Basic Benchmarking: Everything You Need to Know With the job market more employee-focused than ever, it's important to make sure every hire and position is filled with a quality candidate. What is Benchmarking? Benchmarking is the process of creating the profile of the ideal candidate for a position, and then measuring all candidates against that profile. It’s most commonly used in the interview process, but can also be used to measure an employee in their current role. How Do You Create and Use a Benchmark? The ideal candidate means a lot of different things to different people. This diversity of thought is a good thing, until it becomes a hindrance to the hiring process. Get the multiple perspectives you need while saving time by putting together a team of Subject Matter Experts, or SMEs. While a panel of SMEs is not necessary, it is a best practice. It can include employees who previously held the role, the candidate’s future direct report, and/or their future co-workers. “Working in a collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders gets you a variety of opinions and removes internal biases and personal agendas.” The SMEs each build out the results of an assessment as if they were their ideal candidate. Then, an average is found from each of those ‘ideal’ profiles. This average is your benchmark! After the benchmark is created, introduce it several steps into your interview process, after the initial rounds of reviews. Most organizations only use a benchmark with their top 3-5 candidates. This way, the normal screening process isn’t disrupted; it just gives deeper insight into each candidate, and a professional way to measure that insight at the end of the process. What Makes TTI SI Different? TTI SI has a patented Benchmarking Process that leverages data to make the best decisions about candidates. In addition, as an outcome of the process, roles have concisely defined responsibilities. Our benchmarking process defines the role instead of the individual. “The beautiful thing about benchmarking is that it’s not focusing ultimately on qualifying or disqualifying a candidate,” said Merkle. “It’s about discovering what the business needs. It removes bias and relies on logic.” Isn’t This a Biased Process? If you’re not familiar with the concept, it might sound like benchmarking is a way to discriminate in the hiring process. It’s actually the opposite; benchmarking a job minimizes bias and provi des a clear objective and collective voice to what behaviors, motivators and skills the job needs. “People have a tendency to like and relate to others similar to them,” explained Merkle, “But similarities might not be what the position needs. These benchmarks can be used for as much as 30% of the hiring decision, but the other 70% should be made based on resume, experience, skills, validation of those skills, and personal fit.” Clear up any uncertainty by building a scoring method into the interview process. It can look like the following: Resume: Determine the minimal qualifications for position Interview: Hold several rounds of interviews on the phone, and one or two in-person as your company sees fit Shared work: Analyze shared work from the candidates This can be samples of writing, completion of a project, etc) Benchmark: Measure top candidates against the benchmark and make a decision after final round of interviews “Benchmarking is a tool to hone in on top candidates, not a blanket dismissal of talent.” Something important to remember is that you don’t have to pick the ca ndidate with the closer score to the benchmark! By using the process, you get to make a conscious decision about the individual you are choosing to join your organization. “Organizations do not miss out on a good candidate because they don’t fit the benchmark,” Merkle said, “Even if you hire against the benchmark, you now have valuable insight into your hire about their behavior that you can use in their onboarding period and beyond. You know what they say; you can’t manage what you can’t measure.” By using this process, you get to make a conscious decision about the individual you’re choosing to join your organization. Why Should You Benc hmark? The benefits to benchmarking are clear! Here’s what happens when you find the right fit for a position, backed up by data. Enjoy Higher Employee Engagement If someone’s behavioral style, motivations, and skills are matched up to a position, they’ll have a higher level of engagement with their team. This engagement increases satisfaction, productivity , and profits. Customer retention rates are 18% higher when you have well-informed and highly engaged employees, according to Smarp . Avoid The Cost of a Bad Hire Just trying to ‘fill a seat’ in your organization is a huge mistake. 80% of turnover is due to bad hires, according to SHRM. Calculate the real cost of hiring the wrong person here, and see if you can afford it! Develop Your Talent Pipeline Benchmarking isn’t just for job candidates! If you’re not hiring soon, you can still use benchmarking to create development plans internally. Developing leaders within your organization will boost productivity and engagement while saving you money, time and resources. Some people want to use benchmarking as a justification for terminating a position. You’re better off using benchmarking as a way to get a snapshot on where to develop an employee. Remember, only 30% of your decisions can be determined by benchmarking. Don’t open yourself up to trouble. How Do I Get Started? If you want to start harnessing the power of benchmarking for your company, TTI SI is he re to help. Contact us here to learn more about how you can utilize this process. “We know leaders, especially during this time, have a challenging role,” said Merkle. “Benchmarking gives you a deeper level of insight before your candidate even walks through the door.” Ready to thrive? We wrote the guide on using assessments and development. Get your free copy here >

Mastering the Art of Workload Management and Prioritization Mastering the Art of Wo rkload Management and Prioritization Date Published: October 2023 In today's fast-paced world, managing workloads and priorities is a critical skill that can make or break personal and professional success. With seemingly endless to-do lists and competing demands, individuals and organizations must develop effective strategies to navigate this challenging landscape. The Overwhelming Challenge The modern world bombards us with tasks, responsibilities, and distractions. Without a clear plan for managing workloads and priorities, it's easy to become overwhelmed, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. To overcome this challenge, start with these fundamental principles: Clear Objectives: Define your goals and objectives clearly. Knowing what you're working towards is the first step in effective workload management. Task Identification: List all the tasks and responsibilities you need to address. This includes both professional and personal obligations. Assessing Urgency and Importance: Categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix, which divides tasks into four quadrants (urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, neither urgent nor important), can be a valuable tool in this regard. Prioritization: The Key to Success Prioritization is the cornerstone of workload management. By determining which tasks require immediate attention and which can wait, you can allocate your time and energy effectively. Here are some strategies for prioritization: The 80/20 Rule: Also known as the Pareto Principle, this suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the tasks that will have the most significant impact and focus on them first. Time Sensitivity: Consider deadlines and time sensitivity. Urgent tasks may require immediate attention, but don't forget to allocate time for important, long-term projects as well. Alignment with Goals: Prioritize tasks that align with your long-term goals and values. This ensures that your efforts contribute to your overall vision. Delegate: If possible, delegate tasks that others can handle effectively, freeing up your time for higher-priority activities. Effective Time Management Time management is a vital aspect of workload management and prioritization. Here are some strategies to make the most of your time: Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or categories of work. This helps maintain focus and prevents multitasking, which can reduce productivity. Set Realistic Goals: Be mindful of your limitations and set achievable goals. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness. Eliminate Distractions: Identify common distractions and take steps to minimize them. This may involve turning off notifications, setting specific work hours, or creating a dedicated workspace. Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks during your work to recharge your mind and increase overall productivity. Adaptability and Flexibility While planning and prioritization are crucial, it's essential to remain adaptable and flexible in your approach to workload management. Unexpected challenges and opportunities will arise, and the ability to adjust your priorities on the fly is invaluable. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your tasks and priorities to ensure they align with your goals and current circumstances. Adjust as needed. Learn to Say No: Don't be afraid to decline new tasks or commitments if they do not align with your current priorities or if your workload is already at capacity. Seek Help and Support: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends when needed. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or collaboration can help manage overwhelming workloads. Mastering the art of workload management and prioritization is essential for achieving personal and professional success. By setting clear objectives, effectively prioritizing tasks, managing your time wisely, and remaining adaptable, you can navigate the challenges of a busy life with confidence. Remember that it's not about doing more; it's about doing what matters most. With these strategies in your toolkit, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and reach your goals with greater ease. Priority Management is a worldwide training company with 55 offices in 15 countries. We have successfully trained more than two million graduates in Priority workshops. Our programs help companies and people be more effective and manage their workflow in and out of the office by providing tools, processes and discipline. Simply put - A Better Way To Work! Clients range from Fortune 500 companies, small-to-medium businesses and government/military employees. Call Orlyn at (403)304-7122 to learn more about how we can help you and your team WorkSm@rt, develop essential management skills and the competencies to....make life and work better and happier! Priority Management International / Performance Strategies Inc - info@performancestrategies.ca - (403)346-1919

