November 6th, 2012 – I received a lot of feedback to my last article, “Challenge Job Candidates with Real Scenarios During Interviews or Risk Getting Blind-Sided” (10/23/12), mainly along the lines of “Did this really happen?” and “I’ve heard of such scenarios but never really believed it.” I kid you not. The situation was real!

In this edition, I want to use another all-too-real scenario to underscore the importance of spending time interviewing and really getting to know potential new hires.

November 6th, 2012 – Although certainly not everyone’s favorite dispute resolution method, the requirement that disputes be resolved by private (for profit) arbitration appears in many contracts. Of course, unlike a trial, the cost, including hefty filing and arbitrator fees, and facility and administrative charges, is borne entirely by the parties.

Would a dispute be resolved by a court, instead of the use of arbitration as required by the provisions of a contract, if any of the parties is truly unable to pay for an arbitration?

October 23rd, 2012 – The CEO informed his company’s “Chief First Impression Officer” (CFIO, the individual at front desk) that several candidates for Manager of Marketing Services were coming for interviews. Wanting the organization to put its best foot forward, the CEO gave a list to the CFIO so she could prepare to meet and greet each applicant.

The CFIO created personalized visitor tags, custom schedules and information packets containing marketing material for each candidate. She contacted every employee involved in the interview process, reminding each of when and where, and also set up the interview room so that it included three chairs: one for the candidate, one for the CEO and one for a consultant (yours truly).

October 23rd, 2012 - The famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde once said, “The final mystery is oneself.” But how do you unravel the mystery that is you? Here’s the formula:
Experience + Reflection = Insight

Reflection is different from introspection. Introspection is simply looking in. Stopping there not only limits your perspective, but it can even diffuse it. In fact it can lead some to pessimism, or even depression.