In the News

Breaking the Generational Myth: How to use Coaching Skills for Effective Leadership

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fit today’s age-diverse work force, where the generation gap between the youngest and oldest workers can span more than 40 years. For the first time in history, there are four generations of workers. On one end of the spectrum, there are the 20-somethings, who are fresh out of graduate school or college; on the other end are employees nearing retirement.

It’s well-documented that each generation comes with its own set of values, needs and attitudes, and vastly different expectations on communication styles and work expectations. While this may be true, I constantly ask myself "isn’t this the way it’s always been?" We have always had an "age-diverse" workplace and it’s likely that we’ve had multiple generations...

Download the complete article “Breaking the Generational Myth: How to use Coaching Skills for Effective Leadership” here.

Greetings!

How are we assisting our clients? We work with business owners who are struggling to answer questions like these:

• Why is our employee turnover so high?
• Who are we as a company and what do we offer our employees?
• How can I be sure to attract the best candidates for our critical job needs when I need them?
• Why don't I "like" my employees?
• How can we improve communication with our team?
• What is the best way to communicate expectations to our employees?
• How can we measure employee productivity and results?
• How do we best provide feedback?

The People Possibilities Model emphasizes the importance of building a foundation that supports employees to work more effectively and make a positive contribution.

To truly maximize productivity and the value of human assets, organizations must...

Download the complete newsletter “The Power of People” here.
Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Trend vs. Uncertainty – Where Does Strategy Lie?

Futures Studies (we espouse more than one, so we reflect it as the plural "futures") is the science, art and practice of postulating possible futures. Modern practitioners stress the importance of alternative and plural futures, rather than one monolithic future. They also warn of the limitations of prediction and probability, versus the creation of possible and preferable futures. Futurists attempt to gain a holistic or systemic view based on insights from a range of different disciplines. They challenge and unpack the assumptions behind dominant and contending views of the future. Strategic Foresight focuses on a time horizon much longer than a "typical" five year planning process. This is where the distinction between a trend and an uncertainty come into play …

Top 10 Talent Acquisition Trends in 2010

• Talent Acquisition - Sourcing, Selection and Onboarding.
• Talent Development - Performance Management, Career Development, Leadership Development and Succession Planning.
• Talent Assessment and Alignment - Internal Mobility and Workforce Planning.

Below is a top ten list of trends currently being discussed for Talent Acquisition. Are you already addressing any of these trends in your organization? Is there a trend you are uncertain of? If you could ask a question about the future, what would you ask?

1. The Recruiting process is changing.
2. The Recruiter as we know it today will cease to exist.
3. The Job Creation Index - the job creation index is a factor, running at a negative number over the course of 2009. …

Trust Me

In today's workplace, trust is a big concern as more pressure is placed on leaders and employees to deal with economic pressures and an uncertain future. Building a culture of trust expands the level of contribution each of us can make. Yet, many people are not sure where they should place their trust as more and more examples of leaders who have taken advantage of others' trust come to the surface. What can you do as a leader in this environment? …

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Are We Losing Sight?

And we're all feeling the effects, whether directly or indirectly. If we have a job, we're working harder to do more with less. If we don't have a job, we're frustrated at the limited opportunities and the slow hiring process. And many are suffering financially as a result. If we are a business leader, we are shifting priorities and, in many cases, "waiting" to see which direction this tornado is going. Many are in a "freeze frame" not sure which steps to take next. This is new territory....

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Differentiate or Disintegrate:
How To Use Your Personal B.R.A.N.D. To Get Ahead

Brand Marketing at a Personal Level
Are you confused about personal branding? Everyone's talking about it and why it's so important to have a personal brand and how you must communicate it in person or on the web. Do you feel like you're behind the eight ball on this one? Trust me, you are not alone!

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Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Kathi Crawford Completes Certification as a Performance Management Talent Management (PMTM) Certified Consultant

The result is a workable, tangible strategy that delivers unprecedented levels of both ROW (Return on Workforce) and ROI (Return on Investment) for her clients.

To learn about the value of using these tools in your organization, please contact People Possibilities.

Download the PeopleStreme Whitepaper on “The Link between Employee Engagement and Business Outcomes” here.

