The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Development

There are undoubtedly many different factors that contribute toward someone developing into a great leader. In previous Aureus Group blog articles, we’ve addressed the importance of demonstrating effective communication skills when interacting with colleagues in the workplace. Well what about emotional intelligence? How does one’s emotional intelligence impact their ability to be a top performer in the professional world?

Update Your Job Descriptions and Hire Smart

The employees you hire can make or break your business. Don’t make the common error of skipping the job analysis and updating of job descriptions. Take the time to figure out your staffing needs and know what you’re looking for in an employee before you actually start looking. This exercise will save you time and money in the long run.

Social Media: It’s Time to Get Connected!

What? You don’t have a Facebook page or a Twitter account? You’re not even LinkedIn? Fear not, the phenomenon of social media is hurdling toward critical mass by way of the wonderful Internet and it is not too late for you to get on the bus. But when you do sign on, do yourself a big favor. Be responsible and know how to use the different social media sites appropriately.

So, what is the difference between social and professional online networking? Great question! Easy answer is Facebook/Twitter equal “social” and LinkedIn equals “professional”. I talk to many business owners and managers who are fearful of getting involved in either for various reasons, but most simply assume that all social media is the same. Not true of course.

Mission Man Visits Aureus Group

C&A Industries, parent company of Aureus Group, brought its mission statement to life late last year when we introduced Mission Man, C&A’s very own super hero and mascot. Mission Man is on a mission to recognize employees who go above and beyond incorporating C&A’s mission statement values into their daily endeavors.

Mission Man paid a visit to the Systems Division of Aureus Group in May armed with words of praise and Mission Man candy tins for Jillian Huston, Linda Aughenbaugh, and Gabe Romero.

BRIDGING THE GAP: Understanding Manager Frustrations and Hiring Decisions

Last month we shared what motivates elite talent to leave their employer in the Top Talent newsletter. By examining leading Aureus Group candidates who have been placed by our organization during the last 60 days, we were able to get an idea of what is driving career changes in 2010. Here’s a recap of what these top candidates shared with us:

Teamwork: The Most Important Factor in Organizational Success

Recently, when asked what made his football program so successful, Dr. Tom Osborne, head football coach at the University of Nebraska Lincoln from 1973 to 1997, said that his best teams had a shared vision of what was important. This came without any mention, or measurement of talent.

The Intersection of Choice

We all know that hiring and retaining the best employees drives our businesses to success. Unfortunately, this is still an area which many organizations don’t properly invest in.

Who are your key employees? You know, the ones who always complete projects on time and the quality of their work is considered elite in your industry? Your “go-to” people for new ideas, the ones you rely on in times of crisis and generally to take on extra work? Having this person on your team allows you to sleep easier just knowing they are there. However, are these valued and talented members also keeping their job options open?

Aureus Group Announces Q4 Employee of the Quarter

It’s been proven time and time again that engagement results in increased productivity, happy employees, and satisfied customers. Leaders and managers need to embrace new ideas and be sure communication with employees is clear. As a result, every employee will hopefully understand how his/her role impacts the bottom line and helps achieve the company’s goals. While many factors contribute to overall employee engagement, I believe a key element to engagement is recognition.

Economic Recovery Brings New Staffing Challenges

Although the economy won’t completely recover this year, the SI Review and Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as staffing analysts expect it to greatly improve and we are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. As I mentioned in last month’s article, an increase in temporary orders and use of a contingent work force has historically been a sign of growth in all industries. However, the turn from contingent employees to a full-time head count will most likely be slower than in the past due in part to the many challenges facing businesses right now.

Aureus Group’s Annual Philanthropy Project a Success!

In honor of C&A Industries’ (parent company of Aureus Group) annual holiday philanthropy project named AurElves, Aureus Group treated 39 teenage boys to a Holiday Party with all the trimmings, an event Aureus Group has hosted for the past few years.