Hiring, Retaining, and Maintaining the Best Employees

Course Preview

Course Author(s)

Dr. Robert England - Professor of Criminal Justice

Course Summary

In this course, Dr. Robert England introduces leaders to why it’s important to hire and retain the best employees we can find as well as maintaining the proper employees, good relationships of which all critically important.

He discusses “what is work ethic”, and why is it so important? For example, what is meant by Work Ethic? Most individuals might think of it as the willingness to be a self-starter and get the job done.

However, there is a deeper meaning to the idea of “work ethic”, one that encompasses our personal philosophy. The key is to view work ethic not as a single trait, but as a set of seven skills – sometimes are referred to as soft skillswork readiness or portable job skills.

 

  • “Soft skills” can be vague. Therefore, in this course, we focus on just Work Ethic – or the foundational workplace skills that are the building blocks for success in every job.

The seven (7) soft skills are:

  • ATTITUDE: Remaining positive in every situation. Take control of the way you react to positive “and” negative situations.

  • ATTENDANCE: Demonstrating you’re reliable in every phase of your life. Be on time, every time.

  • APPEARANCE: Being professional both in the way you act, and the way you look.

  • AMBITION: Taking initiative and adding value. Do more than the minimum.

  • ACCEPTANCE: Having respect and following direction. Be coachable and play by the rules.

  • APPRECIATION: Demonstrating your gratitude towards others. Provide selfless service.

  • ACCOUNTABILITY: Living honestly and having integrity with every decision you make.

You will learn about the work ethic gap. Employers desire positive and enthusiastic people who can be counted on to show-up for work on time, dressed and prepared properly, go out of their way to add value, and do more than what’s required of them. They want individuals who are honest, who will play by the rules, and who will give cheerful, friendly service to their fellow employees and the citizens of their community, regardless of the situation. And most importantly, employees able to deliver not just some of these traits and behaviors, but all!

This course challenges all employees at every rank and title and years of experience to make those check their behaviors from time-to-time, make those small changes are encouraged to measure, observe and coach as they work through the process of challenging employees to be their best.

Course Syllabus

  • Module 1 - Hiring, Retaining, and Maintaining the Best Employees

    • Generational Work Ethics
    • Can You Train Work Ethics?
    • The Role of Soft Skills
    • The Challenges of Development
    • Assessment