The One Thing All Professionals Can Agree With

By Maren Hogan:

When the iPhone 6 was released, reviews and feedback on the newest mobile device came pouring in. Generally, some system bug or software issue is to blame for negative feedback, but when Apple released their newest phone, a hardware problem presented itself. Introducing #Bendgate: the hashtag given to the multiple instances of iPhone 6s warping in the pockets of their owners.

While there are a lot of opinions on how much this unwanted flexibility affects the quality of Apple’s products and reputation, there’s one thing professionals can all agree on: a great team is flexible.

Break Down the Silos

Similar to the big, metal structures that stand high above us, a silo mentality will loom over your company, placing ominous shadows on the workflow. While it’s important to find a candidate that has skills and cultural fit, there’s something to be treasured in one who is open to new experiences and changes.

Silos in the workplace occur when an employee feels that a task doesn’t fall on them or their department. In other words, it’s the infamous “that’s not my job!” mentality. Some big corporations can get away with employees like that, but most teams need individuals who see a problem and offer a solution, whether it’s in their wheelhouse or not.

If your organization seems to be suffering from the silo mentality, consider your own habits. Make a point to ask how co-workers are doing in their projects and offer to help when they seem stumped. If they don’t need help today, they’ll remember your offer next week when that random problem does arise. It’s important to remember that no matter what you are doing for the company – recruiting, hiring, managing, or otherwise – all people are working for the same goal.

Cross-Train the Employees

It’s very difficult to feel comfortable doing anything outside your role when you have little to no knowledge of the process. A culture and office structure cannot become flexible when there is no initiative to make it such. The good news is that you can start cross-training right away and create a team of ready-for-anything employees.

A successful cross-training venture can start small. Simply pulling a freed-up coworker into a small weekly or monthly task is a step in the right direction. For example, ask your cubicle mate if they knew that the company ATS had a template building feature and offer to show them how it all works.

Encourage your own learning by asking knowledgeable coworkers how parts of their job work. Express interest in learning more about things you find confusing or think you might have a knack for. Before long, the conversation will move on to the more intricate processes, new talents will surface, and hindrances caused by reliance on coworkers will dwindle.

Read the rest on Recruiter.com

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.