Articles by Robyn Porter

1. Just Own It: Can Self-Leadership Work In Your IT Solutions Provider? 7/28/2015

   In the ultimate move toward self-leadership in the workplace, Zappos (among others) recently announced they were eliminating managers in an effort to keep things less corporate.  In a movement called holacracy, teams are expected to know what needs to get done and do it, focusing on the relationships rather than the individual to meet objectives.

2. Efficiency, Productivity, Lower Turnover Costs: The ROI Of Employee Reviews 6/23/2015

   In my last post I spoke about the need to have quarterly “un-reviews” and why they can be an effective and useful tool in managing your employees. I also mentioned that annual reviews are an equally important part of any organization’s performance management strategy.  From increased employee satisfaction to an increased bottom line, properly executed reviews can absolutely be utilized to maximize your return on investment.

3. 5 Reasons Why HR Apps Are Not “Stand Alone” Solutions 6/4/2015

   Lately there’s been a lot of buzz in the SMB space regarding the use of HR apps, and many have emerged as a way to fill some HR voids for small business owners. Offering scalable and affordable applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human resource information systems (HRIS), the apps seem to alleviate the need to hire HR staff.

4. “Un-Reviews”... And Why You Should Have Them 6/1/2015

   Ugh, I can already hear the collective groans taking place from just reading the word “review.”  Nothing sparks more dread, stress, and even fear from bosses and their reports than this time honored exercise in performance management. Comments I’ve heard over my years in HR range from,  “I don’t have time, you write it,” to “I need a highly detailed format to deliver every single quarter,” depending upon that manager’s style.

5. How IT Solutions Providers Can Strategically Plan A Benefits Package 3/30/2015

   All IT companies are facing a shortage of qualified workers, and this is especially true for SMB owners.  It seems as though the “big boys” have the competitive edge when it comes to compensation packages, perks, and benefits. In addition, the changes brought about via the Affordable Care Act have frustrated many employers, forcing them to reevaluate their benefit packages by dropping some benefits, adding additional benefits, or modifying the plans themselves.

6. It’s Time To Rebrand Your Sales Team 2/19/2015

   Recently a co-worker of mine forwarded a WSJ article addressing why it’s so hard to fill high paying tech sales positions. The article came as no surprise to me, as the sales positions I have been trying to fill the last couple of years have presented challenges. It’s hard to fathom why, in this economy, folks aren’t jumping at the chance to earn $75K+, right? 

7. Your Top 5 New HR Habits For 2015 1/14/2015

   Happy 2015!  The start of a new year brings so much hope, promise and excitement for us all, both personally and professionally. And while many business owners and managers have spent the last few weeks focused on strategically planning execution of their 2015 business plans, I would suggest few have given much thought to their HR strategic plans. So here’s my shortlist of HR “habits” every leader and company, big to small, needs to incorporate into their 2015 plan (and every year thereafter).

8. Why You Should Stop Using Unpaid Interns 12/16/2014

   Interns have been used in many companies across almost all industries for dozens, if not hundreds of years. Many SMBs find the use of interns invaluable, as they can ease the burden of operations from both a staffing and financial perspective. Additionally, many interns gain valuable skills and connections as a result of their exposure to their chosen profession, and these are the “perks” many employers hang their hats on. 

9. Your Small Business Is Compliant, Right? Probably Not. 10/6/2014

   I can hear you saying, “Why yes, of course it is!  We’ve crossed all our T’s, dotted all our I’s, paid a lot of money to get it right, WE’VE GOT THIS!”  And I’m sure you do...when it comes to the IRS, OSHA, and whatever other agency we can think of with regard to your operational structure.  But what about your HR processes?  Can you honestly say you’ve got this?  I’m betting you can’t. 

10. When It Comes To HR, You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know 9/4/2014

    Most small businesses out there are “building the engine while flying the plane” with regard to their operations, and human resources is no exception. In many cases the HR process isn’t even considered until after employees have been hired, and even then not so much.