Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Get used to the likelihood that you may not be able to deliver on prior promises during a recession;

Don't look for excuses, or anyone to blame...employees will understand if you level with them promptly. Even the best brains missed this recession's speed and impact;

Treat employees, both union and non-union, like adults;

Don't postpone bad news; the "grapevine or office telegraph" will be ahead of you if you procrastinate;

Treat any downturn as an opportunity, albeit under less-than-perfect circumstances, to communicate effectively and build some trust;

Deal with the facts...lay them out simplistically and completely;

Tell employees what the real implications are. If there will inevitably be layoffs, say so. You may not know the full extent, but provide a reasonable first estimate;

Outline the next steps...when the updated news will be delivered; who will do it; how it will be done;

Stick to the timetable, or lose control of the agenda;

Think of better times and start planning accordingly. Use some of the employees, if at all possible, to create alternate strategies. They know where the opportunities lay if you care to involve them.

Timetable 2000/2001 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
June 2001	See May, 2001.
May 2001	"Browsers' Choices" - you e-mail Tim with your preferences for May & June. Tim will respond, based on the identified interest for the next two months.
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace