Successfully Managing Remote Teams

February 24, 2020 Amy Atwell

Nearly 48 percent of the U.S. workforce works from home, or another remote location, at least once per week. Technology has made it possible for people to conduct their jobs from a distance, and it’s not uncommon for remote teams to work together across the country and around the globe.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salary Negotiations

February 17, 2020 Amy Atwell

In my years as a career coach, I have seen both men and women squirm at the idea of asking for a raise or requesting a higher starting salary with a new job offer. To help take some of the mystery and fear out of salary negotiations, arm yourself with a few helpful guidelines:

Recruiting Talent from Untapped Sources

February 3, 2020 Amy Atwell

Historically low unemployment rates in 2019 have left many companies with challenges recruiting talent in the early part of this year. Many HR departments report fewer qualified candidates for each opening and much longer lead times in finding and onboarding new people.

In HR, successful talent acquisition has always required a mix of science and art, and the best recruiters use a variety of tactics to ensure a steady candidate pipeline.

Key Business Skills to Advance Your Career in 2020

January 28, 2020 Amy Atwell

Relevance has always played an important role in business, and it applies not only to companies and products, but to individuals. In 2020, employers will seek out people who exhibit a well-rounded skill set that includes some interpersonal savvy in addition to hard skills.

Job Security in the Age of AI

January 20, 2020 Amy Atwell

Welcome to 2020 – the third decade of the 21st century. While some science fiction predictions have come true, we’re not exactly traveling in flying cars and eating food produced in replicators in our daily lives. However, with the advent of new technology, including artificial intelligence, many people have new concerns about job security.

Five Ways to Get the Promotion You Deserve

January 13, 2020 Amy Atwell

If you’re feeling stuck at work, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Assuming you like your current company, consider a move to the next level of responsibility and influence. You don’t need to wait for your manager to call all the shots: Take action today that will help you get the promotion you deserve.

Managing Human Capital for Business Impact

December 23, 2019 Amy Atwell

Many companies give lip-service to the idea of people as their “greatest business asset” without fully considering what that phrase means. Employees join companies with a collection of skills, experience and untapped talents, but those qualities cannot become true business assets without a strategy for managing human capital.

Give Yourself the Gift of a Year-end Career Audit

December 17, 2019 Amy Atwell

This time of year can feel like a never-ending list of to-do items, both at work and at home. If you feel rushed and frazzled, you might reject the idea of adding yet another project to your pile. But hear me out. Taking the time to conduct a simple career audit before the new year can become a gift you give yourself.

Innovative Ways to Engage Employees: Thinking Beyond the Holiday Bonus

December 11, 2019 Amy Atwell

Regardless of the size of your business, you cannot achieve growth and success without smart, motivated people who drive results. Even for businesses lucky enough to recruit mostly self-motivated, highly skilled people, you need ways to engage employees that support their best work.

Gearing Up for Difficult Conversations at Work

December 3, 2019 Amy Atwell

As a career coach, I have met many individuals who want more to show for their efforts at work. In a lot of these cases, avoiding difficult conversations at work has proven to be a big part of the problem.

Surveys show that 70 percent of people actively shy away from tough topics at work. While conflict avoidance might create a friendly environment on the surface, it can lead to a number of negative consequences for the individual, the team and the entire organization.

Managing the Modern Workforce

November 12, 2019 Amy Atwell

The modern workforce wants more out of each day, so savvy managers and business owners will find a way to balance productivity with their employees’ lifestyle needs.

You don’t have to throw all structure out the window in order to offer employees the perks of a lifestyle-friendly job. At heart, what many employees really want is for their employer to acknowledge their lives outside of work.

Career Path or Lifestyle Path? You Can Have Both

November 5, 2019 Amy Atwell

A huge part of my work as a career and salary negotiation coach revolves around helping people find deeper satisfaction in their work lives. While that often means arming individuals with powerful interviewing and negotiating skills to land a better job, or to ask for a salary increase, I also work with most clients to determine how the right career path can support their lifestyle goals.

Employee Investment Supports Business Goals

October 29, 2019 Amy Atwell

When employee investment becomes a part of your company culture, everyone benefits.

Company culture and management style have a direct effect on employee satisfaction level. If the universe (or your stellar recruiting team) gives you the gift of a motivated worker, it’s your job to invest in that person to help encourage his or her success.