For Immediate Release: The Eagle returns to webtalkradio.net!

Tracey Serebin (www.traceyserebin.com), host of “Family Matters” on WebTalkRadio.net, invited Kathi Crawford, SPHR to return to her show as the Human Resources Expert. Kathi provided information for expectant mothers and fathers about “Starting a Family in Turbulent Times” with a focus on paternity leave and how to manage time away from work when employees are fearful of being laid off from their jobs. She also points out some key benefit plan considerations necessary for effective financial planning. If you want to listen in, use the controls below.

People Possibilities Writes Featured Article for Iris Growth Solutions Newsletter

Leadership: Take It Personal!
The ability to effectively lead is a crucial factor in the success, or lack thereof, of entrepreneurial ventures. By understanding and embodying what it takes to lead effectively, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of success. To be successful and grow our business we must be strong in personal leadership. Leaders with this characteristic are people who lead themselves with strength and confidence so that others are inspired to join them. Personal leadership requires a commitment to balance and a sense of purpose and values. If you practice personal leadership you recognize that in order to teach and motivate others, you must first learn to teach and motivate yourself. To be a leader today you must be an agile learner and apply new skills and experiences as lessons are learned under first time conditions. A leader sets the example for employees and coaches them to excel. You may have heard the expression “fail forward”...
Download the article here.

Kathi Crawford Designated as
International Association of Coaching Certified Coach

Kathi Crawford, SPHR, IAC-CC achieved her goal of coach certification through the International Association of Coaching (IAC) effective April 22, 2009. For ten years prior to her certification, Kathi coached executives and professionals in the organizations where she held the role of a Human Resources leader. As she expanded her coaching practice, she recognized the value of completing coach certification. She selected the IAC, an independent, global coach certifying body, because of its rigorous certification process, coaching standards and approach. The IAC evaluates the demonstration of specific masteries that are the hallmark of the most effective and distinguished coaches, as well as sets high standards for the coach’s ethical, professional, and business behaviors. The purpose of this certification is to provide the clients of coaches a valid measure of assurance that they will receive the best coaching.

Learn more about the IAC here.

Top 10 HR Trends for Small Business in 2009

Download all 10 trends here.

People Possibilities Newsletter “The Power of People”

What is a company's competitive edge today? It's people. We know this and yet we're not always sure how to lead on this edge. How would you describe your leadership style? How would others describe it? Are you seeking your "edge?"

Have you heard the latest buzz word "talent management"? What does it really mean? Everyone has an opinion about it. In reality, talent management has been around as long as there have been managers and employees. It occurs when leaders care about what people want and help them get it. They lead in a way that motivates and engages people to maximize their contributions resulting in success for the individual and for the company...

Download the complete newsletter “The Power of People” here.
Subscribe to the newsletter here.

People Possibilities Launches Website

People Possibilities is excited to announce the launch of its website peoplepossibilities.com. The company focuses on building capability through people. Its mission is to be a catalyst for positive, evolutionary change with individuals, groups and organizations.

The website provides information on services provided by the company including one-on-one and group coaching, leadership development, team building, and corporate training services and talent management consulting services.

We invite you to visit the new www.peoplepossibilities.com today.

Guest Speaker at ASTD Houston Downtown Lunch Bunch Meeting

Kathi Crawford, SPHR, and Owner of People Possibilities, facilitated a discussion at the October 15, 2008 ASTD Houston Downtown Lunch Bunch. To open the session, she:

Through the discussion participants assessed their organization’s readiness to address Talent Management challenges and identified ways to raise awareness with their senior leadership team.

For Immediate Release: The Eagle is on webtalkradio.net!

There must be something in the air that is carrying Kathi Crawford, SPHR by her wings to bring information and ideas to people who are experiencing change. This time it was an opportunity for a radio show!

Thanks to Suzy Rogers for thinking of Kathi as a resource for the show. Suzy connected Kathi to Tracey Serebin (www.traceyserebin.com), host of “Family Matters” on WebTalkRadio.net, to be the Human Resources Expert talking about benefits for expectant mothers. If you want to listen in, click here: Tracey's Show on Webtalkradio.net and select “Podcast” then choose “Week 29.mp3” which aired on Sunday, July 13th.

