Disqus - Latest Comments for Frank

Re: Michael Jackson Is Dead and I Don’t Care

Frank — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:04:01 -0000

Pax...I am going to tell that one a thousand times, with attribution. LOL...god, I hated that child molester.

Re: Michael Jackson Is Dead and I Don’t Care

Frank — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:05:38 -0000

Moni, I know what you mean. I was crazy into Thriller, but that child molestation stuff makes me nuts and I actively hated him. I know some freinds will be mad, but I can deal with it. The media acts like the child molestation stuff was incidental because he was talented...I cannot every fathom that.

Re: Google Image Labeler and Tom Sawyer

Frank — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 18:06:45 -0000

I have to try out Netfilx. I'm still an HBO subscriber, but since The Sopranos seems to run only every year-and-a-half I'll try it out. And try their "Recommendations" game. Ugh, just what I need, another distraction. ;-)

Re: Top Ten Internal Website Goofs

Frank — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:21:27 -0000

Very interesting. I'm sure that internal wesbites don't start out as a mishmash, but they end up growing and the weeds sometimes outnumber the flowers. It's eesential in this electronic communication world to use the best design and usability possible. Great list.

Re: Managers Need Training, Too

Frank — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 15:29:39 -0000

I'm looking forward to hearing more about this topic...managers and "management" are so important, yet, we find that they're often overlooked skills. It's amazing how good technicians are promoted to management positions often without the management skills traning that can help them be as effective as motivators as they are as technicians (and I'm not talking about superficial "feedback seminars" and the like as a proxy for real, in-depth training).

Re: Employee Engagement and Creativity

Frank — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 06:37:27 -0000

Hi Martin, sorry, but we have comment moderation on. Now that you've left comments your future comments should show right away.

I'm with you on the motivation. In fact, we used to ask the question, "That employee was the best person you could hire at the time, right? So, what did you do to him?" My point is that quit-and-stays, on some level are unrecoverable. And they can drag down a company or group. This is a bit of a "Beware of the Study of Turtles." Focusing too much energy on the "nont-engaged" can be counter-productive at some level. But not letting people get that way...now that't sto your point. And it's HR's job to provide the tools to help everyone be engaged and motivated.

Re: Managers Need Training, Too

Frank — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:03:06 -0000

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.

I love that one. And it's so true of managers. Ed...what you say about the basics is compelling. L&D; often forget about that to chase after the "latest and greatest" management theory when a little pitch-and-catch might be in order every now and then.

Re: Seat Backs and Truthfulness in Their Full, Upright and Locked Positions

Frank — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:06:44 -0000

I was just laughing at that one. I don't think there's a better alternative than to make the emergency announcements...and I'm sure that in times of trouble equipment has saved lives. But, it seems, so has fate -- where a person sits on a plane, who they sit next to, what they had for breakfast.

I liked the article The Trouble with Bad Probablity Estimation...and it was about truth in that sense. But heck, when I get on a plane, I just want to get there...and I want to be safe. I'll go with that. And, with a little humor mixed in...I'll go for that!

Re: How Do You Say “Top 10 Best Presentations Ever” In…?

Frank — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:10:31 -0000

Priit, thank you. I just couldn't tease that one out. Cheers.

Re: Random Management Statement Generator

Frank — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 08:11:36 -0000

That is funny. Good one. I could have an entire site devoted to Dilbert...but Scott Adams already beat me to the punch.

Re: A Diversity Gut Check for You

Frank — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 17:56:09 -0000

That article references a BME law consideration. From how it appears, appearance can be regulated as long as it's not a "protected class" issue. From what the law says, companies can make their own rules and ees have to follow them. More importantly, though, is the idea about diversity, and that's what I was trying to go at here. Sure, body mod is a choice, but I think people have to look inside themselves about diversity if they truly want to be aware of built-in prejudices.

Re: Five Things UnitedHealth Group Should Say to Its Employees

Frank — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:21:10 -0000

Thank you. It seems so obvious, doesn't it? But it seems like people have forgotten. Doing the right thing is so simple....but has seemed to hard when groupthink takes over. Strange. Thanks for the feedback. I'm hoping UHC is listening.

Re: Interview Bloopers

Frank — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 21:41:34 -0000

The Fish Handshake is the worst.

Re: To Motivate, Get Attention

Frank — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 21:42:37 -0000

The critical thing is the move from awareness to action. It's essential. Too often companies and campaigns get stuck in second gear. Scaring people works...up to a point.

Re: Confidential Do Not Distribute

Frank — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 22:41:04 -0000

It's so important to go back and check. A big knock in blogging is that people write and aren't accountable (the weatherman syndrome). Thanks for going back and looking. The cool part -- people took the warning seriously. "Infinitely better than generating interest, substantially more important than getting attention, readers were motivated to change their behavior. That's the ultimate reward for a communicator "action" it is what we work for every time we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)" is very well said.

Re: Seeing (Product) Red

Frank — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:21:45 -0000

Wow, "Red stock options." How great would that be. One percent of the value to a great cause. Wow.

Re: Seeing (Product) Red

Frank — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:22:12 -0000

Charlie, I like the visible component. That is so true...front of mind is great.

Re: How to Give a Great Presentation

Frank — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:56:46 -0000

Megan, so true....say what needs to be said, that's good advice. One of my favrote quotes is "Thank goodness for the man, when nothing else needs to be said, doesn't spend 15 minutes proving it."

Re: Money Is Not Everything

Frank — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:17:41 -0000

Building something meaningful is so true in any profession. Yes, I kept reading even though I'm definitely not a programmer...but the ideas here are commutable. Great article.

Re: Fake Pink Slips and Spear Phishing

Frank — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:19:46 -0000

Charlie, right, my sense was that stuff like that shouldn't get through. What I read, though, was that the phishers are getting smarter...spear phishing is low volume so the spam algorithms don't seem to catch them as easily.

Re: Got Ethics?

Frank — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:21:40 -0000

So true...I didn't think about inflated resumes, but that's a killer, and not in the good way. It hurts in business to see cheaters and scammers get away with it. That is super demotivating.

Re: Splashed

Frank — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 11:20:51 -0000

LOL, yep, sty close to the building is great. I need that. And a rain suit.

Re: Performance Is Punishing

Frank — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:01:23 -0000

Get back to work. ;-)

Re: A Definition of Teamwork

Frank — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:29:35 -0000

No, that's really a guy. A producer from a long time ago. Yes, I thought this quote hit home. LOL.

Re: Silence Your Cell Phones…

Frank — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:23:44 -0000

I think they are louder. I know at the ballet I can hear vibrating phones several times during a typical performance. I wonder what's wrong when people can't even go to entertainment and spend two hours without a call. Phones can be put on silent, too. It's the whole thing about important versus urgent.

Re: Presto! Get E-Mail Without a Computer

Frank — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:04:36 -0000

I'm a boomer myself (1959), but didn't see myself in the technophobe category, I guess I thought that product was cool because of the access to those who simply don't have a computer or high speed internet. You're right, ageism is something to watch for in work situations. Good point. I was more laughing about execs who have their e-mail printed out in 2006. I think some of them are technophobes.

Re: Making Z-List and Checking It Twice

Frank — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:09:34 -0000

I'm delighted by this one...it's so fun to find more reading material, and this made it so that I found your very good work. Fun stuff!

Re: Sorry About the Downtime

Frank — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:30:13 -0000

No, it was an intermediary...a service provider...the biggest cable company still continues to provide great and uninterrupted service.

Re: Telecommuting to Career Oblivion?

Frank — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:33:24 -0000

ROWE has an interesting conundrum...getting to know someone is part of being in a company. I suppose that could be done by telephone, in our business we certainly work enough by phone. In fact, I once worked with a client in Germany for a year, talking to him every day, and I felt like I knew him when I finally met him in person. It can work, but it will be an interesting challenge to balance the results-only versus promotability. One final thought: perhaps people who choose to work off the ranch all the time are exchanging that benefit for career advancement. After all, why do we work in the first place?

Re: Dumbest Moment in Human Resources - 2006

Frank — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:10:25 -0000

Wow, Megan, I think you have a topper there! Amazing story...and how sick is it to "wait him out"? It's the ultimate in making someone redundant. Sad indeed.

Re: Let’s Give Bad Bosses the Boot

Frank — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:12:46 -0000

Megan, so true. It's funny how many workarounds there are as a result of "bad managers." I'm not sure why the mirror isn't turned around. But I'm quite certain that bad bosses have to go. It's funny, I've been reading a lot of Bob Sutton's commentary on the "No A**hole Rule." So many of them out there.

Re: Dumbest Moment in Human Resources - 2006

Frank — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 07:51:27 -0000

Bill, "because it's the right thing to do" is a good mantra for life, and so true that HR needs to be the ones who lead by example.

It is astonishing how boneheaded some decisions can be...and I bet you're right, that people didn't start out trying to make bad decisions. I've often thought that HR appeals to two types of people: those who genuinely like people, and those who want to stick it to people. Teaching has a parallel: the teacher who cares about students and sees them as individuals, and the other type, who didn't like school, and now is going to make it as unpleasant and painful as possible. I like Type 1: The Good Guys.

"Having a place at the table" means standing up and doing what's right, even when doing what's right isn't the most expedient or politically palatable.

Re: 22 Percent of Philadelphians Have Dream Jobs

Frank — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 09:37:32 -0000

Wow, good deal...it took me a little longer, like about 44 years, before I could be counted in the 22% camp. It'[s clear sailing from here on out!

Re: Awesome Music, Innovative Business Plan

Frank — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 10:42:55 -0000

Okay, I am listening to the Top 20 stream right now with my morning coffee. Fun stuff. I'm going to invest. Just going to figure out who. I like the French one, Clemence, so far.

Re: Awesome Music, Innovative Business Plan

Frank — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:22:22 -0000

I "believed" in two artists -- Clemence and Daniel Ward-Murphy. Ward-Murphy's song "She's a Knockout" is my new favorite song.

Re: Grammar Girl’s Tips for Better Writing

Frank — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 12:18:59 -0000

Hey, good luck...Coffee Break Spanish really helps, but I bet after a short time in Nicaragua you'll be quickly up to speed.

Re: Dell: Dude, You’re Not Getting a Bonus

Frank — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:31:51 -0000

Megan, so true. It does take real strength to say, "We didn't do what we said we would do." I know that bonuses can practically become guaranteed in employees minds...this is a wakeup call that it's about pay for performance. I think the straight talk that Michael Dell used was great. Nice to see from the top of the house.

Re: Dell: Dude, You’re Not Getting a Bonus

Frank — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:30:37 -0000

Jay, I guess I mean "courage" to say "we're all in this together." It's true that bonus weighting needs to be more toward individual performance at non-exec levels, but there must be a threshold of company performance at which no one can be rewarded. Unfortunately, annual awards start being viewed like that...as a standard piece of total cash.

Are you saying that there are still bonuses/LTI for directors and higher?

Re: Dell: Dude, You’re Not Getting a Bonus

Frank — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:40:42 -0000

CF, best of luck to you...and you're right, "reducing bureaucracy" generally means layoffs. Zoiks! I always hope when there's a reorganization that it shakes out the deadwood and the low performers. Sadly, that's not always the case...and soem groupd end up "paying" more than others. The really scary part is that layoffs can become part of a company's management approach...once they do it once it can get to be a habit. A long time ago I worked for a very high performing healthcare company that was shocked when HMOs and managed care came about...they did a massive layoff...and have done one at least every year now for 20 years.

Re: Take the ARSE Quiz

Frank — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:24:44 -0000

Um, I answered 4, but I'm not certain that I couldn't have been a 10, and not in the good way. I proposed on Bob Sutton's site that this could be a really great 360-degree reivew tool. Imagine that...your score (how you see yourself) and your peers'/direct reports' grade (how others view you). Pretty cool stuff.

Re: Dell: Dude, You’re Not Getting a Bonus

Frank — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:32:37 -0000

Wow, I was astonished to read that ANY bonuses were paid. I mean, "we're in it together" doesn't ring true when "some animals are more equal than others."

I've always felt when things get bad, really bad, that those who can leave, do leave.

Re: Google Is a Great Place to Work: The Video

Frank — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:57:46 -0000

Ah, I hope this one is fixed now. Sorry about that. Thanks (danke) Antje!

Re: Performance Management or Madness?

Frank — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:30:49 -0000

MPB: That is the oxymoron, isn't it?

John: Excellent post. I'm a big fan of Peter Scholtes' The Team Handbook...I used that quite a bit at one time when I worked in industry and we were doing quality pushes. So true with Dr. Deming and Sholtes that appraisals don't work. It's not how we run our da-to-day lives, but we are told in management that performance reviews are the way to go. Hmmm...

Megan: I'm a little biased toward the first title myself. Good point you make about even the selection of the words...they imply that negativity.

Thanks so much for the comments all. This is an interesting topic...and when we started our little company, one of our tenets is "no performance reviews." Every day is a way to improve.

Re: Why I Blog: The Meme

Frank — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:06:14 -0000

Hi Wendy, that makes me laugh. Yes, it's mainly the ADD...I just buried it fifth because I was being shy!

Re: It Pays to Be a Slacker

Frank — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:20:05 -0000

As I was thinking about this, it's a mixed item...there's the slacker issue, and then there's the take credit issue. Oftentimes they're on in the same, so I blended them together. Slackers are the best at taking credit for work they didn't do. It's an art form.

Re: Why I Blog: The Meme

Frank — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:01:25 -0000

JT, it's an idea virus, something like an idea in this case that self-replicates because people tag others...and with 55 million bloggers, some memes really catch on.

Re: Why I Blog: The Meme

Frank — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:14:15 -0000

Hi Robyn, I'm always looking for justification, so I'll go with your take -- smart people work quickly. Yea!

Re: Teambuilding Idea: Learn Japanese Writing

Frank — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:46:06 -0000

Hi Robyn. I've always felt that learning a few words in many languages is a way into cultures. When I saw these Japanese flash cards I thought they could be helpful. How cool would it be for team members to recognize a few words in Japanese...and as you say, it might be a gateway to learning much more about the culture (even by visiting japan). I'm a big fan of "the buffeting winds" approach to life...I never know where the next thing I learn might lead.

Re: Creativity Stimulator: Tanaka’s Auto Door

Frank — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:16:18 -0000

Charlie, good point. I suppose they might need to do the door in acrylic so people don't bump in...or they could have In and Out doors.

I don't know about the HVAC. This is more aesthetics. I want one of these in my house. ;-) And Just because it looks cool!

Re: Why I Blog: The Meme

Frank — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:18:28 -0000

Hi Dawud...absolutely. Great service and website you have going. You're on my RSS and blogroll now

Re: Daylight Savings 2007 Checklist for HR

Frank — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:51:33 -0000

Bill, this one could be a decent-sized headache. Timetables for trains, planes, and automobiles are built on the schedule. Payroll, too. I know it wouldn't be a disaster if people were late to a meeting by an hour, but the distraction multiplied out thousands of times (how many people have events already scheduled for March/April that have the wrong time?) can cost real money.

Re: It Pays to Be a Slacker

Frank — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:27:59 -0000

Hi Greg. I agree, Jane should go and find a place that appreciates her effort. The difficulty is in the execution of pay-for-performance, though. Lots of companies say they pay for performance, few really get around to it. I guess I was trying to contrast hard effort and slacking...I agree that people need time off. And I think people can take time off and be great performers. Where companies and comp philosophies fall short is when the "McDonald's Factor" comes into play...when people put in so much extra effort and all they get in return is minimum wage (realizing that I'm writing this about more highly-paid ees).

Re: Praise, Performance Reviews and Risk-Taking

Frank — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:17:20 -0000

I do worry about the attenuation of risk when kids are praised for being "smart" instead of for working hard and being smart. I have this discussion in my own household all the time...my teenage boys sometimes think being the first to hand in a test is worthwhile...I explain that doing your level best, and exerting effort, is essential. A little of that Vince Lombardi speech rings in my head.

Re: HR Conundrum: Can an Employee Be Fired for Visting Adult Sites at Work?

Frank — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:54:53 -0000

Wendy, it is one of those things that I have read and re-read. Incredible the nerve of some people. Just amazing.

Re: The Old Blackberry-and-Chain

Frank — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:20:47 -0000

Bill, LOL. Finger puppets fall into the "retro is new" category.

Re: Albert Einstein’s Performance Review

Frank — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 07:30:20 -0000

Robyn, that is funny...it's a wonder in this era that what often gets talked about is "diversity of thought" but what gets rewarded is compliance and capitulation. "Bonehead" is one of my favorite words, btw.

Re: Albert Einstein’s Performance Review

Frank — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 17:45:08 -0000

Robyn, I saw a quote from Scott Adams of Dilbert fame, that I think sums it up: It’s important to agree with people if you want them to think you are a genius. For most people, the definition of smart is‚ “Thinks exactly like me but even more so.”

I really enjoy your work. It's nice to be among the like-minded.

Re: How to Have Great Meetings

Frank — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 17:48:54 -0000

Hi Sean. I somehow missed reading Death by Meeting. I'll wander by the book store tomorrow and grab a copy. Looks like excellent material. Fables are accessible...I liked The Goal for that reason. Thanks for the ref.

Cool stuff you have going at Community Group Therapy. I'll send you a note about your HR/Web 2.0 question.

Cheers.

Re: How to Have Great Meetings

Frank — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:06:46 -0000

Albert, I'm afraid how they are at your office is sadly how it is in many places. I do think there's a social aspect to meetings, but beyond that, there has to be a darned good meeting leader...and a commitment on everyone's part to get things done. Otherwise...total waste.

Re: The Old Blackberry-and-Chain

Frank — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:08:59 -0000

Albert, I must say that I was a little surprised by the stats...only 19% work 50 hours or more. There is almost no one I know - or have known - who works less that that. It might say a little bit about the consulting field, but wow. And yes, a few more hours, yes. A whole bunch more not connected to electronics would be great.

Re: Power Words for Your Resume

Frank — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:11:50 -0000

Alex, that is a very good and complete list. Amazing resource, actually. Thanks for doing that! I think a lot of people would do well to check out what you wrote there.

Re: World’s First Google Earth Resume

Frank — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:31:05 -0000

Hi Amanda...I'm with you, I'm much more fascinated with the creativity...clones are a dime a dozen.

Re: What’s Your Mindset? Is Talent Nature or Nurture?

Frank — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:15:44 -0000

Hi Mary-Louise...Guy is always so on the money, I could link daily! I really appreciated this find...I'm looking forward to reading this book.

Re: Great Film Speeches

Frank — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 06:32:30 -0000

That may be one of the very best Subject lines ever: I love the smell of data in the morning.

Re: What’s Your Mindset? Is Talent Nature or Nurture?

Frank — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:06:31 -0000

Robyn....so true...one time does not a skill make. Rewiring seems to be at the heart...and I've learned a lot reading your work...it's such interesting work for HR, especially because there are segments of HR that like the "idea de jour." It takes more for an idea to hold is what I hear you say...unfortunately people move along too quickly to the next thing before perfecting the one they're working on.

Re: Just Because You’ve Been Diagnosed as Paranoid Doesn’t Mean That Your Company Isn’t Watching You

Frank — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:35:28 -0000

Chris, that is another really great story of e-mail staying around...and being used. Amazing about that one. I wonder what it costs to wash shame out of his clothes.

Re: Just Because You’ve Been Diagnosed as Paranoid Doesn’t Mean That Your Company Isn’t Watching You

Frank — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:41:48 -0000

Scott, that is a zoiks! moment. I guess that I can think of ways that companies can make sure their employees are not working in a hostile working environment and still not be Big Brother. Wow, 60 people. What was the 'for cause" element? Misuse of company resources? Or was it about porn specifically? In other words, was it bandwidth and not content?

Re: Just Because You’ve Been Diagnosed as Paranoid Doesn’t Mean That Your Company Isn’t Watching You

Frank — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 21:53:38 -0000

Ah, yes, the denial. It's the Prisoner's Dilemma. And inevitably there's evidence. Add this to another cautionary tale. Wow...I can't imagine how upside-down it must have been minus 60 people, no matter the size of the organization.

Re: iPods for Docs

Frank — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:44:05 -0000

That's very interesting, Charlie. Behavioral modeling works. Cool idea.

Re: Some Great Presentation Advice

Frank — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:36:27 -0000

John, I was glad to. I meant what I said...really good piece of writing and advice!

Re: Some Great Presentation Advice

Frank — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 21:12:13 -0000

Hi Santosh, I really liked John's advice on that post. And what you say here is true: be an expert and plenty to say...don't come up thin.

I also like what you're doing on Art of Speaking...and I added you to the blogroll and to my daily reads on Google Reader.

Cheers!

Re: Some Great Presentation Advice

Frank — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:59:33 -0000

Hi Megan, I really like The You Blog...glad you do too. And isn't it so true about presenting? It's a long way away from those first times trying to memorize...

Re: Your (Internet) Reputation Precedes You

Frank — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:22:47 -0000

People need to err on the side of caution when they're looking for a job...or well in advance of it.

Re: KnowHR Blog Named One of the Best of the Web by Human Resource Executive

Frank — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:23:12 -0000

Thank you!

Re: Don’t Phone in Your Phone Interviews

Frank — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:24:43 -0000

Hi Penelope, excellent writing on Brazen Careerist...I really enjoy it. Thanks about HRE. Cheers!

Re: KnowHR Blog Named One of the Best of the Web by Human Resource Executive

Frank — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:48:43 -0000

It's been fun...and even more fun reading other great material...lots of space to cover in the HR business!

Re: Your (Internet) Reputation Precedes You

Frank — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:25:59 -0000

Alex, those hotmail addresses still astonish me. And as you say, the internet is everywhere. Zoiks!

JT: Digging the Ziddio. Super high production quality on there...

Re: KnowHR Blog Named One of the Best of the Web by Human Resource Executive

Frank — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:21:44 -0000

Scott, thanks very much for that! This one made me smile.

Re: Your (Internet) Reputation Precedes You

Frank — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:22:54 -0000

John, excellent point and resource there. I know a guy in IT at Penn who GOT his job because of the cool things he does blogging and tech writing. So, you point is well taken!

Re: Communicate Benefits, Not Details

Frank — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:15:35 -0000

Hi Santosh. Isn't that a universal piece of advice? It's that old adage of "A picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words will never describe a picture."

Re: 10 Ways for HR to Think Different

Frank — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:24:08 -0000

John, you now have me activated to look that up. I used to laugh about pay plans that "needed" to be changed each year. How could that be? I'm going to do a little research...mayeb you and I could co-publish something.

Re: Incredibly Clever

Frank — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:25:27 -0000

I really can't believe how good that site is. I think she deserves a lot of sales just because of her creativity. If her writing is even 10% of her creativity then it's going to be an interesting book!

Re: The World’s Shortest Blogging Policy

Frank — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:29:30 -0000

Speak naturally, act naturally. That could be a slogan!

Charlie, you're right. I'm a fan of "Do the right thing," and I believe that policy can never be encompassing enough to get all the watch-outs! I like the /. karma approach -- earn your way in.

Re: 10 Ways for HR to Think Different

Frank — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 07:42:47 -0000

Megan, those are great. Trust me: Prove it. Wow. Yes, that wouldn't even work with children, would it? And yes, poor performance always seems to be the employee's "fault." Interesting perspective.

Re: Don’t Phone in Your Phone Interviews

Frank — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:47:46 -0000

Dave, that's so true...smiling translates on the phone...excellent advice.

Re: What Everybody in HR Ought to Know About Blogs and How to Read them Fast

Frank — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:08:54 -0000

Hi Robyn, I wonder if you're right-clicking or left-clicking. I'm not a PC user so I'v e kind of forgotten how it works, but I believe that right-clicking should bring you to a menu that allows you to "Save Link Location" or something to that effect. The RSS button is a proxy for the link location.

Thanks for brining this up...I think I'll clean up the text on this post a bit because it's confusing on the re-read.

JT, thanks, my friend. I know there's lots of ways to skin a cat, but I thought I might as well give the straightforward, simple one that I use. It works, and who can argue against that?

Re: What Everybody in HR Ought to Know About Blogs and How to Read them Fast

Frank — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 08:26:13 -0000

Robert, isn't it so true. I mean, it's 2007, and it seems like it should be time for people to adopt modern technology. RSS readers are part of that. The reason I was so insistent about Google Reader was because I didn't want to give a bunch of options...fewer choices for people who don't normally use readers is probably a better way to go. Thanks for commenting on this!

Scott, "Please write in English" is the very best advice of all. I'm fortunate right now to be working with a client (an HR executive) who is the clearest at speaking and writing that I've ever seen. It is a breath of fresh air...and his (very, very large) company's employees appreciate that.

Re: What Everybody in HR Ought to Know About Blogs and How to Read them Fast

Frank — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:20:47 -0000

I'm glad it worked....I'm going to provide a service and create Frank's List of the Best HR Blogs in OPML format that can be blended into a Reader.

Re: Would You Stay if Your Vested Options Were Worth Millions?

Frank — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:26:18 -0000

Chris, I fear I'm in that camp too. As much as I love what I do, digging my toes in the sand and having the biggest decision I make every day being where to have lunch is a bit more compelling.

Re: Tell the World About the Best Recruiting Website and You Can Win an iPod

Frank — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:04:30 -0000

I'm just seeding the comment cloud....first!

Re: Tell the World About the Best Recruiting Website and You Can Win an iPod

Frank — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:06:58 -0000

Okay, John, I gotta believe that you know one or two. ;-)

Laura, thanks...you're really the first one! And that's a cool site.

Re: Victimized by Choice

Frank — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:49:57 -0000

Tom, good point. I think choice, up to a point, is good. After that, it's just laziness. 50 choices in the 401(k) plan is no better than three. So, showing people that they have lots and lots of choices isn't always the best approach.

As you say, give them the tools to make decisions.

Re: Tell the World About the Best Recruiting Website and You Can Win an iPod

Frank — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:27:07 -0000

JT, that Campbell's one is very good.

Re: Tell the World About the Best Recruiting Website and You Can Win an iPod

Frank — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:34:41 -0000

Santosh, that's a good one. I'm a big fan of all things Whole Foods, so this just adds to it.

Re: Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success

Frank — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:56:08 -0000

Hey Tom, that has been a boon to me in keeping up with friends and various thinkers around the world (including you!). Glad that's worked for you...it's been transformative for me...just have to watch the reading addiction. ;-)

Re: Women Make Less Than Men: 5 Things HR Needs to Do Right Now to End Pay Inequality

Frank — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:48:30 -0000

Steve, that is an excellent point...and maybe some advice for newly-graduating women: Ask for more. Well said.

Re: The 4-Hour Workweek

Frank — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:54:50 -0000

Scott, that joke does crack me up. I've seen variations on it from time to time. I like consulting, too...a lot actually. I'm just so intrigued, though, about working four hours a week. Being in the business, you know: There's no such thing as a day off. Go on vacation and work just accumulates. Fun work, but work all the same!

Re: How to Finagle a Day Off

Frank — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:07:25 -0000

John, for some reason that one cracked me up. I must have been in the mood for some HR humor.

Re: How to Finagle a Day Off

Frank — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:08:06 -0000

Scott, LOL. Wow...I guess that's one form a flex day...although I must say that our Labrador Retriever, Snickers the Wonder Dog, is a family member. In fact, she gets more of the bed than I do! So, sick days to tend for an ill pet...I might need to sign on for that. ;-)

Re: For More Creativity, Raise the Roof

Frank — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:47:32 -0000

Okay, that sounds like a super book! That's funny about the artist's studio...Q.E.D.

Re: For More Creativity, Raise the Roof

Frank — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:06:47 -0000

Biil, did you "sneeze" when you said "horseshit"? LOL. I do like the limitation of the pueblo...You make good points, and I don't think that all creativity comes from people with high ceilings, otherwise we'd all work outside...or in the naves of gothic churches. I do, however, believe in feng shui and the "feel" of some places. Creativity bubbles.

BTW; That's a very creative counterpoint, much more clever than "Jane, you ignorant slut," which I understand was written in a small, cramped office at SNL. I don't think you need a tall ceiling to be creative...so point made!

Re: For More Creativity, Raise the Roof

Frank — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:50:38 -0000

No sorrow, all joy, is what I learned from a famous Philadelphia Philosopher King...and in a conversation, especially a really good one, I like the exchange of ideas...I'm a fan of being made to think every day...to invoke another philosopher, namely Socrates: The unexamined life is not worth living. I try to remember that daily.

Re: How to Finagle a Day Off

Frank — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:29:53 -0000

Alex, LOL. It's all about the sick days. ;-)

Scott, I understand that the new haircut policy is that haircuts should be done at lunch on your own personal time...unless you own an Old English Sheepdog, then you can have half a day.

Re: There Are Better Ways to Make Career

Frank — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:34:06 -0000

John, you're right, in Europe the rules (and the sensibilities) are different then they are in the U.S. I have to say, that poster was pretty shocking, but I guess that was their point...they ended up with derivative advertising. I agree with you, they could have done something provocative without the graphic graphic and still told a story about their company.

Re: For More Creativity, Raise the Roof

Frank — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:37:50 -0000

Hi Robyn,

That's funny that you say you go outside. I really liked that piece you wrote about learning styles and creativity...the naturist, that's what I believe you called a person who is energized by going outside. And yes, if high ceilings invoke creativity, then under the unlimited sky should be the best place to create.

Re: Recruitment by Music Video

Frank — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 14:46:17 -0000

It looks like a single shot...and a fun one at that...those guys have a cool workplace anyone could aspire to.

Re: How Many Birthday Wishes Do You Send Out Each Year?

Frank — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:49:51 -0000

Well, it all goes by in a blink of an eye.

Re: How Many Birthday Wishes Do You Send Out Each Year?

Frank — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:02:51 -0000

Hi Robert...yes, getting personal, being authentic, that would work. And I think it would be a good idea; maybe it would keep the C-Suite a little anchored in "why we do this." Excellent idea about the internet approach...that's fun!

Re: Best Buy’s Results-Only Work Environment

Frank — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:16:13 -0000

Hi Michael, I was listening to NPR on the way home today, and they were talking about how more and more companies NEED to get with the telecommuting program. They were talking about it in the context of the bridge collapse in SF Bay....but were saying that being at work was a bit of a waste.

Your story is a powerful one...crazy how that stuff works with face time. Giving good meeting...beauty!

Re: Advice to HR Writers: Pluck Your Little Flowers

Frank — Fri, 04 May 2007 11:55:08 -0000

Hi Donald. First, thanks! It's tough blogging each day to get the pieces down to their essence. I do better on some days than others. We're all still learning, is right.

Bill...more of the less is more!

John...I know you do it...everyone who has commented here I have a read a lot...but not with wasted words!

Re: HR Consulting or Corporate: Which is the Right Career Move for You?

Frank — Mon, 07 May 2007 10:10:01 -0000

Hi Scott,

It is a personal preference...and a certain skill set...the selling part in consulting can be daunting to some...I really did go to Disney World, btw...I even went in It's a Small World...oldest one in there without a kid.

Re: Congratulations on Your Promotion

Frank — Mon, 07 May 2007 10:14:44 -0000

LOL..."management porn." You do have a way with phrases...still laughing.

Re: Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success

Frank — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:35:35 -0000

Hi Jason,

I do think that Brazen Careerist is the book to read this year...it's really a wakeup call. Thanks for the kind words.

Re: The 4-Hour Workweek

Frank — Tue, 08 May 2007 11:24:04 -0000

Hey Trisha, I read about half this book this morning on the train (fast read, slow train). It's really excellent, and I'm going to wrote more about this. Your summary is excellent! Outsourcing is right. I like that.

Re: Hey, HR, You’d Better Hear This

Frank — Wed, 09 May 2007 05:50:38 -0000

Scott, that's a great reference. Right on.

Re: HR Consulting or Corporate: Which is the Right Career Move for You?

Frank — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:04:59 -0000

LOL, Rick.

Re: Hey, HR, You’d Better Hear This

Frank — Thu, 10 May 2007 18:32:59 -0000

Hi Paul, I will take you up on a few questions and send them your way. It's a VERY interesting product you've developed...i just wonder about the IT shutdown possibility.

I'll send you a few questions. Thanks much for stopping by!

Re: George Carlin on Employee Engagement

Frank — Mon, 14 May 2007 06:29:33 -0000

Hi Self: That's an excellent point and quote. What a forward-thinking way of looking at engagement...plan for them to be productive and fruitful. Right on.

Re: The Worst Recruiting Video Ever

Frank — Wed, 16 May 2007 11:11:24 -0000

Mike, thanks for that recommendation.Cool one.

JT, it is a train wreck...and I keep going back to it...like a canker sore I keep biting on.

Re: Speak Up. No, Shut Up.

Frank — Fri, 18 May 2007 07:06:53 -0000

Ubermensch, you make a very good point: There's a need to speak up once or twice to see what happens. Often very few repercussions. I like your third point...shock therapy!

Re: All Work and No Play

Frank — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:43:56 -0000

Scott, I agree, I think Robyn's blog is really great stuff. And the Made to Stick reference...right on! Fun is as important as the grind.

Re: Why Managing People Is Like Gardening

Frank — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:52:40 -0000

Robyn, well said. I was worried I was stretching it a bit, but it does seem that TLC is the answer to employee engagement...works at home, works at work!

Re: The. Best. Order. Update. Ever.

Frank — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:52:31 -0000

LOL...I was looking for the banner over the Phillies game last night.

Re: What Would HR Do With Barry Bonds?

Frank — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 11:23:18 -0000

Gary, that's one of my favorite books this year. As you say, it what HR SHOULD do...the sticking point is will they? It's a tough conundrum.

Re: The Best Communicators Know Both the Pareto Rule and the Dilbert Rule

Frank — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 05:40:46 -0000

Hi Laura, well said. Yep, that's a good way to characterize them...we reprint if they want. Or make those "happy-to-glad" changes. I've learned to let go with word changes, but I do try to alert people that every change is a chance for an error. And generally those "happy-to-glad" changes are requested when the airplane is just about to touch down on the runway. That's a dangerous time for a course correction. Ah, but in this business it's the nature of the beast.

Re: The Best Communicators Know Both the Pareto Rule and the Dilbert Rule

Frank — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:31:04 -0000

Hi Donald, yep, that's my approach too. I give advice, but when it comes down to it, we do what the client requests. And yes, I'm happy to make changes when it stands between our work and getting paid for it.

I often tell young editors that they should not read a piece the first time with a red pen in their hand. That just begs "editing." I say "Read for meaning, first, then edit." I'm a light editor as a result...maybe it's my age, maybe it's journalism training, but I like to write it down and get outta there. I've almost never found that having "extra time" to edit makes a document much better. Usually that editing effort is dilutive.

Re: Never, Ever Write an M&A Theme Song

Frank — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:30:12 -0000

Thomas, I'll definitely go along with professional production. I definitely think there's a place for that...and video is very powerful. It's just that the use of U2's One was almost so ironic. I love video...but I'm not sure that two dudes from corporate signing some hokey lyrics are the thing...pro video like you produce, yes, clients should go for that.

John, I have to say I'm still cringing while I watch this one.

Re: Never, Ever Write an M&A Theme Song

Frank — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 06:49:46 -0000

Hi Hollyster...yep, I posted that one a couple of weeks ago....another in the series of scary corp. videos. How funny is it when people think they're doing something great but not realizing how really bad their stuff is? That E&Y; one is really something....thanks for finding the B and A one...funny as heck!

Re: They Were Great When You Hired Them

Frank — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:31:32 -0000

Thanks, John...I've been spending a lot of time in my yard, so my HR thoughts turn to gardening metaphors pretty quickly these days!

Re: Recruiting for Hot Jobs

Frank — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:54:37 -0000

Ann, I couldn't agree more...there isn't enough money printed to get me to do that job. I have acrophobia something fierce, so the idea of sitting on a seat jutting out from a helicopter just doesn't cut it with me.

Great answer on the pay question. I swear, I wondered if those people make a million dollars a year, or if there's an ample supply of risk takers who are willing to put on a Faraday suit and risk death for $50K a year. I'm just not sure. What got me wondering about that job was whether it's something akin to recruiting for a CEO...they talent pool is small and the risk is great. I'm going to do some digging and see if I can find that guy on the tape. I'm going to ask for an interview, and I think question #1 will be, "How much do they pay you?"

Thanks much for the considered comment. I really appreciate that...good reading over at Compforce, too. (http://compforce.typepad.com)

Re: If an HR Department Sets Policy in the Woods and No One Listens, Does It Make a Sound?

Frank — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:58:05 -0000

Hi Robert, I've seen a parallel over the couple of decades that I've been playing in HR, as well. I have worked with some really amazing HR leaders who have had more than a place at the table, and I've seen my share of "chameleons."

That whole "place at the table" issue keeps hanging around. I think some have solved it...I certainly know one senior HR leader right now who's leading the charge...but until the administrivia is looked at as just what it is, I'm afraid asking to be at the table will fall on deaf ears.

Well said about conceptual thinking and emotional intelligence...that will win out. I just hope it's not in 2015!

Re: They Were Great When You Hired Them

Frank — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:00:06 -0000

Robert, what a great reference to "Being There." I love that film. That $100 hole sure seems apt for a way to think about early nuturance, as you say. It's so funny how easy it is to forget to plan early and check often.

Re: A Little Background on Background Checks

Frank — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:56:39 -0000

Meg, it always amazes me that people lie about that kind of stuff that's so easy to verify. That's a great story about the "rounding error." That's a first for me; I'd never heard that term applied to resumes and degrees. That's just brilliant!

Re: New Executive Hires Need Some HR Hand Holding to Keep from Stumbling

Frank — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:15:43 -0000

Eric, that is a very good point, and an excellent way of referring to the picture of what the new place is like: RJP.

Heck, they make brochures for summer camp and vacation spots, and you go to those only for a week or two. A job is a long-term commitment (generally). It's good to know what it's like before execs get there (or anyone, for that matter).

Re: Can I Give You Some Feedback?

Frank — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:34:35 -0000

John, you crack me up. LOL.

Re: New Executive Hires Need Some HR Hand Holding to Keep from Stumbling

Frank — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 06:38:58 -0000

Scott, great point, as always!

I guess in my mind's eye it's about HR telling an authentic story....but that's the rub. I'm not certain that HR (or any single group for that matter) really knows "the story." As you say, "covert" culture is out there lurking and more powerful than any process can capture.

What I'm thinking is that HR can facilitate a "what it's like to work here" approach that gets at the sacred cows and general feeling of a company. It's a little of the Johari Window work -- being aware of yourself and aware of how others perceive you. Maybe there's room for companies to conduct a Johari assessment of themselves (whether formally or informally) and then at least they would know. What drives me nuts is to hear companies call themselves "high involvement" or "employee engagement" places, only to be the first to smack down ideas and cut 10% of the workforce each year.

It's a conundrum. I'm going to follow up with the professors and get more feedback on what's required...and the "how" of letting execs know about culture.

Re: We Are (Not) Family

Frank — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:59:28 -0000

Wally, that's an excellent distinction between "we're a family" and "its like a family." That does make all th difference. I'm working with a client right now that clearly has a family atmosphere, and they say it. The cool part is that they mean what they say -- people support each other and get things done. They work hard, and they are able to go home. They are super high performance, and they don't have that frantic feel that goes along with companies that say they're "family oriented" but mean something else entirely.

Robert, it is about watching out for warped behavior. It is amazing how far we've slid so quickly! I do think there's ample room for a little morals and ethics grounding again in companies. I know there's been a lot of training on the ethics topic, but I'm talking about the real deal, and in ethical behavior, not just dialog.

Re: Just Brilliant

Frank — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:33:23 -0000

Scott, I was really dazzled by this story. Just this week I told a version of it to a client group, too! I was about how that client doesn't outsource, and has a huge call center function that would be "easy" to send offshore. They don't...and they're profitable. This story really drives that point home.

Re: Help Employees Understand the Value of Their Benefits

Frank — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:58:41 -0000

Wally, isn't that the truth? And it always seems to be the most difficult to get through to senior leadership...they often think if they say it once, that's enough.

Re: Help Employees Understand the Value of Their Benefits

Frank — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:52:45 -0000

Bill, thanks. This is some pretty current thinking based on some solid ideas in play at the WLCC. ;-)

Re: Employee Satisfaction or Serfdom?

Frank — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:41:55 -0000

Scott, well said, a always: "Intellect will become the boss."

Megan, nice list that is right on the money. Wow, so true. That 'proof" one gives me chills (and not in the good way).

Re: Want Them to Learn Quickly? Let Them Make Mistakes

Frank — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:46:06 -0000

Wally, that's even more to the point. Experience is a great teacher.

Re: eBossWatch Knows if You’ve Been Bad or Good, So Be Good for Goodness Sake

Frank — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:06:32 -0000

Wally, good points. I think the site is only a couple of weeks old, so it's in its infancy. They are just getting the word out now.

As far anonymous input goes, I don't see any other way of doing it. What they are doing at eBossWatch is to limit to one IP address, one vote. In other words, no one can game the system and keep hammering a single boss.

Yes, I think Asher will read your comment here and he might want to take the part about "response" under advisement. It would be good for a boss to be able to defend himself. Even write a profile of his management style.

As far as your first comment, really super point: The best bosses create environments where there is BOTH high productivity and high morale.

Re: Want Them to Learn Quickly? Let Them Make Mistakes

Frank — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:00:42 -0000

Hi Tom, what you say is right on the money: You cannot be afraid to let people make mistakes. But that's a tough leadership lesson...I used to talk about Power, Permission and Protection to make management work. Protection is about making it a safe work environment to reach. And as you point out, making mistakes isn't the same as letting them fail. So true!

Re: Mock Dock for iPhone

Frank — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:51 -0000

Hi Justin, thanks for letting me know that. Fixed now. Cool.

Re: I Owe My Soul to the Company Store

Frank — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:58:47 -0000

Wally, you are so right. I guess it's the "actions speak louder than words" aspect. Talk a lot, do little doesn't get people ahead in their careers or lives.

Re: Simple Communication Works Best: Apple’s Finger Tips

Frank — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:47:56 -0000

Thanks, John. Isn't it the truth? I appreciate the compliments.

Re: You Know What’s Demeaning? The Monthly Birthday Cake

Frank — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:12:49 -0000

Hi Robyn. This post is a little snarkier than I normally write, but it does get the sentiment across, I suppose. I do think your "multiple intelligences" work influences my thinking here...and it is about the personal touch. Grand gestures made inauthentically are sad and are no substitute for real management.

Re: Who Reads KnowHR Blog? Got 37 Seconds?

Frank — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:17:31 -0000

Hi Scott...I was at a Web 2.0 conference last week, and a lot of people were talking about demographics. I thought I'd give it a try...so far a few over 100 people...I'm hoping to get a good sample size, so I'm shooting for a thousand....we'll see. I'll publish results once I get a decent sample. Already have some cool stuff.

Re: You Know What’s Demeaning? The Monthly Birthday Cake

Frank — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:19:36 -0000

Meg, excellent pints. I do like the birthday person bringing in a treat...that worked super great in Amsterdam. And as you say, it's about some personal attention. How true on so many levels, and a birthday mention is just one of a thousand that could be done well (or at least, bettter).

Re: Facebook Connections?

Frank — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:25:38 -0000

Lisa, please do. I think Facebook is really what LinkedIn wanted to be. It's really the place for connections now. I'm amazed at how quickly the connections are coming.

Re: Michael Moore’s Sicko and Some Thoughts About Ethical Compensation Practices

Frank — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:41:30 -0000

Steve, thanks....I got pretty hot about this one. Hopefully the movie will make its way to Osaka...and hopefully your healthcare there is better than in the States...Moore made the movie for the 250 million Americans who HAVE health insurance. They're the ones featured, and it's scary. So are unethical pay practices. Yikes!

Re: Michael Moore’s Sicko and Some Thoughts About Ethical Compensation Practices

Frank — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:09:26 -0000

Hello, Dr. Peeno. Well, wow. I feel very strongly about this issue, and I think there's much to be done to make this right. Your comments make it clear that there's so much to know and so much to do.

I'd really like the opportunity to talk with you. I'll send you a personal e-mail about that. I think it's high time for HR professionals to get involved in the issue of ethical compensation and you've been leading the charge.

Thanks so much for your considered comments here. I'm honored...and looking forward to talking with you.

Cheers.

Re: Do You Offer Peternity Leave?

Frank — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:31:56 -0000

Rick, that's funny...I like the idea of pet days. I agree that vacation or personal days are the way to handle it most equitably. This is more about an acknowledgment that pets are an important part of many of our lives. Honestly, I like clients and my career, but my dog comes before them. That whole issue in the Four Hour Workweek brings it home: Why do we work? For me, doing good work is important, but it's not the only thing (I know for a fact that it's not for you, either).

Re: Do You Offer Peternity Leave?

Frank — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:32:48 -0000

Hi Brett. I couldn't agree more with what you say: "What I do on that day should not have to be explained to my employer." I'm a big fan of the idea that companies employ adults, and adults don't have to "explain" where they are if they're doing the work they're asked to do. Adults can manage households, raise children (like you), and somehow manage to get to work. I don't think they need to be treated like children once they get to work.

Yes, bummer about the lack of paternity days. I have friends in Norway and Sweden, and that's where they have the parenting leave down right. New parents can get up to THREE YEARS off....amazing, right?

Say, congrats on the new baby, by the way. What a delightful time for your family!

Re: Think Not, Do and Social Media

Frank — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:06:14 -0000

Hi Chris,

I thought what you wrote was so right on the money for business. I've passed your article along to many of my consulting colleagues -- how true it is that accomplishment matters. In the Self Esteem Movement Era of 2007, too many people have been brought up on the "nice effort" platform. That's just not good enough, as you point out.

Yes, I do think that HR's job is to help employees be successful. Unfortunately, too often HR can get caught in the back office stuff. Or worse yet, the punitive actions. How about HR uses performance management to help everyone be successful? That would work for me!

Thanks much for your powerful post...and for your comments here. Back at you about your work.

Cheers.

Re: What To Do When Someone Tells a Racist Joke

Frank — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:05:58 -0000

Carmen, it's really brilliant stuff. Cheers.

Re: Can I Give You Some Feedback?

Frank — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:33:41 -0000

Thanks, Wally. What you say it right on the money: Say what you want to say. Whenever someone tries that sin license with me -- can I give you some feedback? -- I'm already on the defensive. It just doesn't work. Your approach is the best approach: Tell them the facts and be logical. Have a conversation. That's what adults do...and it works.

Re: Slackers, and Proud of It

Frank — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:40:38 -0000

Robyn, you're right. There's a creativity link, and I was anxious about writing this while ignoring that angle. Thanks so much for bringing this up. I should have defined "slacking off" as putting off the important for the shiny-shiny. That's been my observation.

Re: Executive Pay as a Multiple of Average Worker Pay

Frank — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:08:59 -0000

John, I see that Bob Nardelli, after getting a $210 million "retirement package" is going to head Chrysler. $210 million just doesn't go as far as it used to. Gimme 10% of that and I'm on some island soaking up the sun and pina coladas. I do think we need to get this under control, but there is the powerful "market forces" argument. That would hold for me if pay was really tied to performance that they influenced...like indexed options do.

Really good reference article, btw. Cool title and strong ideas.

Re: eBossWatch Knows if You’ve Been Bad or Good, So Be Good for Goodness Sake

Frank — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:11:20 -0000

Hi Chew,

I'm sorry it was so long before I commented back...I wanted to think about this for a while. And I think you're right, when a sociopath is allowed to defend himself, then that can ruin the idea of watching bosses. Bosses, and especially the bad ones, have the upper hand all the time, and maybe this isn't the place to allow that.

I'm sorry about your personal experience. No one should ever have to put up with that. I hope you're in a good situation now.

Cheers.

Re: What Do You Do If Employees Don’t Do What They’re Asked To Do?

Frank — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:11:41 -0000

Tom, I'm a bit of a hardass, so my first inkling is boot them to the curb. I really do believe that performance is punishing otherwise. Great advice, indeed.

Brad, really interesting perspective. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stuff. So true about peer pressure and self-directed teams...I think that's a real answer.

Re: What Do You Do If Employees Don’t Do What They’re Asked To Do?

Frank — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:05:31 -0000

Hi Michelle, I thought your post (and many others) was great. I mean, really great. You NAILED it. And I have had a parallel experience, I find myself working harder than anyone who works in the firm I own. Crazy, isn't it? I mean, I don't mind working, but when I was young I did the same thing. Now, as a full-fledged grownup, I'm still the guy doing it.

I one time said to my teenage boys, who were inside while their mom, my wife, was outside planting trees. I mean, when I was a kid, I couldn't imagine doing the same. Then again, my dad would have had me bleeding out of my ear. Same situations at work. Crazy, I think.

Thanks so much for such great work. I am dazzled.

Re: The Job Was Mine, but MySpace Tripped Me Up

Frank — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:24:00 -0000

Hi Doug, really interesting take. And I really dig your writing...interesting. Tubes is cool....yep, keep your "interesting" stuff offline, or at leat out of sight.

Re: What Do You Do If Employees Don’t Do What They’re Asked To Do?

Frank — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:08:48 -0000

Notice of Intent to Play Hardball. Fabulous! Wally, you make a good distinction between a one time event and bad behavior. I believe that most people want to do the right thing. But when they go bad, they get bad, and that ends up not working out.

Re: The Job Was Mine, but MySpace Tripped Me Up

Frank — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:10:11 -0000

Wally, thanks. The job is to get great people...I'm not sure if I like companies getting into private matters, but that's just a difference of opinion.

Re: How to Talk to Your Employees

Frank — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:59:32 -0000

Hi Anna, really great work that you do. I work on the internal communications piece, and it does always astonish me that companies talk one way to customers and another to employees. I've found that the best companies reconcile that, but it also takes a lot of guts and determination from the internal decision makers to stay with the plan. Sometimes the path of least resistance is to do plain vanilla. Sad, really.

I really like and admire your work. Your podcasts accompany me on my train ride into Philadelphia. And your sign off is just brilliant. I smile each time I hear it.

Re: In Praise of the Black T-Shirt at Work

Frank — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:05:27 -0000

Hi Jim,

Comfortable is what works. I know that people in suits get more attention and conferred prestige, but there is something about being able to get oxygen to the brain without a tie.

It's funny, someone who works with us recently was at a client site and said, "I did most of this work with no socks on. Now it's tough to be there in a tie." I laughed.

Cheers.

Frank

Re: Some Spelling Errors Are Worse Than Others

Frank — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:08:00 -0000

Hi Tammy,

There is something that drives me nuts about the focus of the communication amateurs' focus on little words while losing track of the what you said: the intent and frame of mind. You're so right, when you take care of the broad elements it takes care of itself.

Funny picture, huh? Yep, that is a Midwestern thing, so it resonates with us. I don't know why this whole idea cracks me up so much. I guess it's the idea of saying "Chi-town" as "shy-town" all that time and never once hearing letters transposed. I live in Philadelphia now, and I *do* hear non-natives every once in a while call it "Phil-a-del-thee-a."

Re: HR Communication Lesson: Speak Plainly

Frank — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:53:17 -0000

That makes it better for everyone...and yes, it is fun for the communicator because when it works it really works. That's the fun part. I'd speak in Olde English if it would work...it's about getting ideas across and breaking through the clutter.

Even if this bag is terrible it won't be because I like these guys. There's a lesson in that, too, I think.

Re: Want a 3-Minute Master’s Degree in Communication?

Frank — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:56:46 -0000

John, thanks much. I am just crazy about that song, and there's really something embedded in those lyrics. It's so true. I like communication to do good, but it can go the other way just as fast. John Popper is one really brilliant musician...and lyricist. Music is communication!

Re: Want a 3-Minute Master’s Degree in Communication?

Frank — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:35:56 -0000

Hi Scott. I've tried music as well with clients with varying success. In the past, it was that it's hard to get a sound system that works adequately. Often what sounds great on the computer doesn't do so great on speakers in a large room. I have use Baroque music as part of accelerated learning to great effect.

Glad you liked Blues Traveler. I'm sure I've missed a lot of UK artists in parallel.

Say, one big outcome from my KnowHR survey was that readers want more of an international flavor. I would love it if you would be willing to contribute an article here and there or to cross-post the really great stuff that you write.

Cheers

Re: New Employee Orientation Comic Book

Frank — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:58:13 -0000

Tammy, that made me laugh, too. There's so much texture to the doodling that I could spend all day looking at it. Austin is very clever...and this made me laugh, too.

Re: Why Do You Work?

Frank — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:18:56 -0000

Robyn, thanks. I think Jessica Hagy really does some outstanding work...and I thought this one captured the essence of the day for me today.

Re: Why is Money Not Motivating to Employees, But it is to Managers?

Frank — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:52:54 -0000

Yvette, it's one of those things that's a funny contrast -- we believe that money doesn't motivate others but it works for us. That bonus plan you talk about is a scary one. Hmmmm, says me.

Re: Five Reasons Pay-for-Performance Fails

Frank — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:36:24 -0000

Rick, I agree, it's the boss, or the evaluator, as you say, that matters. My bigger argument is that companies talk a good line, spend inordinate numbers of hours planning, and then muff it. Why not just give the merit increase like peanut butter, save the headache, and move on?

Charlie, you're so right about the metrics. That's where the rub is...and after a while companies seem to let them drift so that none of them are meaningful, or worse, so that they're gamed. I'm a fan of no reviews...but that's just me.

Re: Communication Lesson: Let Them Know What’s Happening

Frank — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:19:00 -0000

Hey, John, I'm not sure I could wait four hours for anything, including Santa! That 3-minute line looks long, though, it's 2/3rds of the store...I have to believe that ge a lot more business by letting newbies know that it's a short wait.

Have you ever been on a cave tour when they turn off the lights? I went on one and they turned off the lights, waited, then turned them back on. They asked people how long it was...many, including me, said minutes. It was TEN SECONDS. Crazy.

Thanks so much for your great comments...it really adds to the texture of these discussions.

Re: How to Deal with Liars at Work

Frank — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:23:00 -0000

Jim, that "gramdmother test" works. Cool to hear about you used it where it really matters...that's a place where people are under duress, and it's essential that they consider their actions in advance. In journalism grad school we had to go through lots of scenarios where we had to consider if we would intervene in a story...ethics required that you knew what you would do before you did it.

Thanks about my son. I wasn't proud about the rat thing, but it was satisfying at the time. Sometimes you just have to walk away.

Joan, thanks so much! Powerful story you tell there, too. It's sad when one's reputation is questioned, especailly if it's unwarranted. There are some scary people out there...which is good for Dilbert but not so great for regular workers.

Re: How to Deal with Liars at Work

Frank — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:24:21 -0000

Rick, it does astonish me when people have to tear others down in order to feel good about themselves. They're toxic -- the third rail -- and my best solution is to stay FAR away from them

Re: If Motivating You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right

Frank — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:59:32 -0000

Robyn, that Wegman's example is a great one...treat them well, pay them a good wage, and voila!

Rick, yep, this is an intellectual exercise...and one I'd like to explore more with you...I think it's high time to question the status quo, and there's no one better prepared than you to discuss how this would work. It's a thought provoker....a brilliant comp person told me last night this might work for a while, but then all the highly-paid people would want to preserve the status quo and their high pay, ruining the approach. It's still fun to fantasize though, isn't it? A little blue sky thinking never hurts.

Re: If Motivating You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right

Frank — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:21:40 -0000

Rick, it's a small group that you are in. You know who she is. ;-)

Re: Your Mission, Vision and Values Sound Like Gibberish to Employees

Frank — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 08:55:32 -0000

Hi Andrew, I'd say a LOT of them I've seen, even the ones that aren't intentionally funny. They're written by committee, which, as we know, doesn't work. (I often say to my communication clients when we're talking about the need for an executive editor: None of us is as stupid as all of us.)

I'm afraid that mission/vision/values statements are just that in a lot of organizations (not all...and I have a couple clients who talk about them daily and use them). Statements don't work...it's about the behaviors. So....many, many, I'd say....but not all. (I'll let a few off the hook.)

Re: Your Mission, Vision and Values Sound Like Gibberish to Employees

Frank — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:27:54 -0000

JT, that would have been even better...dangit, I missed it. I was thinking about that poor sucker standing there and trying not to laugh. Great observation!

Re: Your Mission, Vision and Values Sound Like Gibberish to Employees

Frank — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:17:02 -0000

Albert, that's funny, I had to go back and watch that one. Mission/vision/values statements make me dumber for having read them!

Ubermensch, you're right. Maybe I need to listen better.

Re: Employee Engagement, Athletic Attitude, and Breakfast Sandwiches

Frank — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:11:04 -0000

John, thanks so much...it was an enjoyable experience this morning and top of mind as I wrote this post. funny how it works, isn't it? Sometimes better writing comes out quickly rather than with a lot of thought

Re: Employee Engagement, Athletic Attitude, and Breakfast Sandwiches

Frank — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:38:22 -0000

Rick, I'm going to do a follow up article about this tomorrow...I still have some to say about the topic. I agree that we rarely hire for that trait. You can't teach coachability and desire...maybe there's a business scouting model out there...wanna start a new business?

Re: Employee Engagement, Athletic Attitude, and Breakfast Sandwiches

Frank — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:17:11 -0000

Albert, it's part of being in the club...it's a great feeling, whether at a pub or at Cosi. It makes me loyal to the place, which is what all the "engagement" mumbo-jumbo is supposed to result in -- business success. I can imagine that it would be easy to blow me off, instead that one guy does it right...and it matters to me.

Re: Communication Lesson: Let Them Know What’s Happening

Frank — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:17:09 -0000

Gary, really great points. It's not "communicating" when data is tightly held or delivered at the wrong time. Having systems in place to make good management decisions -- and motivating employees -- that's value add. As you say, open and easy-to-use, that's the essence.

Re: HR Shadow Puppets

Frank — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:04:41 -0000

Bill, isn't that fantastic. And since you're the inspiration for this post, I'm gonna guess you could have these mastered by the end of the Labor Day holiday! Wouldn't that just be the best, to go into a meeting and do this instead of a PPT? Fab! Now I'll have to find cool finger puppets.

Larry, excellent. How funny.

Re: About Shared Responsibility

Frank — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:49:09 -0000

Hi Myrtha, thanks for that. I thought the story was a really good one about accountability. $100 wasn't going to do it.

Yes, I knew it was a Bible verse, but I couldn't remember the source off the top of my head and remembered that JFK quoted it. My lazy self...I'll fix that now. Thanks!

Re: About Shared Responsibility

Frank — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:51:31 -0000

Rick, I think that story and how you constructed it was brilliant. Plus, you applied Advanced Parenting on that one...don't get mad, take a breath, and then apply justice. Really good lesson for me, and yes, translatable to the work environment. Well done!

Re: Google Interview Questions

Frank — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:53:51 -0000

Bill, I think that kind of creativity is one in a million...lol. Very clever.

Re: Cool Little Perks

Frank — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:35:23 -0000

Carl, I think you're right on the money. It's really connecting with people. I used to work for a firm where once a year they would take all of us who worked in the New York office to a Mets game. It was not genuine, came with all kinds of rules about how much time could be spent and how to handle billable hours, etc. It was yucko. What you describe with your team is what real leaders do -- help people work hard and also help them decompress. Plus, recognize that people are away from their families enough. Excellent points!

Rick, ain't that the truth? No amount of fun things will overcome a crappy environment. It's lipstick on a pig.

Re: A CEO Who Listens — Steve Jobs and the iPhone

Frank — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:32:16 -0000

Rick, I may be still caught in what they call the Steve Jobs Reality Distortion Field. You were the first to bring it to my attention...maybe this was all planned. Okay, I'm a sucker. But I still admire they PR initiative. I bit. And isn't that what we want...that we get "listened to" even if it's not really listening? (Politicians have this down in spades.)

Re: A CEO Who Listens — Steve Jobs and the iPhone

Frank — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:41:43 -0000

Robyn, I think that whole design aesthetic is about listening. I'm in the fanboy camp, so my judgment is a little skewed. But I do think it was the right thing to do, and there are not that many CEOs who will make a decision like that. It could be a $50 milion bottom line decision. And that takes guts.

Rick, there's ample room for high antenna alert on this.It's interesting to watch it play out.

Re: Jerk Free Jobs

Frank — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:45:07 -0000

Chris, really great point about hating the job versus hating the boss. Big difference. Realy cool phrase you use. I like that. Thanks for the kind words...and back at ya!

Re: Cool Little Perks

Frank — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:47:14 -0000

Chris, yep, great persk at a bad company is like putting lipstick on a pig. It doesn't work. I'm a fun of having it work in concert -- perks, motivation, talent. Google seems to have it figured out.

Re: All Work and No Play Makes Jack Welch a Dull Boy

Frank — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:28:24 -0000

Robyn, you are so good at talking about the play element...I think I must have been inspired by your good writing on the topic. Play and naps, those are two hot buttons for me.

Re: The Way to Overcome Company Myths

Frank — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:35:17 -0000

Rob, it's right...it's about storytelling and not just trying to say uh-uh. That doesn't work. How funny because it's so counterintuitive.

Re: All Work and No Play Makes Jack Welch a Dull Boy

Frank — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:36:01 -0000

Rob, very interesting read and take, indeed. I'm looking more on your site...excellent stuff.

Re: Cool Little Perks

Frank — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:09:05 -0000

Albert, you know the city...maybe there's a business idea in there for you...something at the intersection of city knowledge, clubs, New York attitude and photography. Hmmm...I bet Google would pay for that.

Re: Tell Your Employees to Sign Up for the National Do Not Call List

Frank — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:50:55 -0000

Mark, cool. Glad it helped.

Re: Be Honest in HR Communications

Frank — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:34:47 -0000

LOL...there are some "duh" ones...that is funny.

Re: Be Honest in HR Communications

Frank — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:26:59 -0000

Kris, that series is cracking me up. Some of the best Dilbert in years. Yes, co-insurance is another great one...euphemism in HR.

Say, I'm a little slow on the draw with my Google Reader and posted about HR Exec Pay...then saw you did a very good post on that...I need to get more reading time and less work time. Is that work-life balance?

Re: Our Real Job in HR

Frank — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:17:42 -0000

Rob, that a very interesting take on the jobs and how they are involved in building value for the company. The transactional stuff is the "hygiene factor," they best that can happen is that HR gets it right, otherwise it's all downside. Thanks for the good definition here. That's excellent.

Re: An Odd Thing about HR Communication Consulting

Frank — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:29:48 -0000

Rick, wow, it's happening everywhere.

Bill, that's certainly the kind of sample that runs through my mind and into my cartoon balloon.

Michael, yep, it's about the audience. But what ends up happening is that they can't discern that a particular piece was made for a particular audience at a particular time. Funny, but people aren't all that imaginative. Couple that with a conservative nature anyway and you have a formula for a bad idea.

Re: An Odd Thing about HR Communication Consulting

Frank — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:00:40 -0000

Wow, JT, pharmacy analogy gave me a chill -- the good kind. And in the vein of "Good poets borrow and great poets steal," you can bet that I'll be using that one many times. Brilliant, just brilliant. See, I was more prepared to "go get more samples in the car." Being clever is much better.

Re: An Odd Thing about HR Communication Consulting

Frank — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:42:54 -0000

Hi Trisha....wow, long time, so I'm really smiling. That's "conservative," not "Conservative." I'm using that term in the low risk taking vein. LOL.

Re: What Are You Doing with Your Dollar-Paid Expats?

Frank — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:41:19 -0000

Capybear, it's amazing that companies still think that way. It's not that hard to figure out how to do it right.

From what John says, there is a way -- agree to a fixed amount in local currency after taxes. I do know that the acounting firm I talked to about this told me that it was unusual for a company to not give some kind of protection...but it's one of those easy things to overlook until it's too late.

Re: An Odd Thing about HR Communication Consulting

Frank — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:42:45 -0000

Trisha, it's pretty cool...it means I made it! Hey, I'll send you a note on Wednesday (my outbound mail is hung up in the server at this hotel in Denver). It's nice to be back in touch. Really great, actually.

Re: Our Real Job in HR

Frank — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:52:53 -0000

Scott, I've been following you on this one. That's a great take on it.

Re: What Can I Do To Get More Discussion Going at KnowHR Blog?

Frank — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:20:07 -0000

Steve, you are a lovely, lovely man.

Re: What Are You Doing with Your Dollar-Paid Expats?

Frank — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:28:46 -0000

Jack, I had that sense that most companies do it right. The really funny part was that I was working for a firm that consulted on that very topic. The accounting firm I was dealing with told me I was one of the cobbler's children. Glad to hear it works right...in my circumstance I still am happy that I didn't take that job..I would be broke now.

Re: Employee Communication with the Human Flipbook

Frank — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:53:20 -0000

Bill, LOL, that's about right. Fortunately today I only got through the Pentateuch.

Re: Superstars with Attitude

Frank — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:55:23 -0000

Rick, really excellent analysis. You make a good point about practice versus the game. The counter to that is what that attitude does to the rest of the team. How does that show the rookies the right thing to do? You're right about the line...it's a slippery slope when you start letting go.

Re: Ultimate Interview Question

Frank — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:43:14 -0000

Bob, those are great. I wonder how people would react in an interview if instead of the mundane, "So what have you done before"" questions they got ones like this. It surely would open up the conversation.

Re: Ultimate Interview Question

Frank — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:44:20 -0000

Oh, and I just HATE it when they ask if you need change. I'm glad that my dad is long gone because I don't think I'd want to be in a restaurant when they asked him a question like that. (Old school Chicago cop. No way.)

Re: Ultimate Interview Question

Frank — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:27:06 -0000

What a great discussion.

Alex, I just can't imagine how you can get into one of those seats. I'm only 5'11", and I have no leg room. I always feel bad for tall guys who have to endure that kind of torture. And it's just so amazing that people will try to keep jamming the seat back on you when it's clearly against your legs. I'm with you on your "irrational hope" that if you don't put your eat back others will reply in kind. Somehow it never works, does it?

Scott, the integrity challenge question would get the gears going!

Michael, powerful point. I guess questions can't be based on totally arbitrary standards, but I could stipulate that all candidates are qualified, and we're looking for that je ne sais quoi. I don't know how that ever holds up in court. We'll need to keep tracking your blog to find out! Thanks for that reality check...it helps.

Jay, I do think this one's about being aware of other people an teamwork. What I always tell my boys is if there's nothing else I want for them, it's empathy. To understand that we're all in this together. To be able to put themselves in some else's shoes....or airline seat. They're still young enough...I tell them they can't put their seats back. It's my contribution to civilized air travel.

Gina, wow, good one. I never thought about that question but asking about firing someone has import on so many levels. It's about evaluating, process, and looking at the effects on people. Excellent.

Rob, that's so funny. We have a loud office, too. I know what we do...we have iPods. And when someone is wearing an iPod, it means "leave me along, please." But that's provocative. It would tell about preferred working style, for sure. The answer you get from the young ones these days, though, is "turn it up."

Bob, great point, And yikes about the Euro. Seeing your spending power go down daily is just no fun. I was in the Netherlands during the change from the guilder to the Euro, and overnight the prices went from guilders to euros. It was 2.2 guilders to the euro, so right away a meal doubled in price. Ugh. I fell for you, man.

Re: What Can I Do To Get More Discussion Going at KnowHR Blog?

Frank — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:38:43 -0000

Carl, that is so kind of you. Thanks, man! I like your idea about sharing ideas in that way, It's a way to get the party started.

Charlie, you won't have to wait long. ;-)

Scott, lol, HR are the thought police. We know what you're thinking!

Paul, I've been talking to people for days about your comment here. It's so right on the money. You're right, with my personal blog it's a way to talk to people who I know. With this one it's more of a news item. I can read the newspaper, enjoy a story, and move on. Just like you pointed out...they don't need commentary.

It's funny, blogging a few years ago was about comments....but your post here has me really thinking. I do like Kris's approach...write stories that are worthy of passing along...that's a good standard. And I think your comment here should be front-and-center in the discussion of the maturing of blogs. Thanks much, Paul, for stimulating my thinking on this.

Re: Communication Lesson for the Day

Frank — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:31:54 -0000

Michele, I wish I was that clever. Actually, it was 5:30 in the morning and I pushed "publish" before I spell checked. Sorry about that. Thanks for catching it! Corrected now. Ugh.

Re: Communication Lesson for the Day

Frank — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:44:43 -0000

Rob, good point. "Interesting" is in the eye of the beholder. I do think there are ways to make uninteresting topics interesting. Freakanomics comes to mind. Gladwell does the same with social theory. Clarence Dick Hardt did it with online identity. Not everything is interesting...but important sometimes. I suggest that getting people to pay attention to important things is critical. Long-term disability comes to mind. Know why a lot of people go bankrupt? Lack of long-term financial security. So, important but perhaps not "interesting"?

Bill, I like pictures. They sure can move a story along. It's why I liked Fun With Dick and Jane when I was a kid. Picture books worked then, and they still work now.

Scott, we've done communication rollouts for companies who were in 100+ countries. We translated....but we also did pictures. Lots of them. It works.

Re: 10 Ways to Know It’s Time to Dump Your Consultant

Frank — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:50:30 -0000

Hey, Tuna, yep, I was thinking the same thing. This guy knows all the words to Viva Viagra.

Paul...that's so funny...and depressing, especially because my job is a communication consultant. I have a client meeting this afternoon, and I'll take your words under advisement. LOL..two ears, one mouth. Coincidence?

Re: 10 Ways to Know It’s Time to Dump Your Consultant

Frank — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 06:33:15 -0000

Ruthie, that makes me laugh...especially the last sentence. I may have to find a new profession...just to be transparent. ;-)

Re: The Strength of the Anti-Message

Frank — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:25:42 -0000

John, it's pretty amazing. It gave me a chill. Wow.

Re: The Strength of the Anti-Message

Frank — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:40:45 -0000

Wow, Charlie, yeah, that's something in its own right. Your daughter is the perfect age for the bombardment of advertising. That's just great. Pretty cool ad, huh?

Re: Mass Career Customization

Frank — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:15:09 -0000

Sandra, I see that you are, in fact, from MMC in Louisville. Why didn't you just leave a comment to that effect rather than trying to mask that you're from MMC? The funny thing is that I worked for that company, too, before all of the illegal activities and federal judgments against the company and before the stock price tanked from $100 to $34 overnight.

I'll act as editor myself and clean the ONE reference to MMC and convert it to MCC.

Re: Employee Engagement, Athletic Attitude, and Breakfast Sandwiches

Frank — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:43:11 -0000

Chuck, that's great leadership too, that you've got going. It's hiring right and showing the way. There's definitely something going right with your shop, and I can notice it even when new people come on (the reality in retail). Good leadership combined with good hiring and some expectations sprinkled in and you get it. I'm a happy customer of Cosi Rittenhouse, and it's more than the very good food. It's about the people. Congrats on that.

Re: A Little Counter-Communication by SEPTA

Frank — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:15:42 -0000

Rick, good one, huh? I was dazzled by how good this was -- and on SEPTA. Even cooler. I'm hoping a few of those knuckleheads get the message.

HR Wench, you're right. That would be a great communication device. I'd wear one on the train!

Re: A Little Counter-Communication by SEPTA

Frank — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:52:21 -0000

Rob, lol. I should said what it stands for: SEPTA is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. They don't have the best rep.

