Human is the Critical Ingredient

Dear C-suite, V-suite, Directors, Managers, and HR Pros,

Please step away from keyword searches and software forms when looking for smart people to work at your company. It can be hard to sift through hundreds of applicants but it's part of your job.

Don't let laziness or Taleo software or someone who may not have their PhD in resume writing or two-page job description wishlists for 22-year old MBA grads who have 18 years' experience, stop you from finding great people to become part of your culture who will improve your business.

We are missing out on countless opportunities to create teams that will do remarkable work. I think education is important and should be encouraged and celebrated, but let's not lose out to those connections we can make when we step away from the forms and job boards and make a real connection.

That's why we call it human resources.
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Be Unpopular

It was May 2010. I was in a room full of smart people wondering how I snuck by security. I sat quietly to learn. At some point during the first morning, someone asked a pointed question that was quick and sharp. Erika Napoletano was funny, strong, and smart. I had a chat with her weeks later and my suspicions were confirmed.

Leadership isn't about being popular, it's about being fair and balanced and inclusive and having the ability to stand for something others can believe in. If that makes you popular, that's fine but if popularity is your only goal there will be trouble.

Now watch how Erika reminds us being popular shouldn't be the goal. There are some bad words in her TEDxBoulder Talk. You may be offended and she may not care.


Kneale Mann

TEDxBoulder | Erika Napoletano

19 Business Ideas

• Focus on your strengths
• Know what you know
• Don't get distracted by naysayers
• Take digital time off
• Be known for something
• Surround yourself with smart people
• Do one thing really well
• Have a flexible strategy
• Refine your offer
• Be clear on your beliefs
• Walk away at least once a day
• Commit to it
• Believe in yourself
• Read and seek daily knowledge
• Build a mastermind group
• Work smarter
• Know what you don't know
• Do great stuff
• Stop comparing yourself to others

What would you add?

Kneale Mann

image credit: lovemylife