"Fractional work is an opportunity to help make an impact inside an organization as quickly as possible. Accelerate speed to impact by helping people move forward."

Notable Moments

01:02 Fractional Executive Recruitment Clarity

05:55 Navigating Noise in Fractional Roles

08:41 Strategic Planning and Caution

09:55 Beware of Fake Consultancies

15:24 Fractional Executive Expertise Essentials

16:39 Finding Right Fractional Expertise

19:23 Fractional Executive Solutions

Connect with Mike Simmons

https://www.findmycatalyst.com/fractional

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

Fractional roles are shaking up the business world, offering tailored executive support without the full-time price tag. Navigating this dynamic landscape can be daunting. This week, I welcome Mike Simmons, a seasoned expert in people and processes, to demystify the world of fractional work.

Mike and I have observed a considerable rise in the number of professionals offering fractional services, especially since the pandemic. Businesses are keen to tap into high-level expertise without committing to a salary-heavy full-time role. However, the surge has brought along its fair share of confusion and noise. Mike points out the perils of "fractional by convenience", or those who unexpectedly enter this space without the requisite experience, aiming to learn on the job instead of delivering impactful results.

Our discussion hit home on the essence of fractional work: speed to impact. Unlike traditional roles that evolve over time, fractional experts are brought in to initiate swift, substantial progress. Mike and I stressed the importance of hiring the right person to ensure businesses move out of their strategic ruts effectively.

For those considering fractional help, we encourage a proactive approach, assessing whether it's a good fit before the problems arise. We've even developed a fractional readiness assessment to guide you through this decision-making process.

In the end, the key takeaway is simple: fractional work should expedite and streamline solutions via experienced professionals who are ready to make an immediate impact. If you're feeling lost in the maze of fractional offerings, remember, there's always a way to find the right support to tackle your business challenges.

"Have a very deliberate process for filling existing roles that is the same for everybody, external, internal. Make sure that process is also going to identify the best candidate for the role and that you're developing people to be the best candidate."

00:53 Deliberate Internal Candidate Development

04:28 Pitfalls of Internal Promotions Without Purpose

07:04 Create a Deliberate Hiring Process for Internal and External Candidates

12:35 Developing Leadership Skills for Longterm Employee Growth

14:15 Recruitment and Strategic Organizational Culture Services

A common pitfall in organizations is making internal promotions based on sentiment rather than strategy. One of the worst approaches to filling a position is promoting someone just because it felt like the right thing to do. On the flip side, organizations that focus primarily on external hiring neglect internal talent and miss the opportunity to further develop people already committed to your business. Talent coming from within the organization can bring unique advantages when the process is approached correctly.

Read the blog for more on the importance of implementing a structured approach, developing your people, and how internal promotions done right can boost morale and strengthen your organization.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

"In order for a survey to mean something, it has to be followed through on the results."

Notable Moments

00:51 Timing of Exit Interviews

03:53 Constructive Versus Emotional Feedback

08:03 External Feedback Handling Recommended

10:07 Understanding Customer and Employee Feedback

13:41 "Boosting Retention Through Honest Surveys"

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

Avoid the cost of turnover by investing in employee feedback. When done with intention, a simple conversation could make sure your organization is one where people want to work and stay. Conducting exit and stay interviews give organizations an opportunity for improved retention, boosted morale, and a culture of genuine care. Read our blog for more about how gathering and reviewing feedback is an investment in your company’s future.

To explore ways to implement these strategies in your organization, consider reaching out to Best Culture Solutions at bestculturesolutions.ca or emailing Tim directly at Tim@bestculturesolutions.ca. Together we can come up with your best culture solution.

"Instead of getting information after people decided to leave, get the information before they decide to leave."

Notable Moments

00:37 Survey Anonymity Concerns

06:01 In-Person Interviews Build Trust

10:09 Building Trust Through Anonymity

13:45 Boost Engagement Through Transparent Action

15:19 Improving Workplace Culture Effectively

Surveys can be your secret weapon to a happier workplace. The problem for many people trying to use engagement surveys is a lack of trust in the process. Many people are skeptical about the anonymity of online surveys. They fear that there are hidden ways of tracking responses or insincere intentions. I totally get it. And well intended organizations don't want people to second-guess their input. Read the blog for more on how to make your engagement survey more impactful

Connect Tim and the Best Culture Solutions Team

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

"Have people that you can trust to receive their honest opinion and advice, while keeping space for you to make your own decisions, without them trying to micromanage or direct you"

A personal board of directors can transform careers and lives. Like many, I hadn't been deliberate in setting up my own personal board. Yet, I unknowingly have a network of trusted advisors shaping my path. Katie compared it to the eclectic cast of the show The Big Bang Theory, where each person brings their unique flair and insights to the table.

