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Dear Dr Faith,

I'm an independent business owner of a small retail firm. My problem is hiring good staff. In the last six months I've hired two people. One left unexpectedly and the other is not doing a good job. How do I find qualified people who can do the job? Resources are tight but I still need good people.

Dear Small business owner,

The key to your business success is hiring good staff. Don't just hire anyone who shows up at your door. Realize this is the single most important decision you're going to make to grow your business. Here are 7 tips to hiring good people:

1. Look for individuals outside your immediate circle. Invest in our recruiting effort. Place an add in the newspaper. Contact the local universities for students who plan to stay around.

2. Define exactly what you need. Spell out the qualifications of the person you are looking to hire.

3. Pay slightly above average. A few dollars more will attract a high caliber of employee.

4. Refine your interviewing skills. Ask the person to describe his/her experiences. Look for a track record of success.

5. Hire individuals who compliment your skills - not people just like you.

6. Set up a probationary period. Offer training early on.

7. If the individual is not working out - cut your losses early. Don't second guess yourself. Move on and learn from your experience.

Follow these simply rules in hiring and enjoy peace of mind and high performance. 

Dear Faith,

I've been a manager for 6 years. Last week, a director level position opened up. I want to apply for this job. However a recent new hire is also applying for the job. He's dynamic, energetic and making a big impression. I'm afraid I'll be overlooked. I've achieved amazing results but my style is low key, persistent and inclusive. I work with others to make things happen. But it's easy to miss the value I bring. What can I do? I want this position!

Dear Overlooked,

You're wise to see the danger. In today's fast-action business paradigm, the value of your low-key style can be easily overlooked. You can't change your style. But you can showcase what you've accomplished. 

It's time to BRAG. Sit down with your boss and talk about the results you've achieved. 

Solicit the support of advocates. Ask key leaders to tell your boss and others how you've helped them succeed. Be bold. Ask advocates; "How have my services helped you?" Give them some ideas as well. 

Tell key leaders you want to make a difference in the organization. Share your vision of what's possible and where your style adds value. 

Acknowledge what you're up against. Say; "My easy going, style gets results. But sometimes my contribution is invisible. Ask for help: "How can I get credit and get promoted for helping others shine. " 

Above all, don't wait for anyone else to discover you. Recognize what you bring, articulate it to others, and reap the rewards! 

P.S. Women have the skills required for success in today's complex, matrixed economy! Research indicates we're more cooperative and relationship-focused. We ask more questions and express appreciation more often. We like to empower others, share resources and multi-task. Our brains are wholistic. We respond to subtle clues, see the big picture, and consider the whole. We have amazing intuition. 

Just imagine what's possible to achieve in sales, project management and leadership if we unleashed these powerful skills! It's time. Let's rock! 

Dear Dr. Faith,

I took my current job as a favor to my boss. No one else wanted this department. I oversee five regions and am responsible for the bottom line. In just nine months I've completely turned this department around and we're finally making money. I've busted my butt to make this happen.

Yesterday my boss told me the corporation is going to eliminate my job. Everyone else is going to be laid off. I'm wondering why I bothered to change anything. It was a waste of time and it cost me personally. I want someone to appreciate what I've done!

Dear Resentful,

It's OK to visit pity city - but don't move in! Take time to feel how frustrating the situation is. Find a good friend who can keep confidences. Complain about the injustice of it all. Wallow in it for at least for three days. You're right. It's just not fair. 

Then stop! Pat yourself on the back for all you've accomplished. Ask yourself; "What have I learned?" "What are the gifts of this experience?" And finally, "What choices will I make the next time?" 

Resentment fades when we grieve our losses and make different choices. 

Dear Dr. Faith

Recently I attended a business planning meeting at the division level. I made several suggestion and each one was ignored. Later a colleague proposed the same idea and everyone jumped on it. I'm tired of this. It happens all the time. How can I be heard and respected for my ideas?

Dear Invisible,

There are many possible reasons for being ignored. Timing matters. You might be waiting too long, speaking too soon, talking too softly, or simply being ignored. Any and all of these may impact receptivity to your message. 

Find a colleague who attended this meeting. Share your frustration. Ask for advice about what you can do to change the dynamics. Try out new behaviors. In your next meeting, tell everyone you have an idea. Say: "I have a great ideal! Do you want to hear it?" This simple tactic helps others notice and pay attention to what you have to say. 

If the problem persists, find a coach to guide you. Speaking up and being heard is key to leadership and self esteem. Good luck!

Topics

• Leadership
• Managing Talents and Career