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Behavioral Selling Skills Building Customer Relationships with DISC Behavioral Styles The Challenge: Have you ever wondered why you just don’t “click” with some people? Chances are, their behavior style is different than yours. They look at life differently, they think differently, consider different things important and are motivated by different factors. You can either withdraw from these people and argue or ignore them, or learn to understand the way they are, accept them and sell to them on their wavelength! If you are not selling behaviorally, you are only 25-50% effective. The Opportunity: Trust, co-operation, understanding and acceptance are the key attitudes to strengthening your organization and making it more productive and competitive. Understanding your behavior style and the styles of those you communicate with, will go a long way towards building your team, improving customer service and assisting you in sales and negotiating. This material can have just as much impact on your personal life as well. The Learning: Participants in this workshop will learn how to: Identify their own behavioral style Capitalize on their strengths Increase their appreciation for different behavioral styles Anticipate and minimize potential conflicts with others Learn how to adapt their behavior for increased understanding, communication, and sales You will be light years ahead of the competition with your new ability to understand others! Program developed by Target Training International Ltd. The Golden Rule: “treat others as you would have others treat you” The Platinum Rule: “treat others as they wish to be treated”

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Working Smart + msOutlook

Team Development SEND "If everyone is moving forward together , then success takes care of itself" - He nry Ford WorkingSm@rt + Teams Effective teamwork, collaboration and communication At some point, every team feels a disconnect in collaboration and communication, but if it's a lot of the time, then you and your team n eed a road map to improve the process and get better results. Explore> WorkingSm@rt + Outlook Take control of your workload and competing priorities. Receive practical hands-on skills instruction to help you a bsorb proven techniques for a total time-m anagement solution. Integrate communications, tasks, activities, planning and apply the WorkingSm@rt® method using Microsoft Outlook. Explore> WorkingSm@rt + Meetings Get your meetings on time, on track, on purpose. Learn not only how to plan, organize and run a successful meeting but also how to get the most o ut of the meetings you are required to attend. Immediate benefits are: a 'business planning' approach to meetings, increased meeting effectiveness, saving time, improved meeting outcomes. Explore> WorkingSm@rt + OneNote Make collaborating with your team as easy as 1-2-3 The key to success lies in the ability for teams to work together without the constraint of being together. Whether the challenge is virtual, where geography is the issue or the reality of team schedules not lining up. Now it is possible to collaborate in a way that maximizes flexibility and minimizes the places you need to look to find key information or data. Explore> WorkingSm@rt+Project MS Manage the complexities of multiple projects more efficiently and effectively Carry out multiple project execution plans developed through the Project Planning Breakthroughs method accurately and effectively with MS Project using common resource pools and external dependencies, along with detailed reporting and updating. Produce standard and customized reports, and develop a process for tracking and updating project plans. Explore> Project Planning Breakthroughs A proven process that can be immediately understood and implemented by your whole team Regardless of the diversity among people, locations, departments, or disciplines involved, this program provides a streamlined overview of the basics, while focusing on a vastly improved methodology to meet the rigorous challenges of developing a project execution plan. Explore> Selling Breakthroughs Keep your customers satisfied to create lasting relationships The secret to making a successful sale is knowing what, why, how and when your audience wants to buy. Learn the processes and stages of both buyer and seller simultaneously to understand how to apply sales skills and behaviors that accurately match the buyer's state and motivations. Understand how to use your expertise confidently to positively influence outcomes and meet both the buyer's and your own requirements. A sale isn't over until your client knows that the solution to their business problem is you and your product or service. Explore> Customer Service Breakthroughs Increase customer satisfaction to create long-term fans and advocates Learn how to effectively meet customer service objectives, exceed customer expectations, and achieve high levels of customer satisfaction. Since each and every contact with a customer is a "moment of truth" for your company, understand your pivotal role in achieving your organization's financial and marketing objectives. Master the skills to treat customers on the basis of their "lifetime value", strengthening relationships and meeting and exceeding standards and expectations. Enable two-way communication to avoid misunderstandings, minimize problems, and collaboratively work out mutually-beneficial solutions. Explore> Telephone Sales Telephone Sales Training Significantly contributes to your company's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) process Learn how to make outbound sales calls more effective while building strong customer relationships for your company. Ensu re that inside sales people at your small- or medium-size business proactively plan, manage, and implement phone-sales campaigns that generate revenue and a create lasting, positive impression on your customers. Gain the skills to confidently demonstrate your product and service knowledge, enabling you to sell on value versus price. Learn how to proactively service your customer base, complete transactions that satisfy both your customer and your company, and handle resistance with aplomb, while nurturing relationships for repeat business. Explore> Key Account Management Create significant and interdependent supplier-customer partnerships Gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities of servicing "key account" customers. Learn strategic and tactical skills and processes to effectively identify and anticipate their requirements. Become skilled at strategically managing key accounts, gaining supporters for your initiatives and influencing decision-makers, and ultimately evolving a customer/supplier relationships into a preferred sales or partnerships. Explore> Territory Management & Prospecting Become an indispensable intermediary between your company and customers Achieve optimal results from a portfolio of customers. Learn proven processes and skills to analyze, classify, and allocate appropriate time and resources to help you plan call cycles, account development and prospecting activities. In addition, gain in-depth knowledge in account management, planning, profiling, territory analysis, prospecting and influencing. Maximize customer relationships by taking personal responsibility for territory planning and activities. Increase selling opportunities by scheduling prospecting tasks, call frequency and call objectives. Explore> Telephone Response Master this vital link between customer satisfaction and sales. Prepare yourself with the right response using a proven process that assures customer satisfaction and a positive outcome. Learn to strengthen customer relationships by creating a plan for effectively handling every call, whether a request for information, a question, or a complaint. Gain skills that enable you to answer and respond with confidence, and capitalize on opportunities to up-sell and cross-sell. And learn how to gather valuable feedback and collect market intelligence to enable you to anticipate customer needs and exceed expectations. Explore>