A personal board is not just about having people you trust or people that are from similar professions. A well balanced board has a dynamic mix of diverse perspectives to guide and even challenge you. This board isn’t about holding meetings with agendas though. It is about leaning on the people you trust for professional or even personal guidance.

As you think about your own board, be aware of how you may play a key role on someone else's board. Think of it as a dance of advice and encouragement. Setting up a personal board can provide that critical support and validation. Those are the people that can help you through changes in your organization or give you the nudge to continue pursuing your dream job even when the path gets rocky.

Offer value to your mentors, as they do for you. Recognize their guidance, implement their advice, and maintain a reciprocal relationship. In the world of career growth, the mutual respect with your personal board of directors has a way of turning advice into inspiration.

Notable Moments

01:01 Pursuing Dreams Requires Perseverance

05:01 Forming a Personal Advisory Board

09:41 Choosing Board Members

11:51 Mentorship and Networking Benefits

15:04 The Value of Personal Advisory Boards

18:05 The Importance of Deliberate Relationships

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

"As you build out your network, it's important to have authenticity. Don't just talk to somebody because you want something out of it."

Notable Moments

00:58 "Personal Board of Directors Importance" is essential for guidance, balance, and purpose-driven leadership.

07:01 Why Best Culture Solutions' help was essential for job success.

10:25 Airtight resume significantly boosts interview rates.

16:18 Network genuinely and persist to achieve your dream job authentically.

17:06 Pursue dream jobs, but self-worth shouldn't depend on them.

A lot of people talk about chasing their dream job, but don't always put in the work to land it. Twenty-three years ago, my dream came true when I worked as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World. That experience shaped the way I view people leadership and HR recruiting. Rob Midiri and I met up at Epcot in Walt Disney World, to reflect on the sometimes grueling, yet rewarding journey toward landing that ideal role. Read the blog for more about our conversation.

Connect with Rob

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmidiri

Dreamfinder Designs

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

"Everything that you do deliberately to have a really strong hiring process is not only going to feed to your candidate pipeline, but it's going to make sure that you don't have to do this as often."

There can be a lot of excitment when job hunting. Unfortunately, for some people the initial optimism can turn sour when it ends with silence from the employer. This recently happened with Katie's teenage son. After an interview he was told they would follow up with his training date. Several weeks later there has been no communication.

So, why does this happen? From my experience, it's often due to disorganization in communication. With the variety of platforms we now use such as emails, texts, social media, staying on top of messages has become increasingly difficult. The core issue here is the lack of organized and disciplined communication structures within companies.

More importantly, I emphasized that maintaining strong follow-through practices can give employers a significant competitive advantage. When businesses stay organized and keep their word, they attract talent and build a positive reputation. On the flip side, failing to follow up leads to a ripple effect of distrust. Not just from the job seeker but also from their network, as Katie pointed out.

For companies, it's about getting back to basics. During every touchpoint, outline the next steps and stick to those timelines. In my experience, when you follow up, whether it’s good news or bad news, it shows respect for the candidate's time. It's also appropriate to give them feedback if requested. These simple acts can make a world of difference in how your organization is perceived.

For job seekers in situations like Katie’s son, remember: it's not you, it’s them. Keep showing up, being diligent, and following up; you’ll find a place that values your effort.

Turn experiences like this into lessons and improve how we communicate, respect, and value time in professional settings. Feel free to reach out if you need guidance on navigating the recruiting maze.

Noteable Moments

00:56 Communication Overload Causes Disorganization

05:47 Transparency in Recruitment Process

07:39 Effective Interview Follow-Up Strategy

10:41 Letting Go of Unreciprocated Efforts

15:11 Positive Reputation Boosts Job Referrals

18:29 Reduce Turnover Through Strong Hiring

20:33 Listener Appreciation and Feedback Invitation

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

"Of all the things that we do to help people, two that we are most passionate about are helping organizations with hiring people right then training and onboarding them right."

Onboarding is crucial, yet so many organizations overlook its importance. Have you ever been thrown into a new job with more questions than answers? In my conversation with Katie, we talk about onboarding disasters that can derail a new employee’s confidence from day one. Read my blog for more about avoiding onboarding mistakes.

Notable Moments

01:37 Onboarding transcends paperwork; crucial for employee retention.

05:23 Binder alone isn't effective; real-life experience needed.

08:01 Teach them then allow independence to build confidence and growth.

12:09 Poor onboarding can cause confusion and turnover.

14:03 Reach out and share onboarding experiences with Tim.

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca