Employee Value - The new Paradigm

As the economy has crashed and slowly started to come up again, we hope, in regards to the job market - it has become very apparent that companies aren't hiring the way they used to.

Even more increasingly the company is hiring for the person - how will you mesh in the company, what type of industry recognition can you bring to my corporation, and do you have the personality to inject positive change into a certain department.  I'm not saying the days of just meeting the qualifications are gone but now companies look to find the person who can fit into their company, and help create the changes, or perceptions they are hoping to accomplish.  In a way it's a new type of marketing strategy to bring a company to the forefront - "I may not be the biggest, but I have the team that can work together to accomplish your goals - not ours."  These people are seen to  be able to fit in certain area's, but can be moved within the department if need be.

Personally I believe this to be a very positive change in hiring.  Gone are the days where you get hired out of college and stay with the same company for 40 years until you decide to retire.  But for this to work companies still need to invest in these people they are hiring and not get complacent on ensuring all employees are still growing and creating, even with newly added blood being put into the body.  The person who needs the most attention is that person you hired who CAN fit ANYWHERE.

Change the website content - check
Create a new graphic - check
Manage a training session - check
Create and deliver a compelling PowerPoint - check
Help Finance balance the books - check

If this person just becomes the go to person then how will they grow ?  Automatically people in the company look at the handyman and fit that person in anywhere.  The problem is that someone who can morph like this and do lots of odd jobs- they are the ones whom management will overlook to give extra training too - to help promote to train others to do the same.  The Handyman, who could be your most valuable corporate asset is overlooked and the initial investment is overshadowed by the next new corporate addition - who will be trained and groomed.

Almost every company I have seen has this person, and the most successful ones are always asking ALL employees for their feedback on additional training they would like to have, as well as a six month or annual meeting to define, or redefine the goals of each employee in the company.  This allows for management, executives, and employees to learn from each other, and everyone to grow together.  When companies start to fail to do this - not only will your "handyman leave as fast as possible - others will follow suit before the door closes behind him.

Train, value, educate, promote, and communicate!

~Nicole is an independent consultant, specializing in start-ups and expanding exposure.  With over a decade's worth of business development, marketing and online experience, Nicole has been increasing revenue for companies large and small.