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How to Keep Employees from Cringing When You Say, “I Have Some Feedback for You”
“I have some feedback for you.” When you hear these words, how do you feel? Nervous? Anxious? Optimistic? Maybe this statement instantly puts you on the defensive, ready to rebut criticism from a manager who clearly is out to get you. Or maybe you feel open-minded and...
5 Tips for Choosing Your Words Wisely—Because, Leaders, It REALLY Matters
A few weeks ago, I was doing one of my favorite things: facilitating a two-day leadership development course for a client. During the session, I handed each participant one of our favorite resources, a bookmark featuring People Spark’s “Top 10 Phrases Every Manager...
Avoid the #1 “Culture” Mistake Leaders Make—Plus, 3 Things to Do Instead
We’ve been on the road a lot these past few weeks, attending and presenting at conferences like GEAPS and MGFA. After countless conversations with ag and feed leaders, it’s clear they’re VERY interested in creating a company culture that ensures their businesses and...
The Secret to True Business Alignment? Think Hay Bales and Stars
In a previous blog, we discussed a common mistake we see business leaders make: trying to fix the symptoms of a problem with short-term, Band-Aid solutions instead of identifying and resolving the more serious underlying issues. For example, if a client is struggling...
How HR Assessments Help Companies Get—and Stay—On the Path to Success
As a business owner or senior leader, you know exactly how you want your organization to grow and function in the future. You know the results you want (and need) to accomplish. You know the goals you want (and need) to achieve. You know the kinds of people you want...
Tie Business Goals to Behavior and Watch Employee Engagement Soar
Are you starting the new year with a new (or renewed) focus on goals? Good! Goals help direct energy and attention for both you and your team. Even better: Setting clear business goals is essential for driving the behaviors across your company that lead to success....
True Story: A Teenager “Retires” and Teaches Her Mom an Invaluable Lesson on Engaging Employees
Ready for a true story with a surprising twist? A story that seems to have NOTHING to do with leadership and engagement but actually has EVERYTHING to do with leadership and engagement? A story about a teenager who gave me, a 20-year HR veteran, a powerful a-ha moment that I won’t forget?
People Spark Consulting is a Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN based consulting company that specializes in transforming business cultures through human resources and people strategies.
