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 'HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Don't get comfortable with the idea that you enhanced all your work habits in 2001 already. This will be a regular, necessary requirement;

Look at some of the things that the "really good" managers you admire do. There's no need to re-invent the wheel. Observe them and ask questions of them;

Don't look for specific "work-orders" from upper Management. They expect you to fill in the skeleton with more "value-added" HR content;

Work closely with your client peers and stay connected. If you detect that HR-related programs are being duplicated, chances are your services are not considered relevant or punctual;

Run your shop like it's your own enterprise and it's your money you are spending. Don't accept reasons like "...but it's always been done this way...";

Look for the opportunities to streamline, outsource and automate. These are scenarios where HR can become devoted subsequently to "value-added" work (contributing more than you cost);

Stay educated and think about your own prospects if you are faced with an unexpected job-change;

Be accountable for your actions. Deal with the "screw-ups" and learn from them;

Appreciate your staff regularly. Focus on little achievements, too...they all add up;

Try and have fun. See the funny side of life.

Timetable 2000/2001 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
February 2002	See January 2002
January 2002	"Browsers' Choices" - you e-mail Tim with your preferences for January and February. Tim will respond, based on the identified interest for the next two months.
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
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