So what’s next? For eagles, the sky is the limit!

For Immediate Release: The Eagle is on TV!

Since the launch of her company, People Possibilities, Kathi Crawford, SPHR has been flying with her vision for helping individuals and groups explore the possibilities and accelerate meaningful change. Many opportunities have come her way and she is blessed to know many who support her wings.

Just this week a new opportunity came her way thanks to Mattison Grey (www.greystoneguides.com). It was an opportunity to be on Great Day Houston as a guest expert! Kathi wanted to do it because she is so passionate about the topic – helping moms with ways they can have it all – a career and a family! But then she realized she was going to be on TV!! This was her first time yet her experience prepared her for this moment – she went for it and did not turn back!

Oh, and she called in the expert – Sarah Shah, Image Artist and Media Coach (www.sarahshah.com). Sarah helped Kathi make sure that all she had to do was to focus on the topic and Sarah would take care of everything else – and she did!! Watch the show here. And, keep on watching what Kathi’s up to!

Kathi Crawford Appearance on Great Day Houston with Debra Duncan Find the Perfect Work Balance Kathi Crawford, SPHR Talent Strategies & Solutions

Kathi Crawford Completes Certification in the Birkman Method®

Learn more about The Birkman Method here.
Read the Birkman report on “The Value of Using Assessments” here.

Selected to join the University of Houston Leadership Development Team for Empower

Kathi Crawford, SPHR, Owner of People Possibilities was selected to develop and deliver three of eight courses for EmPOWER. EmPOWER is a revolutionary new leadership certificate program from Continuing Education at the University of Houston that is scheduled to be launched in Fall 2008.

Read about EmPOWER here

For Immediate Release: Eagle Launches New Company

Just like the eagle, all leaders must have vision to see clearly and at a great distance. Kathi Crawford, SPHR, has a vision she is now realizing. She has officially launched her company, People Possibilities.

Did you know eagles look for and fly into storms! As storms approach, lesser birds head for cover, but the eagle spreads its wings and with a great cry soars upon the powerful updrafts to heights of glory. Eagles use storms to lift them to these great heights. Kathi is an avid cyclist and her bike often acts as her wings. She is fearless in the pursuit of her business and professional goals.

As Kathi flies into the world to take on projects, one-on-one and group coaching and corporate training opportunities, she brings her expertise to high performers. She helps individuals and groups explore the possibilities and accelerate meaningful change. And, just like an eagle seeks out opportunities to soar, so will she. If you are an eagle too, don’t be surprised if you get a call from Kathi asking what heights you are soaring to next.

Kathi Crawford People Possibilities

APRIL 2008 Featured As Expert On Worker Diversity Kathi Crawford, SPHR is interviewed by Marcia Passos Duffy on how to better meet worker’s needs. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fit today’s age-diverse work force: The generation gap between the youngest and oldest workers in some workplaces can span more than 40 years. On one end of the spectrum, there’s the 20-something who is fresh out of graduate school or college and is seeking flexible schedules or work-from-home options; on the other end are the employees nearing retirement.

“A company might have four generations of workers at one time,” says Kathi Crawford, SPHR, and Vice President of Human Resources for Talent Tree, a staffing company based in Houston. “Each generation comes with its own set of values, needs and attitudes, and vastly different expectations on communication styles and work expectations.”

Smart Business spoke with Crawford about how managers can best understand and meet the needs and priorities of each generation — from the younger Generation X and Y to the middle-aged baby boomers to the older Silent Generation.

Read the interview here

People On the Move

The American Society for Training & Development Houston Chapter (www.astdhouston.org) has elected the following new officers for 2008: Kathi Crawford, president; Alise Isbell, president-elect; Bonnie Crowder, vice president of communications; Susan Ashley, vice president of finance; Jay Clancy, vice president of marketing; Sarah Hurst, vice president of member services; Ron Chlebo, vice president of professional development; Peggy Krohn, vice president of programs; Kate Hawkins, vice president of special interest groups; Vicky Esse, vice president of conference; Mark Prasatik, vice president of technology; and Kent Nuttall, past president.

See “Organizations” in The Houston Business Journal’s People On the Move