Re: A Little Counter-Communication by SEPTA

Frank — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:52:56 -0000

ChrissMari, lol. You're right, it's funny when it's an entire convo. What I object to is "yell phones."

Re: HR Jargon Threat Advisory

Frank — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:08:08 -0000

Bill, you laugh, but I had a couple of colleagues at the old shop who had duct tape and rolls of plastic in case of attack. Since that never happened maybe I can borrow it and tape mouths closed when they are going to utter the bad words. LOL

Re: Just Say No to National Boss’s Day

Frank — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:17:15 -0000

Michele, that just seems right -- every day is National Oppressed Employee Day. LOL. Yep, let's work on making that day GO AWAY for 365 days a year!

Re: Just Say No to National Boss’s Day

Frank — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:30:14 -0000

Rick, well done. Yes, that's a good title for a day to celebrate. I'm a fan of telling people right away if they've been great...and then I tell them Happy Birthday on their b-day. That works. All the rest is fluff.

Re: Just Say No to National Boss’s Day

Frank — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:21:38 -0000

JT -- you are the "boss" of none and the leader of many. People should follow your example. My take on bosses is those types tell people what to do and hold a threat of jobs over employees' heads. (Even though "boss" meant something where you and I grew up.) Leaders influence and show the way. I like National Leaders Day. That's absolutely right. (I'm glad you got a card today...and I wasn't trying to disparage that part...just the idea that people are "bosses" over others.)

Re: HR Measurement: The Difference Between Correlation and Causality

Frank — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:13:28 -0000

Ah, Albert, I'd like to hear that. It makes sense...we believe things with stats even when they're wrong!

Re: HR Measurement: The Difference Between Correlation and Causality

Frank — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:13:05 -0000

Bill, I guess I'm not a WSJ guy, but I need to be. That column alone would be worth the subscription. Plus, that cool single column story that they do. Thanks for that ref.

That kind of teaching with your people is what's essential. As you say, get the numbers right and make them make sense. Very, very good indeed.

Hi Wally -- that's a really great example. And it really gets the mind moving...I am still moving my mouth around as I ponder that one. I'll borrow that one and give you attribution when I do.

Re: Just Say No to National Boss’s Day

Frank — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:15:38 -0000

Wally, you're right. I was being unnecessarily provocative. Great Boss's Day is tremendous. I am the lucky recipient of great leadership throughout my career and really appreciate those people. My rub with the word "boss" has to do with those who use it oppressively.

Re: HR Measurement: The Difference Between Correlation and Causality

Frank — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:31:10 -0000

Scott, you write some really brilliant material and I really like reading your stuff. You're a thinker in blogdom and I've learned a lot about your project approach. It's excellent.

Thanks for the article...nice work.

Re: What To Do When Someone Tells a Racist Joke

Frank — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:37:53 -0000

Hi Georgette, I thought this approach really can work. We're always so much better off when we're prepared for anti-gay/racist/sexist speech. You've probably heard it all, but it's nice to be able to say, "What do you mean by that? What's the funny part?" I just love the idea of calling people on stuff in a way that is both unsettling and constructive. A lot of prejudice is just ignorance. We can all work together to fix that part. The really bad people...they just have to go away.

Thanks much for your comment. I'm glad this is an idea for you to have. And congrats on your son! That's a wonderful age. Cheers to you and your wonderful family.

Re: What If You Hired Only the Best People and Paid Them Like Superstars?

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:04:22 -0000

John, lol....I'm against stats unless they work in my favor. ;-)

I'm really wondering about what would happen if a real company took the high priced approach. I know Netflix is doing it now and I'm going to try to interview them. It's a fascinating proposition. You're right about the stats, though. LOL.

Re: A Few Good Creative Men

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:05:17 -0000

Thank, John. I laughed about this one and watched it a few times. It's esoteric, but fun for those of us in the biz!

Re: HR Measurement: The Difference Between Correlation and Causality

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:11:07 -0000

John, that's a god one by Mark Twain. So true. My fave quote of all time is by Mr Hoderny: Get fired with with enthusiam or you'll be fired with enthusiasm. The best!

Re: HR Measurement: The Difference Between Correlation and Causality

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:02:35 -0000

John, that's even BETTER than the Vince Lombardi line...fun. That's the winner.

Re: A Few Good Creative Men

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:57:07 -0000

Bill, the only rage I get is when people don't understand that 5 lbs of sand won't fit in a 2lb bag. It is funny...I'm glad my cartoon balloon isn't visible sometimes, though.

Re: What If You Hired Only the Best People and Paid Them Like Superstars?

Frank — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:41:50 -0000

Albert, you got it. Now name another...I'm casting about looking for companies that target the 75th percentile for employee pay...or higher.

Re: What If You Hired Only the Best People and Paid Them Like Superstars?

Frank — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:41:31 -0000

Rick, that's the tick, isn't it? Ti understand what makes someone really great. In baseball it's pretty easy to figure out (Read: Moneyball). In business it's a lot softer. It's that old pay-for-performance conundrum: What comes first? And what's "performance"?

Re: A Few Good Creative Men

Frank — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:43:59 -0000

Regina, wow, that's quite a story, but sadly there are too man frustrated wannabe marketers out there. Everyone with a pen thinks he or she is a creative. I'm glad the top person said no...that needs to happen A LOT more often.

LOL about the use of tax money. All bets are off when amateurs think they're going to get their day in the creative sun.

Re: One Foot Out the Door: Required Reading for HR Strategists

Frank — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:44:30 -0000

Hi Terry, I'm sorry that I did miss the webcast, so I'll have to look for it in the archives. Thanks for the pointer.

Re: How Many of You Wrote Your Open Enrollment Materials in Plain English This Year?

Frank — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:43:55 -0000

JT, that's a post in its own right. You have the magic sauce...if others wanted to examine best practices, that's the model. Hey, how about creating a parallel award system to Best Places to Work, only just for the HR part? Baldrige has some elements of HR in their system. It would be interesting to have an award for HR practices where people who get 99th percentile ratings create the rules. Best Practices in Solid HR.

Re: One Foot Out the Door: Required Reading for HR Strategists

Frank — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:32:32 -0000

Hi Judy,

That's a really well done book. I enjoyed the flow and the lessons, both. And all the supporting documentation is just fantastic. I meant what I said: This is a must read for HR pros. Continued success with One Foot Out the Door.

Re: Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Teambuilding

Frank — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:26:07 -0000

John, you and me both, brother. LOL.

Re: What If You Hired Only the Best People and Paid Them Like Superstars?

Frank — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:42:26 -0000

Phillip, that's a brilliant analysis. Yep, in Moneyball it was about getting the metrics right. And as you say, the combo of correct metrics with fabulous talent and watch out!

You really have that right. Maybe it's Moneyball for Business. It's the essence of pay for performance and you're right at it.

BTW: Did you see the score last night? 13-1 Red Sox. Wow, those high priced guys paid off.

Thanks much for this thought provoking analysis.

Re: Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Teambuilding

Frank — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:00:14 -0000

Wally, that's so funny. It's the gimmicks that sell too often. Nuts.

Re: Left Brain vs. Right Brain HR: The Test

Frank — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 22:43:25 -0000

Scott, you're onto something...again!

Re: What Kind of HR Person Are You?

Frank — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:49:37 -0000

Perrik, you make an excellent point -- it is a bit about the culture. And as much as I'd like to think so, not everyone wants to or can change from a paternalistic culture to one of trust and support. There are rule followers out there, I'm just not one of them.

Rules yes, but each must make sense and be defensible. "Because I said so" just doesn't cut it with grownups. Glad you're doing the good work. I think there are a lot of good people in the profession, but it's the bad ones who can make it bad for the rest.

Re: What Kind of HR Person Are You?

Frank — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:48:14 -0000

HR Wench, now that's a good role model. Your mother sounds like a great mom...and a great manager. And as you say you learned, HR requires flexibility. People aren't machines, are they? ;-)

Philip, you're HR material. You're thinking about these things ina deep way...we neeed more like you in the profession.

Perrik, Great transition. I agree that it's essential to work on the business side. That gives HR people perspective.

Re: Golden Parachutes Should Be Made of Lead

Frank — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:34:21 -0000

Albert, it's one of the great mysteries of the universe. Being responsible with shareholders' money is paramount...so I don't get what happens. How in the hell, actually...

Re: What You Can Learn About HR Communication from FEMA’s Fake News Conference

Frank — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:11:48 -0000

My next blog is going to be KnowHR: The Distillation. It will feature the succinct and crystal clear JT summaries. Yep, that's it. Leave the thespianism to Jon Lovitz on SNL.

Re: Golden Parachutes Should Be Made of Lead

Frank — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:21:07 -0000

Michelle, maybe there is some sensibility out there! Thanks for that link.

Re: What’s Your HR Tagline?

Frank — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:54:15 -0000

JT, that's that a great one.
Michelle, Another good one, and LOL about the other. How true. You and I have the same tagline. ;-)

Re: One Foot Out the Door: Required Reading for HR Strategists

Frank — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:07:52 -0000

Suze, AMA that I'm referring to here is the American Management Association. Hope that helps.

Re: What’s Your HR Tagline?

Frank — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:28:59 -0000

HR Wench....lol. I love that movie, and that line.

Perrik...isn't that the bloody truth? Grow up, people.

Re: Quick Thought

Frank — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:10:33 -0000

HRW, ain't that the truth? I like to say that, and feel like whacking them in the side of the head (metaphorically...of course).

Re: Go G-Hog: Another Recruiting Video Goes Horribly Wrong

Frank — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:49:27 -0000

Wally, I should have written "It's less expensive to make a good video instead of one that sucks." The cost to a company's reputation is in full video glory when stuff like this is released.

HR Wench and JT: This one makes me gasp. I cannot imagine what they were doing.

Phillip, that's an interesting perspective. You get at the heart of irony and authenticity. If you're going to be ironic, you'd better know it.

Re: Go G-Hog: Another Recruiting Video Goes Horribly Wrong

Frank — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:54:50 -0000

Thanks, Michelle. I've had to watch this one several times because it's so nuts. LOL. It's G-Hog Day for me.

Re: Don’t Dumb Down Your HR Communication

Frank — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:14:32 -0000

Bob, I'm with you. It's a funny assumption, isn't it, that all communication has to be at an 8th Grade reading level. It's just not true. The same people who are sweeping the floors are reading Kafka and Ayn Rand. The know the deal. Talking down never works, and from where I grew up in Chicago, could get your ass kicked. (There's no delicate way to say that.)

Chrissmari, it's sad, isn't it, that we see this all the time. Ugh.

Re: Munchausen at Work: HBR

Frank — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:14:20 -0000

Michelle, really good piece of supporting data. It's such a real issue...and I think a big one. I'm going to do a couple more pieces about this...I want to think through the implications, as you say, on the micro and macro levels. I like the wording of the idea Dr. Bennett developed -- it's shorthand for a big issue.

Re: Don’t Dumb Down Your HR Communication

Frank — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:29:20 -0000

Rob, you got it. That's the formula.

Re: I Want to Hire People Who Push the Revolving Door

Frank — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:03:46 -0000

Matt, actually I mean just the opposite. People who push on the revolving door do more than they "have to." They cooperate. They more than pull their own weight. They help others. So I'm good with those people. The lazy asses need not apply...or get in front of me in a revolving door.

JT, thanks, man. Pushing on the revolving door is solid.

Re: Google Stock Options Rub Me the Right Way

Frank — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:53:29 -0000

Rick, well considered. It will be interesting to watch this story play out. But gosh, the lottery part. It does draw in the talent...at least for now.

Re: HR Communication Lesson: Surprise Them

Frank — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:57 -0000

JT, that's a pretty good one. I'm a compendium of useless knowledge...sometimes it moves into the useful category. Glad it did.

Re: Unique Isn’t Always What It’s Cracked Up to Be

Frank — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:22:00 -0000

Um, I should have done that. Sorry...someone sent it to me in an email..I should find the source or take it down.

Re: Billion Dollar Idea for HR: Cut Meetings in Half

Frank — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:33:38 -0000

JT, thanks. And I appreciate being reminded about citations. I generally try to do a good job with that, but when I get rushed I can forget. Original work is original work and should be cited. No harm, no foul there.

Philip, I'll have to look into that more. A taxi meter...great one. That's real money piling up. Wow...super idea.

Re: Scientific Web Design

Frank — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 23:03:11 -0000

Wally, I'm always amazed at the great info out there. Cheers.

Re: 10 Reasons You Should Be Thankful for HR

Frank — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:12:40 -0000

Scott, something I really like about you -- your comments are great posts in their own right. Fabulous!

I know I knock HR around a little bit, but I do think there's too much zapping and not enough cheering. I thought our American Thanksgiving would be a good day to remind us of that. I'll take my own advice from time to time as well.

Re: 10 Reasons You Should Be Thankful for HR

Frank — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:27:51 -0000

Scott, how about that? You and me...we could do it.

Re: What If You Hired Only the Best People and Paid Them Like Superstars?

Frank — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:49:47 -0000

Jaime, it's about the analysis, isn't it. Excellent points here. Thanks for adding to the thinking here. (BTW: I'm still a fan of working with the very best people money can buy.)

Re: Google Stock Options Rub Me the Right Way

Frank — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:01:12 -0000

Sam, it's true, I worked in communications in Europe and it's true, it's so different than th pure economic model.

Philip, I gotta say it sounds pretty great at that place. My kind of work environment.

Re: HR Lesson: Work Hard and Be Nice to People

Frank — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:35:16 -0000

Steve, that seems to be the ultimate mission statement. Wow.

Re: The Eyes Have It

Frank — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:46:07 -0000

Wally, I think they warn in the article to get a baseline. I studied NLP in grad school, and I think there's a certain validity in what they say, but as you say, it's not the end all. People need to pick up all the clues they can, and any one clue wouldn't be close to enough. It's like good poker players -- you need to take in all the cues and not look for people throw you off. The best things for me have little to do with "techniques." I like to hear from people who know people. That, and authenticity. It works for me.

Re: The Eyes Have It

Frank — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:46:37 -0000

Ovidio, I'll put a list together for you. Thanks for reading!

Re: A Note to Managers About Deception

Frank — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:02:01 -0000

JT, this was a little bit of the "Why you can't be a prophet in your own land" message. Some can, though, and you've proved it. As you say, it's essential to start communicating well. I also liked the Catholic nun approach -- be REALLY tough on the front end, and then show a heart of gold later. The grounding is always ethical, though.

Interrupting the pattern...that's the trick. Do the right thing is always the right thing.

Re: 6AM to Chicago

Frank — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:51:28 -0000

Mel, that's a grand recruiting idea. Wow. Really excellent idea: Recruit the 6AM Road Warriors. Wow.

JT, you always open my eyes. That's right, there's that calibration. And that part about "Goodnight Moon" gives me a chill (the good kind). It's right...they're Road Warriors, and good eggs. I think everyone has a story...I wonder about them as I get on airplanes. It was a fun idea. Thanks for expanding on that.

Jaime, that's so true: Smiling before the sun comes up. I might be a good recruiter there...my best work happens early. I wouldn't be much help at about 3PM. ;-)

Re: HR Has To Do a Lot of Presentations. Here Are Some Design Rules You Should Know.

Frank — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:56:41 -0000

Scott, gosh, now I can't find it on their site. Strange. I'll keep hunting and get a proper link up there.

Re: Not Everyone With a Pen is a Communicator

Frank — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:41:15 -0000

Wally, it's starting that positive spiral right from the beginning, isn't it? Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do...and doing wrong early is hard to ever overcome.

Re: 6AM to Chicago

Frank — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:42:47 -0000

Rick, good questions. It does take energy. I might just have to ask you....you've been on enough planes to be the Ubiquitous Road Warrior. I know that anyone who will take four airplanes to get to a client meeting is dedicated with a capital "D."

Re: Thought for the Day

Frank — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:31:56 -0000

Albert, that is a good point. They do a lot of advertising. I guess the trick is that if a product is really great, it sells itself. But it can't be out of the public eye. All good products have ad spends...perhaps Simmons could have adjusted that comment to mean, you waste ad dollars if you're unremarkable.

Re: HR’s Big Job? Help Managers Be Better Managers

Frank — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:44:38 -0000

Michelle, you're right, it's the system that needs to get fixed. And it's the system that allows bad managers to figure out workarounds. I'm all in favor in Up or Out for bad managers, but there has to be a process that supports being a good manager to make it work. Thanks for bringing that up. Excellent.

Re: HR’s Big Job? Help Managers Be Better Managers

Frank — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:26:24 -0000

Rick, it's sad, huh? Here we are headed into 2008, and it's the same old stuff, redux. I'm afraid bad managers abound in each new generation.

Re: The Ultimate Pay for Performance Song: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Frank — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:36:13 -0000

JT...that's even better. Yes, Virgina, There Is Pay for Performance would be a great name for an article. Excellent.

Re: Corporate Blogs Are Dead

Frank — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:15:42 -0000

Rosie, well said! Q.E.D.

Re: When is an HR Program Perfect?

Frank — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:17:39 -0000

Hi Jen! They have a saying in Dutch that is "Good is good enough." It means do it really well, then be done.

Re: KnowHR Named by HR World as One of the 25 Top HR Influencers of 2007

Frank — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:34:46 -0000

Thanks Michelle. That's very kind indeed.

Rick, I chuckled about that. I've grown into my name. Glad I wasn't named "Blunt."

Paul and John, thanks very much. I get so much out of reading others' stuff. That makes the difference.

Re: KnowHR Named by HR World as One of the 25 Top HR Influencers of 2007

Frank — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:29:52 -0000

Kris, thanks, man. And back at ya. I've really enjoyed your stuff and your approach to finding great material.

Re: HR Advice: Overdeliver

Frank — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:30:17 -0000

I hadn't heard that one, Wally. But it's brilliant. I love Steve Martin. I was at a formative time when he was A Wild and Crazy Guy. I saw him in concert 10 times. He proved his advice to be true.

Re: A Little Humility Goes a Long Way

Frank — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:58:06 -0000

Thanks, John. And "you wuz robbed" on that vote...you won. I see they may be adjusting the report. WTG.

Re: The New Human Capital Strategy

Frank — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:22:12 -0000

Michelle, this one's right in your line of interest. I thought you'd dig this one...you can write yours and call it "It's the System, Stupid." LOL.

Re: A Little Humility Goes a Long Way

Frank — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:47:27 -0000

Rick, I'm working on cleaning up the CSS and making the site XHTML compliant. But it's a headache. Still, I want it to look good. And yep, something about a little humility. Nothing wrong with being good and being confident, but there's also greatness in knowing about hard work and looking like you've been there.

Robyn, thanks so much. That's very kind. I try to keep my head in it.

Robert, thank you! LOL...it's funny when people who have never commented, like that guy, start out on a touch note. But I'm trying to make it look better...I'm on a Mac, so it's a little tougher to parse out all the different operating systems. ;-)

Re: Whoever Designed Ray Mozilo’s Severance Package Should Be Ashamed

Frank — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:47:39 -0000

Jim and Robert, I agree, the Board is supposed to have a fiduciary responsibility. I think they flubbed this one.

Re: Whoever Designed Ray Mozilo’s Severance Package Should Be Ashamed

Frank — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:21:20 -0000

JT, you're right, it's the Board. And it's the pressure to day trade a stock while talking about "investing for the long term."

Thanks for expanding this discussion. I think it's important...and it makes me blow a gasket when I see companies run into the ground. I don't begrudge CEO pay or severance agreements when they're based on sound business...I hate them when they're based on corporate greed.

Re: Whoever Designed Ray Mozilo’s Severance Package Should Be Ashamed

Frank — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:48:46 -0000

Robert, I'm gonna quote you on that. Cool twist of a phrase...For every Steve Jobs....well done.

WR Wench, thanks. I was really steaming and it's the words that spewed out. That whole subprime thing frags me off. And I hate to see people get rich while others' lives are ruined.

Re: Can You Motivate Someone?

Frank — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:14:02 -0000

Thanks, John.

Hey, Rick, I might just do that and get int he comm biz ;-) Thanks for the kudos...back at ya on your material. It's the real deal.

RA, well, you hit it on the head. Heck, no more low performance ratings, let's go straight to waterboarding.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:04:02 -0000

Rick, it's so funny. It's not that the less than supermodels can't get by...I'm proof of that. But it's one of those deals that the beautiful people get more breaks. I do agree with you that there a lot more to personal attractiveness...and confidence is a big one. Health, too.

You're right, life's not fair. When I come back, though, I'd rather be the Dali Lama than Brad Pitt...unless it's the Brad Pitt from Legend of the Fall.

Re: Can You Motivate Someone?

Frank — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:06:48 -0000

Paul, very well said indeed. It's not the TV, it's the effects of the TV. Tonight, it's Guitar Hero being played on it. It's the experience. I like the movies with the surround sound...the kids like to have their friends over.

Charlie, thanks. It's one of those simple mind benders.

Chris, spot on! It's the "do what you love and success will follow" aspect. It works. And to try to force a person into a wrong job just doesn't work. Well said.

Re: HiPo or Hippo?

Frank — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:58:34 -0000

Wow, some really great discussion here, folks.

Identifying HiPos is a trick...and then keeping them interested, motivated, and at your company is another thing.

It's interesting what you say, Michelle, about HiPos being "dangerous" in a way. That's so true -- they're often thoroughbreds and can be disrupters when they're not listened to. Chris describes what needs to be done -- or watch out!

Dave, that's so true about IDing HiPos. A lot more has to go into the identification of that group than a finger in the wind...I think some companies do it well, but there's TONS of room for improvement.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:18:50 -0000

JT, I am literally LOL. The lede of this story was going to be the old Rodney Dangerfield line: "When I was born I was so ugly the doctor slapped my mother." Ba-boom.

Re: Communicate…Then Wait

Frank — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 09:41:32 -0000

JT, you know what's killer? When a comment is better than the post. What a freakin' great story.

HR Wench, ain't it the truth? Taking a little cleansing breath helps. And if you're JT, so does chutzpah.

Scott, great metaphor.

Folks, I'm dazzled by this set of comments. Amazing.

Re: Business Slang: Incentivize

Frank — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:17:17 -0000

Incent. Incense. Coincidence?

This is going to be a fun weekly feature. I'm looking forward to many more...and you have so many to chose from.

Re: Business Slang: Incentivize

Frank — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:48:49 -0000

Sarah, I'm the king of making up nicknames, so I don't have a lot of wiggle room on the made up words. ;-) But I don't like business slang, especially when people don't recognize how silly it sounds.

Re: Munchausen at Work: HBR

Frank — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:48:39 -0000

Hi Katje,

What a funny coincidence. I know when I first thought about Munchausen at Work I thought the same thing. It makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, companies pay people to solve problems...and there are some people who create problems just to solve them. Craziness.

Thanks very much for checking in and leaving a note. I really appreciate it.

Re: New CEO Peer Group Reference Point?

Frank — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:51:38 -0000

$25 mil just doesn't go as far as it used to. Especially when your neighbor builds a skyscraper next door...and pays cash for it.

Re: Business Slang: Socialize

Frank — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:18:45 -0000

Scott, that's quite a punishment. ;-)

I detest the use of that word to mean "Get people to agree with me." It's fakey-fakey.

Re: There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

Frank — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:21:20 -0000

Other peoples' money is the key. We're to be stewards for that. And there have to be checks and balances to make sure it's spent wisely.

I'm sure this is one of the cases where something slipped through the cracks. Bummer that it was half a million dollars, though. It's not chump change. And it's a cautionary tale for all payroll departments.

Re: Just Communicate!

Frank — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:32:38 -0000

HR Wench...I'm afraid there are a LOT of CPAs who think they're writers out there. A LOT. It's crazy. Good for you with your plan..ask for forgiveness instead of permission.

Wally, that's one I'll quote. I love Ogilvy. Garamond...not so. ;-)

Re: Business Slang: Socialize

Frank — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:49:36 -0000

I wonder if there's such a thing as anti-socialize. It means "Do what I say," or as I heard a lot when I was a kid, "I don't have to have a reason, it's because I'm your mother." An alternate spelling could be antisocial-ize.

Re: Performance Reviews Must Die

Frank — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:44:59 -0000

Wally, as always, a great summary. Yep, the report card type must die. The kind where people talk about how they're doing and how they can build on the good things...bring it on.

Re: Business Slang: Concepting

Frank — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:19:18 -0000

Rick, this is an unusual one, but the word is there...instead of thinking up an idea, it's making a gerund out of a noun. It just doesn't flow...obscure slang, to be sure, but used in a specific area in the creative. Ugh to obscure language in any form.

Re: Make the Impossible Possible

Frank — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:27:01 -0000

Melina, I'm just delighted that you liked that book. I am just dazzled by what Bill Strickland has done. Amazing, really. Some people are so inspiration for both their vision and determination. I want to meet him, if only to shake his hand. That book really affected me. Thanks for letting me know you felt the same way. Cheers.

Re: Performance Reviews Must Die

Frank — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:36:55 -0000

Rick, you're right on the money. I believe in career planning...and talking to people about what they do well and how they can do better. But I'm so opposed to the "7 right and 3 wrong" approach of bad managers. Well said by you, man.

Re: Freeze!

Frank — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:22:06 -0000

Michelle, it's really something. I've been through that place so many times, and everyone was moving. I love flash mobs...that one was one of my faves.

Re: Freeze!

Frank — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:39:33 -0000

Eddie, I wish I could have seen that. You're right about that being at rush hour...I've been in there lots and move fast...and still get knocked about.

That is really fun. I've seen the pantsless rides on YouTube...I like the creativity.

That's fun stuff. Cool to have been there. Cheers.

Re: Freeze!

Frank — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:01:42 -0000

HR Wench...lol...right, the white-gloved "pushers" will be shoving them along. Too funny.

Re: Suffer from Motivational Deficiency Disorder?

Frank — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:03:32 -0000

Uber, you're right. People have to come in with some energy. It's true...you can't make lemonade from lemons....oh wait, yes you can. I need some motivation to think up some new metaphors.

LOL...that would be a big seller, huh? I think it exists already...I think they call it crystal meth. Bummer is it only works once...then you go offline.

Re: Suffer from Motivational Deficiency Disorder?

Frank — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:01:49 -0000

Q-ball, that is so...

Re: Suffer from Motivational Deficiency Disorder?

Frank — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:37:50 -0000

Chris, you're right. A long time ago an HR leader said something I never forgot: "They were great when you hired them. What happened?"

You're right about the ones who come in as schlubs. They won't be rehabilitated.

Re: Business Slang: Top 10 Spoiled Sports Sayings

Frank — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:03 -0000

Steve, that's just brilliant. LOL."T-shirt sizings?" I've not heard that one before. But you can bet I'll be using it this afternoon! Funny.

Re: Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Imagined

Frank — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:58:19 -0000

Hi Dr. Patzer,

Thanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed your book, and besides how well researched it was, it was also accessible and brought up some very important points. What you say here, "...we are not defenseless," is great advice. It's so true. And from an HR perspective, people can do more to raise their PA.

Continued good luck with Looks. I really enjoyed it.

Re: Punctuality

Frank — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:46:12 -0000

Ubermench, you'll live longer than me. Your calibration is better about. Me, I worry about time. You are too funny...if I ever have time to have a party, you can come anytime. I would be delighted no matter what time you turned up.

Re: Punctuality

Frank — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:48:19 -0000

Tuna, it's about meetings and people wandering in just anytime that drives me crazy. It's so disruptive. And people don't even feel bad about it. I wonder how much time is lost each year with that kind of "just 10 minutes"?

Re: Looking for Some Obnoxious Hipster Scum

Frank — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:49:24 -0000

Tuna, I think you're more in the majority. It surprises me why companies don't do more of this. It's just the right way to talk to the person they're hiring.

Re: A Good Story About Executive Compensation

Frank — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:40:07 -0000

JT, clearly the street thinks Comcast is doing something right today...stock surged 8+ percent during the day. Results show. The exec decision is a big communication to the company...I admire that.

Rick, I'd say that Ralph Roberts earns every penny. That man is still at the office every day, walking around spiffed up in a bow tie and offering great advice. He makes videos and knows people. Plus, I see him at my breakfast place...the same place the mayor goes...the one where a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal costs $1.60. I didn't make a typo there. Buck-sixty.

Re: A Good Story About Executive Compensation

Frank — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:38:41 -0000

LOL...I want to be cool enough to wear a bow tie. As it is, I look like a clown when I wear one...so I don't, except for black tie, when I look pretty good if I do say so myself.

Re: Rethinking Umbrellas…and HR

Frank — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:37:40 -0000

Productivity Guy...I don't know about that part, but we have some lookers at our shop that we can test it on.

I gave up on umbrellas in Amsterdam, too. Best way to go is a hat and rain coat. It's reliable.

Re: Brazen Careerist Launched Today

Frank — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:43:42 -0000

Penelope, I'm really impressed. Great first day start. This is going to be a big deal. Not surprised with you...super, super well done.

Re: If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On

Frank — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:48:26 -0000

Hi Connie. I certainly think that during training it's a must. Imagine the dull PowerPoint transformed with music. Music videos. Even using background music in the hyper-dull corporate video with the CEO talking head.

There's a lot of research about music and memory triggers. Baroque music paces the heart at 60 beats per minute, so it's great for test taking and accelerated learning. Music is emotional and allows people to have another way to call on learning.

I know there are all kinds of copyright issues, but they are by no means insurmountable. In fact, it's easy.. I'll write more on this.

BTW: Are your memories triggered by music?

Re: Dress Code Conundrum

Frank — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:49:12 -0000

Laurie, you crack me up...and you're so right on the money.

Re: Everything You Need to Know About Paying Superstars

Frank — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:08:32 -0000

John, you make an excellent point about the subtlety here and the collective bargaining. You're right...I'm reaching to talk about superstars in general...I'm a fan of paying them big and recognizing them from the get-go. I'm afraid the Phillies squandered good will...for not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. Then again, I think Hamels is really it...maybe they know something.

Re: Sure, We Trust You…Now Bend Over

Frank — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:17:16 -0000

Thanks, Robyn. It's scary how different words and actions are in some companies.

Scott, lol. Yep, trust means trust. Otherwise it's a violation.

Re: A Great HR Communication Lesson from Southwest Air PR While Addressing the “We’re Too Beautiful to Fly” Girls

Frank — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:31:02 -0000

This will be the true test of character and the one they should be asking themselves. It'd be great if they'd cop to it...but my sense is this will be PR City.

Re: How Many People Wandered In One Hour Late Today?

Frank — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:07:33 -0000

Ok, great....we're reconstituting Business Slang. Just took a breather for a moment. Have some fun stuff coming. Thanks for asking for that...sorry about the sleep thing. DST is only good for morning people like me, who don't mind. I sw the effects today in my own house because some are not morning people. Ugh.

Re: HR, Millennials and Twitter

Frank — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:09:09 -0000

HHmay. It's one of those things that is great for insta-communication. I'm still thinking through the total application, but must say I learn a lot from the social aspect. I follow 150 people or so. Influencers. very cool.

Re: What’s Your GPA?

Frank — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:51:56 -0000

Chris, I'm with you. I want to know what a person does. I want to know if they're intellectually curious. Give me enthusiasm and willingness to learn anyday. I'll build a great team from that. I like talent, that's for sure. But it doesn't only come from grades. Curiosity. That's it.

Re: How Not to Dress for a Job Fair

Frank — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:32:35 -0000

JT, OMG, I'm glad I Wasn't drinking milk. It would have been coming out my nose.

HR agitator, you had him at "hello." LOL.

Re: How Not to Dress for a Job Fair

Frank — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:40:04 -0000

HR Wench...you crack me up. You would, wouldn't you? You like the moxie.

Re: Get Real, Get Tough, Talk Straight

Frank — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:24:38 -0000

Nothing like shining a bright light in dark corners. Now all news is the news of the people. (How about Bear Sterns, btw?) I agree, get it out of the way early. Say what you need to say and get on with it. Waiting and "strategizing" never works. Honesty always does.

Re: Get Real, Get Tough, Talk Straight

Frank — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:10:49 -0000

Wally, thanks. As you say, communication isn't a sometimes thing, it's an all the time thing.

Re: Resume…Hey, What Rhymes with “Resume”?

Frank — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:33:59 -0000

JT, I thought Seth Godin really hit it. I know that Recruiting wants resumes because they process large numbers, but what you say is right...stars and rising stars should be known.

I wonder how to make the "no resume" idea real. I suppose it starts with the killer "personal marketing" letter. (Penelope Trunk talked about that very nicely in Brazen Careerist.)

Interesting to think that a resume can be a landmine that can eliminate a person. And it can work both for "too little experience" and for "too big titles." Hmmm....i'm going to keep plowing this ground.

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:04:26 -0000

Dr. Smoot...I agree with you completely. This is the order they fell out of my head...but I liked #10 best as well. (And welcome to the world of HR blogging. Cool beans.)

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:26:21 -0000

The Happy Employee. Tee-hee. I liked it too. Buried it in there, but that's a big item.

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:01:53 -0000

Thanks, Laurie, that means a lot coming from you and your ability to turn a phrase.

Ajit, I think that seems to be the consensus. Just a random order as they are.

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:32:37 -0000

Hi Robyn. [chuckles] That was some fun. LOL.

Re: You Can Fly Without ID

Frank — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:13:59 -0000

Wow, Melina, there's proof right there. Or, they weren't being very critical because you look like such an upstanding citizen. ;-)

Funny that I've flown so long showing ID now, I've kinda forgotten what it was like before they checked. (Yep, I'm old enough to remember that.)

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:45:11 -0000

LOL, Cyndi. Yep, that's a good idea. And "transition" is the magic word. That, and "pursuing other opportunities." Very very good suggestion.

Re: Beware the Ides of March

Frank — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:46:15 -0000

Thanks, EAS.

Wow, that couldn't have been a great day...waiting to find out if you're "worthy" is nuts.

Re: Welcome to New KnowHR Subscribers

Frank — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:19:29 -0000

Thanks, Dr. Smoot. It always helps to know where your friends are. That's just really great. I appreciate you stopping by and your endorsement. That really means a lot. Cheers!

Re: HR Communication Lesson: You’re the Executive Editor

Frank — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:18:24 -0000

Hi Timo.

Thanks much. That group editing gig is no joy. At the end, no one is completely happy, and the product suffers. I'm a fan of one strong editor and a great writer working together. Then it's magic.

Re: HR Communication Lesson: You’re the Executive Editor

Frank — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:20:02 -0000

Virg, that's the essence, to give a presentation or a written piece a "voice." It really does show!

Re: HR Communication Lesson: You’re the Executive Editor

Frank — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:23:35 -0000

Authentic. That's the word, JT.

Re: Welcome to New KnowHR Subscribers

Frank — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:48:35 -0000

Hi Happy Employee! Nope, that doesn't make you an HR geek to have an email subscription. We have over 200 people who get KnowHR that way...and I think that those, along with the RSS subscribers, are the most loyal readers. I like that.

Re: Human Capital Devalued Against the Euro

Frank — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:52:48 -0000

JT, great deal, man. I'd also be on the lookout to trade some human capital for a Mickey Mantle, too.

Re: Human Capital Devalued Against the Euro

Frank — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:09:04 -0000

Mark, great play on words, amigo!

Re: Think Titles Don’t Matter to People?

Frank — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:23:03 -0000

Hi Jim, "assistant vice peon" is even worse, I guess. ;-) You're right, I think a lot of titles are just that. Thanks for the kind words!

ChrissMari, that is right on the money. It's why I put #1 in there. People work for money. Fake titles and title inflation don't work unless there's substance to back it up. I just hate to hear stories of "lateral moves" and new titles without money. It's ridiculous.

Re: Think Titles Don’t Matter to People?

Frank — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:47:55 -0000

Aaron, that's where vacuous titles have the opposite effect of their intent. It's gotta have to heft to it. And that's the funniest title ever at GM. OMG.

Scott, I guess no one questioned your old boss. He was the ultimate authority. ;-)

Re: PEBA’s 26th Annual Forum is Tomorrow

Frank — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:57:16 -0000

Hi Rita,

The presentation was 2 gigabytes, so posting it is tough. We're turning it into a small book and are going to make that available. Funny, I'm a Boomer, and I feel a little of that antipathy. Wish it weren't so. Working on changing that. ;-)

Re: 10 Ways to Know When It’s Time to Get Out of HR

Frank — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:29:38 -0000

HR Lady, I'd go with "ugh!" on that one. That senior manager must have gotten to that position by having ESP. It's the only logical explanation.

Crazy that things like that happen. Sounds very fishy, I have to say.

Re: Performance Reviews Poo-Pooed by High Performers

Frank — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:36:24 -0000

Hi all, I'm a little slow on the draw with this one. I thought the conversation was making the big points, and I needed to say very little else.

Dick Grote makes the point that managers need to step up and be managers. That is just fantastic. True...and I agree as long as the system is right.

Teresa's story almost made me cry. How crazy is it that a review would be predicated on a budget. What do those two have to do...but that exposes the raw underbelly of the system. Wow...I never thought of that before.

Jimmi is in the boat of a lot of superstars. How crazy is that?

Rick, I'm all about feedback. I just think treating people like adults instead of like pupils works. We don't give performance ratings to our friends or family.

Joanne, I agree about results. I should have made that more clear. The person I was referring to both stays up until 2am...and delivers. Bigtime. I'm about the results, too.

Re: Why Doesn’t HR Talk to the Press More Often?

Frank — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:39:26 -0000

Erik, good point. HR should be utilized by PR more often. That would be a start rather than scaring people.

Happy EE, maybe it's being shy. LOL. Then again, it's being forced into the corner that's scary. I'd like to hear more from HR people.

JT, um, I guess my question provoked its own self destruction. Yikes. Point well taken.

Re: Why Doesn’t HR Talk to the Press More Often?

Frank — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:10:38 -0000

Some Q.E.D.s are more expensive than others.

Re: Why Doesn’t HR Talk to the Press More Often?

Frank — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:44:52 -0000

Our take was that Comcast was doing a great thing and using Twitter as a social media outlet to get problems resolved. We like Comcast very much and admire them as a business. They're taking care of our outage situation on Tuesday. We didn't have any intention of "bashing" the company by any means. Sorry if you interpreted it that way, it's not how it was intended whatsoever.

Re: Why Doesn’t HR Talk to the Press More Often?

Frank — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:56:13 -0000

Dear Anon from 9:59PM on April 20: IP addresses are very easy to track. In fact, they can be tracked down to the city of origin. And even addresses. Interesting choice of a verb is what piqued my interest. What I mean to say is that it's okay to say who you are.

Re: Escape from Corporate America

Frank — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:39:30 -0000

Hi Robyn. I think that Pam Skillings wrote a real winner. I rarely have as good a feeling about a book. In the past couple of years I've felt this way about Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk, The No Asshole Rule by Bob Sutton, and Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath.

There are lots of good books out there in the management/HR space, but few go into the category of where I quote from them the next day and talk about them to colleagues. Clever writing coupled with deep research is a powerful combo. This is one of those.

Re: Escape from Corporate America

Frank — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:41:44 -0000

Hi Steve, it's a good one and worth picking up.

I admire your work...glad to hear from you!

Re: A Personal Philosophy: Be the Best

Frank — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:16:44 -0000

Hi Ann, that quote is a winner. You're right, doing something really great and doing it in a way that's distinct from others, that's gratifying. The best decision I ever made was starting our company, iFractal, with Sarah Chambers. We both had big jobs in big consulting. Now we have a small company of 13 people and it's been a great 5 years.

Re: A Personal Philosophy: Be the Best

Frank — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:37:00 -0000

Thanks, Uber. The actual 5 year thing happens later this year, but the genesis of this idea happened five years ago from now. Liberating.

Re: I’m a Fan of a Little Exclusivity

Frank — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:55:21 -0000

Laurie, yep, true. Funny, small world, huh?

Re: How to Deal with Liars at Work

Frank — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:04:28 -0000

Bill, a bad situation indeed. And I can't imagine how a business can run like that...it does, but in spite of itself.

I'm a fan of calling people on their bullshit. It might mean having to leave, but rampant lying is horrible. And...a fish rots from the head first.

Re: How to Deal with Liars at Work

Frank — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:32:39 -0000

Bill, cheers on your search. Honest people are always in demand, and you'll be a great addition to any company. And let's hope that your new place will have people as ethical as you.

Re: KnowHR Recommendation: Add HumanMarkets to Your Daily Read

Frank — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:03:41 -0000

Hi J. William. I think you'll be glad you added HumanMarkets. It's a great read now and it's going to grow.

Re: People I’d Want to Hire

Frank — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:06:39 -0000

Hi Kim, that clock watching at the end of the day drives me nuts. Funny how you can set your watch by some of them. It's about getting the work done. I'm a fan of doing what we say we will. That doesn't always happen between 9 and 5.

Re: People I’d Want to Hire

Frank — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:41:09 -0000

JT, that's the best explanation of "engagement" I've ever seen.

Kris, I wholeheartedly agree about accountability. So true.

The Happy Employee, you're already there. Being happy is a HUGE part of it for me. I like working with fun people.

Re: How Do You Pay for Big Ideas?

Frank — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:39:28 -0000

Laurie, that is the real truth. I once saw a company, Milliken, who years ago won the Baldrige Award, and they usd to pay big money for people who thought up big operational improvements. I'm afraid a lot of those days are gone.

Ted, it is about execution...big ideas go nowhere unless they're seen cradle to grave. But without a big idea, there is no flawless execution. Funny how that works. Chicken, meet Egg.

Re: Sometimes Things Aren’t Broken, They Just Need a Different Level of Analysis

Frank — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:19:04 -0000

Michelle...that is just too funny. You were MUCH more creative than I was this morning...thanks for the laughs.

Re: Sometimes Things Aren’t Broken, They Just Need a Different Level of Analysis

Frank — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:45:57 -0000

Charlie...that last one is make me snort. Well done.

HR Wench...Hedberg was really a piece of work.

Re: Where’s the Diversity in HR?

Frank — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:48:25 -0000

Steve, Chris, and Ken. I'm going to move your discussion to the front page this week.

Ken, that "ice in their veins" comment is spot on.

Chris, the inbreeding thing is it! It's insular.

Steve, it's amazing how well businesspeople can do in HR roles...even when some HR types say "He doesn't have the HR qualifications." Hmmm.

Re: 10 Things HR Needs to Do in this Economic Downturn

Frank — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:03:57 -0000

Amit, I wholeheartedly agree about the need for more employee communication in a downturn. There's never enough even in good times, but now it's more necessary than ever. Really good points...thanks for the comments.

Re: 10 Things HR Needs to Do in this Economic Downturn

Frank — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:30:59 -0000

Thanks, Wally. You're right, this is like oxygen, we need it all the time. Thanks for the note!

Re: Advice for Employees in an Economic Downturn

Frank — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:32:47 -0000

Man, that's the boldest of all -- work your way out of a job and look for more to do. Thinking about the group needs to be highly valued, otherwise individuals should go out on their own and find out how fun that can be. ;-)

Re: 7 Things HR Needs to Say to Managers in an Economic Downturn

Frank — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:24:02 -0000

Ah, Rick, the writing is better when it's more definitive. I go with that, but talk to me in person and there are more shades of gray.

Great point about criteria changing. And about coaching performers in tough times. Lots to consider there...thanks.

Re: 10 Things HR Needs to Do in this Economic Downturn

Frank — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:43:21 -0000

Chris, are you arguing that the economy is fine? Oh, I see, you do say "things have significantly slowed down." So, no, I guess not.

Would you please cite the grand hyperbole? Where exactly? Are gas prices at record highs? Did the number of housing defaults rise 65% in April? Hmmm.

So you are a serious businessman. Congratulations. I own a business and put my own money on the line every day.

Re: How to Relocate Employees During an Economic Downturn

Frank — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:59:57 -0000

Bill, that's a very good piece. And funny, that just yesterday I was talking to another HR person who said she just had a 90-minute meeting on the topic. It's hot!

Re: I Don’t Need a Weatherman to Tell Me If It’s Raining at My House

Frank — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:18:04 -0000

TJ and JT, two sides of a very shiny coin. Use data, but make decisions and go is always a good plan.

Re: The Breakthrough Imperative: KnowHR Book Review

Frank — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:50:03 -0000

You'll like that one, Bill. Kindle? Very cool.

Re: We Need More Line 10

Frank — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:41:30 -0000

HR Wench, you said it much better: GET OVER YOURSELF PEOPLE! I love that. And it's so true. Pay attention and be observant. How about that as a start?

Re: We Need More Line 10

Frank — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:14:56 -0000

Ann, that's a really great point. It reminds me of my teenage sons, who every once in a while say "How much are you gonna pay me?" when asked to do a one-off task. My reply is always the same: How do you like the house you're living in? The cars? The video games? The food?

That's what base pay covers. It's about Line 10, whether at my house or at a company. There are things you do without asking for extra because it's the right thing to do.

Re: Lex Fortis Gives Us a Writing Lesson

Frank — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:47:19 -0000

Laurie, I'm all over that one. Yep, let's make a list and then blow it up.

Re: We Need More Line 10

Frank — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:49:08 -0000

HR Wench...lol. You're mature beyond your years. Hey, I was 31 once.

Re: Summer Hours Make for Happy Employees

Frank — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:42:56 -0000

HR Wench...I like the French 35-hours-per-week idea. But the reality in the consulting business like I'm in that 40 hours sounds like a luxury.

Re: Summer Hours Make for Happy Employees

Frank — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:44:06 -0000

Bill, that's a winner. When I took the 5:41 train home I felt like I was on a private train car. Each of us had our own seat. Nice that people go home...I like working hard, but the calibration is right, too.

Re: HR Gardening Tip of the Day: Dig a $100 Hole

Frank — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:02:00 -0000

HR Wench, you make a good point. If you want to dig a smaller hole, buy a cheaper plant. However, I do recommend rounding up to the nearest dollar for the hole size. ;-)

Re: HR Gardening Tip of the Day: The Best Time to Plant a Tree

Frank — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:19:48 -0000

Bill, it's a derivative of your story about "that's what I pay you for" and the decisions that you have to make in HR. Good decisions now have effects for years.

Re: HR Gardening Tip of the Day: The Best Time to Plant a Tree

Frank — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:41:36 -0000

Rick, that is too funny. It's been almost 5 years...and I planted that tree well more than 10 years before that.

Re: HR Gardening Tip of the Day: Dig a $100 Hole

Frank — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:45:16 -0000

Rick, you're right. I think it's about preparing them to be there. But beyond that, it's about the systems needed to allow people to be successful. It's funny, because really qualified people get hired into a bad system and then they fade. I say get your house in order -- dig a $100 hole. That's always a good investment.

Re: Clueless HR People

Frank — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:40:08 -0000

Lex, it's true...I'm going with memorability on this. It's one of those kinds of videos that makes you uncomfortable to make you think. I especially like this for diversity training.

Laura, I think this one's gifted. It turns the whole notion of diversity training upside down and enforces the idea of "HR, heal thyself."

Re: HR Gardening Tip of the Day: The Best Time to Plant a Tree

Frank — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:23:08 -0000

James, yep, it's a lesson we wish we all learned 10 years ago.

Re: A Little About Humanity and HR: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor at TED

Frank — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:26:14 -0000

Jere-Anne, I was amazed by her TED talk. And I've been reading more. I think she'll change a lot of lives because of this insight.

Sophronia, I saw that in the NYT. I have to read her book. Thanks for the pointer...really super person.

Re: Clueless HR People

Frank — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:02:12 -0000

Him Kimberly, I'm not trying to play into the "stupid HR people" game. What I thought was so brilliant about this movie was that it turned ideas on their heads. They used HR people as a foil, but more importantly, l'etat, c'est moi. I would think that people would recognize some of themselves in the film...and go, "Uh-oh!"

I would bet that this talented crew could do a number of angles to make this point...I was just dazzled by what you said -- it's aggravating and makes you think. Not bad, huh?

Re: I Like Your Shoes, Can I Follow You?

Frank — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:46:21 -0000

There's no substitute for creativity. Anyone can churn out the ordinary, but ordinary isn't good enough. As you say, being able to think creatively is paramount. Powerful words..and the best title ever.

Re: Clawbacks and the Heat Index

Frank — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:11:54 -0000

Bill, that's the real solution. Man, I love me some Old Bay seasoned crabs and Yuengling. That's some good living.

Re: Are You an HR Nurturer or HR Punisher?

Frank — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:13:05 -0000

Bill, that's the killer follow up. I wonder if after you've seen it all that you change. Really cool thought. It would be interesting to see something like that on Human Markets...the analysis of an HR career.

Re: Are You an HR Nurturer or HR Punisher?

Frank — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:14:15 -0000

Notes to all...I'm sorry, I responded to your comments a hundred times in my head and failed to write them down here. Yep, it's a Theory X and Theory Y deal.

Re: How to Write the Best Damn PowerPoint Headlines Ever

Frank — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:49:12 -0000

Lori, I'm writing a post just for you tomrrow.

Re: Are You an HR Nurturer or HR Punisher?

Frank — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:51:41 -0000

Bryan, the smartass in me would just answer, "No." The problem with any medium is the need to make a point while understanding that the audience has very little time to take in information. I'm sure there's a story for every single person in HR. On the other hand, I've seen enough to say that the dichotomy is prevalent.

What would you offer as a spectrum of HR types?

Re: How to Communicate to HR Punk Rockers

Frank — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:06:43 -0000

Laurie, LOL. It would be comical to write 140-character posts for a week. Great piece of advice you gave, though!

Re: How to Communicate to HR Punk Rockers

Frank — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:56:10 -0000

That's the essence right there, Rick. You know this stuff.

Re: Psst…Did You Hear?

Frank — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:10:06 -0000

Ain't that the truth? I hate the gossip culture...but I love a good secret.

Re: Psst…Did You Hear?

Frank — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:17:46 -0000

Great point. Trials balloons are launched in the rumor mill first.

Re: The Real Way to Interview Someone

Frank — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:22:54 -0000

Laurie, that's a good one. Nothing like putting someone on ice to see how cool they are.

Wally, it is about character, isn't it? There's something about that deep-down element that you can't teach or train in. When we get good ones, it's great for the organization.

Re: Who I Want to Work with Me

Frank — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:23:25 -0000

Rick, great point about learning quickly. That is a great point.

Re: Who I Want to Work with Me

Frank — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:04:26 -0000

Bill, that's really good...and was the inspiration for my post today. It's so true, TR had it right.

Re: HR Models Don’t Work

Frank — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:46:21 -0000

No offense meant to present company. We've all created Hr geometry. We've even laminated. But in my old and crotchety days, I'm thinking that models don't work -- unless they're on Project Runway.

Laurie, your jacks on the floor comment cracked me up.

Here's my take: Have a big idea and create a system to support it. All the rest is silliness.

Re: Pitch Your Policy Manuals

Frank — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:11:46 -0000

Rick, that's a brilliant take. And my advice to you: Listen to yourself. That is a huge idea and one that you might want to put a book proposal together. I'm not kidding. Write down a title. Pitch an idea. Get writing. That's one of the best ideas I've heard in a long while.

Re: Pitch Your Policy Manuals

Frank — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:03:10 -0000

I was speaking in the extreme, so I should qualify: There are necessary policies and then there are the dumb ones. Policies that have legal implication are necessary, I guess....but to a degree. I bet Enron had policies galore, but that didn't keep out bad behavior. My point, and the point that Michael makes, is more around sensibility. And the larger the organization, the larger the requirements. What I think gets lost over time is the sniff test and questioning if a policy should be in place at all. It's never a replacement for doing the right thing. I don't need policies in my family because we all know what the right thing is (with minor interpretations by the teenagers from time to time).

Re: Pitch Your Policy Manuals

Frank — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:55:50 -0000

Hi Meg, that's one of my favorite phrases. Thanks much!

Re: Don’t Hire Joe Cocker for Your HR Communication

Frank — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:51:37 -0000

Bill, I can't stop watching the dang thing...I watched it 4 or 5 times and still laughing.

Re: Pitch Your Policy Manuals

Frank — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:59:16 -0000

Hi Wally, I do love that story of Dana Corp. I just am not crazy about unenforceable rules....I'm not against all rules, just the silly ones.

Eva, thanks for your comments. Nice to see you here. You're right, I do think people figure out rules workarounds...the prisons are filled with them.

Don, really I was speaking in hyperbole...yes, rules are necessary, but the silly ones get a life of their own.

Re: HR Models Don’t Work

Frank — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:43:57 -0000

Chad, excellent way to look at it...actions are what matter.

Re: HR Models Don’t Work

Frank — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:15:05 -0000

Eva and Chad, you two are cracking me up.

Re: Sometimes HR Should Be About People…and Joy

Frank — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:56:23 -0000

Msinformation, I thought you'd like that one.

Bill, you and I have similar sensibilities about this kind of stuff. I get kinda choked up when I see it.

Re: It Ain’t About the Tsotschkes

Frank — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:23:53 -0000

Msinformation, that is so cool. That place sounds so great...and you're so great for it. Sometimes it's just serendipity. I think Bill really hit a home run with his post...I was glad to link to it.

Robert, it's the truth about asking much of the few. I'm a fan of making a reward big...or forgetting it. Little gestures are a loss.

Re: Tim Russert, Katie Couric and a Chance to Save a Life

Frank — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:09:45 -0000

John, you and me, brother. Let's agree that if we feel like our tickers are not going tick-tock, let's go to the hospital, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Crazy scary...I'm that age when I feel like Fred Sanford every time my heart skips a beat.

Re: Tim Russert, Katie Couric and a Chance to Save a Life

Frank — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:10:07 -0000

Yep, usually they do scorched earth. I get around 10-20 requests a day. I ignore 99% of them...but this one was very interesting...especially because I'm still freaked a little about Tim Russert.

Re: The New Gold Standard

Frank — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:07:45 -0000

Hi Dr. Michelli,

That is just such a nice note. I could have gone much longer in the review. I loved the storytelling approach combined with your research about what really works. It's hard to write a book like that and not just make it be cheerleading -- you did it with panache and care. I'm going to re-read your book...it was that good.

Re: “Because That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It” Is Bunk

Frank — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:02:33 -0000

Elliot, you're so right...that thinking works everywhere. I get really bent when I hear people say, "That's how we've always done it." Let's hear it for the iconoclasts of the world!

Re: The New Gold Standard

Frank — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:43:48 -0000

Chad, I think you won't regret having this book as part of your 5,000 pages. You're going to blow through your goal...and I think you'll like The New Gold Standard.

I read at least 1 or 2 books a week. Some are okay, and some are memorable. This one is in the memorable camp. I'll read it again...that's always the standard for me.

Re: Business Slang: Top 10 Worst “-ize” Words

Frank — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:09:52 -0000

Scott, lol, that is one that really is there all the time. Point well taken.

Re: Business Slang: Incentivize

Frank — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:11:52 -0000

Tony...incentivize is just the worst. A webinar...even funnier.

Molly...too funny. That's a mouthful.

Dominic...yes, there is a move in language, but it doesn't mean we have to like them all.

Re: You Can Pick Your Friends, and You Can Pick Your Pay

Frank — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:12:47 -0000

LOL, Bill. You and my dad would have really gotten on well.

Re: The New Gold Standard

Frank — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:47:42 -0000

Scott, that is just so nice. Thank you very much for that.

Re: How’s That Job Matching Working Out?

Frank — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:21:28 -0000

Ann, great point. I always get jumpy when people stand on their "standards." You're so right about performance...there are descriptors, but in application it can be something else entirely.

Re: The Training Bargain of the Century

Frank — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:02:28 -0000

HR Minion...lol...yeah, D&D; applied to HR, now that would be something.

Laurie..too true. I think you're onto something.

Re: The Challenge of Hiring People

Frank — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:28:13 -0000

Hi Ann, the Gladwell piece was the thought-provoking start. He's got a book he's releasing in November, in which he talks about solutions. One of the big ones is about "gut feel," what he talked about in Blink and what Ron says here.

Measures matter, but it's always good to step back and make sure we don't do them just because. Many measures are just dead wrong. For example, GPA and success as a lawyer have no correlation whatsoever. Desire, interest, real world practicality, those matter.

One of the best hiring managers I know would be as likely to hire an MBA as an archeologist. He was looking for smart people with varied interests. I like people who don't follow rules to work at our shop, and I don't think that would come on a standard test.

You're right, getting the best people is right. But I do think psych exams is just a waste of time. I'd be interested to hear something different, but any that I've had experience with are great at providing all kinds of "data" and very little in the way of results. Have you seen them work? And can you claim reliable correlations?

Re: A Matter of Perspective in HR

Frank — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:01:59 -0000

Hi Frank,

I follow your stuff online. It's a long story, but I have been told "You're no Chris Rock," and "You're not funny" more times than I care to remember. (The Chris Rock thing had to do with me saying, "It was funny when Chris Rock said it.")

I'm glad to see that you're the funny Frank Roche. I look at you as my alter ego, the guy I wished I'd been. Hey, it's hard being funny in HR. (Unless you're Scott Adams, but that gigi is taken.)

I'm totally going to go to one of your shows. I should post that on my sidebar here...when the Funny Frank Roche is playing. I'll do that today. Nice hearing from you, bro.

Re: A Matter of Perspective in HR

Frank — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:03:47 -0000

Ron, I'm with you...I've been around for all of those, too. (I must admit I liked MBOs back in the day. Clear line of sight.)

It's too funny how programs are relabeled and books are written...all for the same thing.

Good old management hasn't changed much...technology sure has, but I'm afraid a lot of it is about making mistakes quicker.

Re: What’s Your GPA?

Frank — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:01:50 -0000

Hi Jodey...I'll look up some of the studies and pop you an email.

Re: What’s Your Vacation Policy?

Frank — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:30:13 -0000

Ron and Joe, sounds like we live parallel lives. It's a life we choose and I like it. I like being in the action. And I also believe in what Joe said about being rejuvenated after some time off. It certainly doesn't mean doing nothing for a week...I'm just not a sit around the pool guy either. Maybe this post shouldn't have been so much about vacation time as about time to renew..freshen up...and charge the batteries for another run.

BTW: I'm writing this from the sunny deck of our vacation house. It's a gorgeous morning and I can see the sun glinting off the Atlantic Ocean. Not bad.

Re: Don’t Be an HR Seagull

Frank — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:59:20 -0000

Jimmy, there's something about the possibility that the shore gulls are looking for fish. At the Pathmark, they're just fishing for trash.

Re: Let’s Put on Bad Behavior Seminars

Frank — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:17:03 -0000

Tim, thanks so much...you made my day.

Hey, let's put together a class and offer it on the Front Range...fun stuff!

Re: Let’s Put on Bad Behavior Seminars

Frank — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:43:28 -0000

Ron, LOL, it's a great idea...

Re: Let’s Put on Bad Behavior Seminars

Frank — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:43:52 -0000

Tim, I'll send you a note.

Re: What’s Your Vacation Policy?

Frank — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:44:46 -0000

Bill, great line...I hear the music.

Peach, that's a great link. So it can work? Even better to hear.

Re: Let’s Put on Bad Behavior Seminars

Frank — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:37:44 -0000

Thanks, Marcie...more good ideas there! How fun.

Re: Homegrown Tomatoes

Frank — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:09:47 -0000

Ron, I didn't grow these tomatoes from seed, either...but I did wait...and that's the nature of the game..."Ronitizing" is the way to go!

Re: Homegrown Tomatoes

Frank — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:42:20 -0000

Hi Meg, I wish I had said it as succinctly you did: Pick one (and only one) thing to focus on and give it time to actually yield results. That's just excellent.

I'm afraid it happens to often that one program that would work is replaced with another...and what's missing is a system.

Re: Homegrown Tomatoes

Frank — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:45:55 -0000

Thank you, Anne. I must say that I was delighted that the first one from the vine was so good. Nah, there doesn't have to be an embedded message in salivating at the thought of eating it. I will tell you that I had it sliced on toast, with a bit of mayonnaise. It was delicious!

Re: Without Attitude, Aptitude Ain’t Much

Frank — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:48:49 -0000

It is sad...and I'm sure there are really great people in the organization. I have a real rub with Kobe Bryant being anywhere because of what he did to that girl in Colorado a few years ago. I can't shake that.

The women's team I like very much -- and I am rooting for them. And as you say, there's something about the class that the gymnasts showed that I look for in all sport. Sadly, it's missing in many of them.

I have to tell you...I should send my articles to you for crisping. That quote by the maestro is exactly it!

Re: Without Attitude, Aptitude Ain’t Much

Frank — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:54:17 -0000

Ron, I look forward to meeing you some day. I like how you think...

Re: I’m Lucky to Work in HR

Frank — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:43:58 -0000

Ron, LOL, I'm just luring them in. ;-) I feel lucky to be in HR, that's for sure. But the snark is still around.

Re: Sacrificing Sacred Cows in HR

Frank — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:45:21 -0000

Ron, we're kindred spirit.

Re: KnowHR: Read This!

Frank — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:30:42 -0000

Ron, it's all about RSS...and some speed reading I learned a million years ago in high school. I get up an hour early to get a lot of reading done...plus I commute into the city, so I use that time both directions. It's nuts...and some material I read faster than others. The ones that catch my eye and I star in Google Reader are ones I know -- in my own right -- have traction.

Re: Success for Hire

Frank — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:16:24 -0000

Hey, Alexandra would probably like to use that line...it's a good one. Have a party when they come onboard. How right!

Re: KnowHR: Read This!

Frank — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:26:38 -0000

T-H-E, that was a a really thought-provoking piece. Thanks for that.

Re: I’m Lucky to Work in HR

Frank — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:30:04 -0000

Hi Joanne, I second Ron's comment here...you should be heading up SHRM. Honest to goodness, a business person who chose HR...and applies business principles. You're a reall asset to the field...I bet that many have benefited from having you as a role model. Thanks for the smile on this one. I feel lucky to be a business guy in HR, too.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Frank — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:08:14 -0000

Ms. Information, that story gives me chills: 1) Because of the seriousness of the accident, and 2) Because Renee stepped in and made it right. It's amazing how some people behave under pressure...and I very much admire that. It's easy to freak, and it's another thing to step up and take charge. Thank goodness those people are around. Thank goodness for Renee.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Frank — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:08:10 -0000

Hi John, you're right, it is a corporate communications item as well. Ken represented Midwest Airlines very well...and it is a testament to his own reaction plus that of the company. I was impressed all around. I'm really hoping that someone at Midwest will get a chance to see this...as you say, with Web 2.0, it's likely to happen.

Re: I’d Like to Thump Chest Thumpers

Frank — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:37:04 -0000

Ron, if it would only happen quickly!

Alex, you make a mighty point. Isn't that the truth that blamestorming is a corporate skill?

TC, yep, I'm with you and your coach -- keep your head looking straight ahead. Fabulous.

Re: I’d Like to Thump Chest Thumpers

Frank — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:40:07 -0000

Marcie, wow, thank you for that calibration. That's a real eye opener and that's a new word for me -- backative -- that is a really great one.

I agree, I've done the fist pump when I've won something big. I love celebrating...just not showing off or looking like it was showing someone up. From what you wrote, I can see that Bolt was more celebrating himself with a "high five." Excellent, excellent recalibration for me.

Re: Why I’d Want Usain Bolt on My Team

Frank — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:24:09 -0000

Ron, I came from a household that emphasized "look like you've been there before," so that was my initial reaction. Chest thumping wouldn't work. But in the cultural context, as you say, it's perfectly appropriate.

I always like having my eyes opened. In business, chest thumping wouldn't work...at least not in that way. High fives all around? Ringing the bell? You bet. That way everyone is in on the actions.

One of my favorite business leaders in the world used to come out of his office when one of his people sold something big or had a great success. He'd get others out there too...and he'd applaud their effort. It was great and it was emotional. I'd do anything just for that.

Re: Why I’d Want Usain Bolt on My Team

Frank — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:27:22 -0000

I'm with you, brother. And, I'd like to hang out at Johnny Cash's place for a while, too. Have been to Jamaica a few times...love it.

Re: Why I’d Want Usain Bolt on My Team

Frank — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:54:44 -0000

Hi Belle, I think that's the lesson for everyone. For Jamaicans, it was a source of pride. From an American sportmanship persepctive, it looked self-serving. It's all about worldview. The beautiful thing is the sharing of ideas...and everyone wins. I like that. I learned something new today. And I think about what Jamaicans say: Irie, mon. It's all good.

Re: Why I’d Want Usain Bolt on My Team

Frank — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:04:16 -0000

All...I am letting the comments through even though it's clear that most of the people didn't even read the article above. It's just instructive...and in some cases, destructive...but we can learn. That's what I'm going with...and I'm not going to react...just watch and listen.

Re: The Best Wrong Number Dialing This Week

Frank — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:52:18 -0000

Ron, and I'd be a lot more popular with the neighborhood kids!

Re: KnowHR on the Fistful of Talent’s Power Rankings

Frank — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:44:05 -0000

Lance, thanks, and LOL, that's what my kids say. Last year we got ranked on some international list and my teenagers immediately said, "Were you first?" I had to laugh...I'm dancing as fast as I can, I told them.

Re: KnowHR on the Fistful of Talent’s Power Rankings

Frank — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:37:49 -0000

Hi Dan, thanks much...cool to be in such good company! Back at ya on the blogroll!

Re: Exploring communities and corporate HR…

Frank — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:46:26 -0000

Hi Sean,

Thought-provoking, indeed. There has been so much talk in the past few years about "human capital" and "employee engagement." I'm afraid a lot of that talk was just that: talk. There wasn't much of a conversation. Which is at the heart of why mission-driven work is so engaging and work-work sometimes isn't. Getting the conversation rolling, helping employees participate as much as customers in the refinement and success of a business, that works.

Re: Exploring communities and corporate HR…

Frank — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:00:28 -0000

Sean, well phrased: "[So I have some experience with the challenges of both management and leadership (two often misunderstood domains -- all too often thought of as the same thing)." Excellent! And so true.

Yes, some legal questions, but doing the right thing always prevails. And getting people engaged in the convo is always a winner. If anything else, we hear in HR surveys that people want to be respected and valued for what they do. The more we listen -- genuinely listen -- the better it works. And with tools to do it...all the better!

Re: Are you ready for Daylight Savings Time??

Frank — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:15:33 -0000

I tried out both versions. I guess YouTube is more familiar, but I think the quality of the Soapbox was higher. I liked the tabbed areas for comments.

I've cut in an embedded video from Soapbox recently...worked great. I'll need to check back more.

Thanks for the DST links too. I'm going to link to you here...important info for HR...I wrote about it a couple of weeks ago, but it's in a few days, so time to remind people again.

Re: "Happy Birthday" Community Group Therapy…

Frank — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:18:31 -0000

Congrats on one month...and here's to many more. I've enjoyed being around at the beginning...very good material. Great read. Cheers!

Re: Busy fall of speaking engagements..

Frank — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:53:58 -0000

Wow, Sean, quite a full speaking calendar. That's just excellent. I'm going to try to see if I can make the WOMMA event (since your travles dont' take you to Philadelphia ;-).

WTG.

Re: Great Presentations

Frank — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:53:49 -0000

Hi Chris,

These two links bring over a 1,000 people a day. There's no limit to curiosity about great presentations.

Top 10 Best Presentations Ever

and

Top 10 Best Presentations Ever - The Reader's Choice

Re: Reviews on iTunes needed

Frank — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:39:16 -0000

Robert, I wrote a review...excellent work that you do, and I said so. Reviewer name "Orchidthief" on that one. Keep up the great stuff.

Re: I’ve lost control of my comments…

Frank — Mon, 21 May 2007 19:14:12 -0000

Robert, I'm using WP, but doing the hosting myself. One way I solved for the tons of spam was to rename my comments.php to something else. The spammers look for comments.php and trackback.php on the million+ WP sites...let them go for the big kill...while I was getting nowhere near the kind of spam you get (nor the traffic), I was seeing days of 2,500 pieces of junk. So, I renamed by two files and implemented a capcha, and voila! No more spam. Immediately. I wonder if that might work on your WP-hosted site. Seems nuts that your are being bombarded and can't keep up with it...WP should help.

Re: Comics, is there any way to make a business here?

Frank — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:33:41 -0000

I'd pay something on the order of $25/yr (a Flickr subscription) to $10/month (a cheap hosting fee price) for a range of cartoons. The artist still hold the copyright, just let me use their work for incidental posts. Good thought, Robert.

Re: Firefox on Macs giving people fits

Frank — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:11:32 -0000

My new MacBook Pro has hung up 20 times at least in the past few days on Firefox 2.0.0.4. It's driving me NUTS! Glad I'm among good company.

Re: iGot it

Frank — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:02:50 -0000

I love that pic. I think it captures the essence of all of the fun. And i'm digging my iPhone.

Also enjoyed you on Zooomr...you had a real energy about the whole event. Really fun.

Re: PodTech videos work great on iPhone

Frank — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:55:24 -0000

Robert, that video of Patrick and you entering the store after the countdown is FANTASTIC! Really made me smile this morning.

Re: Jakob Nielsen says “don’t be like Scoble”

Frank — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:39:56 -0000

Well, he does have a set of "high resolution pictures available for download." http://www.useit.com/jakob/photos/

But I have to say, for a guy who was touted as "the guru of Web page usability," it's shocking to look at that site. Must be the cobbler's child, because no way I'd hire someone who says they are in that business and then have a gobbledygook site like that.

Re: Hmmm, Facebook: a new kind of press release

Frank — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:44:01 -0000

Robert, thanks very much for trying out Mock Dock and giving it a nod. Especially cool that you and Patrick tried it out in Babies R Us. You have boundless energy.

Just a quick update: As a result of the traffic your story generated, Mock Dock (http://mockdock.com)has thousands of registered users...and that number is going up by several hundred per hour. Plus, Charlie Chambers, the developer, is implementing improvements on the fly, so it's better today than yesterday. That will go on all week. It's a collaborative effort.

Thanks again. P.S. No PR guy here, by the way. Charlie is a friend of mine. Just thought it was a cool idea and fun to get the word out. I appreciate that you looked. Rock on, man!

Re: Why I don’t recommend Cocomment

Frank — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:32:49 -0000

Yep, I removed them from my Firefox plugins and I'm dropping them. That's ridiculous. I lost 3 different comments at places because of their ridiculous outage. I have liked them, but that kind of garbage makes them dead to me.

Re: Telling video stories with “Your Truman Show”

Frank — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:38:21 -0000

Man, that is really cool...great interview, too.

Re: Things on my mind…

Frank — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:31:26 -0000

Robert, in the words of Plato, the unexamined life is not worth living. I think you're more introspective and connected than most. Taking a breather and gaining perspective is always good no matter what one does. You gush energy, and sometimes it's good to recharge the batteries. Of course, we'll all be here on your return.

Cheers, man. Keep up the good fight. And breathe.

Re: Thomas Hawk, watch out…

Frank — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 08:29:43 -0000

You know what else? Besides being a very good photog, Patrick's also a very clever headline writer. Those photo captions are excellent. Nature and nurture combined here...Patrick has talent...so does dad.

Re: communication camouflage

Frank — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:23:31 -0000

I used to tell people who said, "Feedback is a gift," something: It's not if it's just criticism wrapped inside a sin license. Great article.