Workforce Management Never make another bad hire! Assessments provide clarity for job selection and benchmarking. Our TTISI Partnership - TTI Success Insights has perfected scientific behavioral research, and applies this research to workplace performance and motivation assessments and training. . Performance Strategies translates this scientific information into meaningful information about the strengths and learning opportunities within your organization, and the steps that your organization, and your people, should take to maximize success. What is the true cost of a bad hire? Never make another bad hire! Assessments provide clarity for job selection and benchmarking. The cumulative effect of hiring the wrong candidate can be staggering. Not only can it be a financial b urden, but it can affect many different levels of the business. If more business owners, hiring managers, and talent professionals truly understood the cost of a bad hire, there’s no doubt that more time, effort, and resources would be used upfront to be sure the right person is hired for the right job. Using resources such as job benchmarks , assessments and the expertise of talent management professionals (such as consultants and executive business coaches) can be the difference between success and failure. Explore> Benchmarking Basics: Everything You Need to Know With the job market more employee-focused than ever, it's important to make sure every hire and position is filled with a quality candidate. What is benchmarking? Benchmarking is the process of creating the profile of the ideal candidate for a position, and then measuring all candidates against that profile. It’s mo st commonly used in the interview process, but can also be used to measure an employee in their current role. Why should you benchmark? Enjoy higher employee engagement; avoid the cost of a bad hire; develop your talent pipeline Explore> Does Pre-Employment Screening Really Strengthen Your Workforce? How can you find the right fit for a role in the most efficient way? What is pre-employment screening? Pre-employment screening is the process of evaluating job candidates before hiring them. This process can include aptitude tests, skills testing, IQ tests, and behavioral assessments. What pre-employment screening is available? DISC (behaviors); 12 Driving Forces (motivators); Emotional Quotient (EQ or Emotional Intelligence); Competencies (DNA); Acumen Capacity Index (ACI) Explore>

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Negotiating Breakthroughs

April 2023 - The cost of work place stress - and how to reduce it

Selling Breakthroughs