-long-didn’t -read trap.

The time for upskilling is… now
In today's fast-paced world, staying ahead of the curve is essential for career growth and job security. If you’re ready to up your skills game, here are a few strategies to help with ongoing skill-building:

Innovation 2024: New talent acquisition and retention tools to explore
Over the past year, I have been looking at different companies that are leading the way in innovative support for candidates, employees, and leaders. Here are a few of my favorite recent discoveries.