How, Sway???

JUST THINKING...

Brand Strategy for Your People

Employer branding stole my heart as a talent acquisition professional. When starting a recruitment project, I would ask hiring managers what was attractive about working for them. Many could barely answer the question. To quote a viral Kanye moment, "How, Sway???"

Well, Kanye, unlike Sway, I have answers.

I see employer branding as both a key recruitment and marketing strategy. Higher ed is an industry that has been hit with a talent crisis while also being scrutinized for its leadership practices. As I wrote for Inside Higher Ed, "Administrations should...realize that their institutional brands are impacted by everything that shapes an employee’s experience or a potential employee’s perception of the faculty and staff experience." Here are my thoughts, in their entirety, about employer branding as a strategy for colleges and universities. Enjoy!

Brand Strategy for You

Over 30 years ago, radio started providing me with unexpected leadership lessons. Looking back, there have been some nice nuggets that have also helped my personal brand. Here are five of them. Read this blog entry in its entirety.

1. Know the people you're leading. Your vision will go unfulfilled without them.
2. Balance your voice with theirs. Everyone benefits from difference perspectives.
3. Trust your instincts. Don't give in to fear. Don't give in to excess. Find the sweet spot.
4. Always learn. Read, study, research, and listen to the experts around you.
5. Everyone matters. You never know what the people around you are going through. Let them know that they matter.

Here's an interesting Forbes piece that slightly cautions us about too much vulnerability in leadership--"Common Mistakes Leaders Make In The Name Of Displaying 'Vulnerability'." What say you?

PODCAST EPISODES TO TAKE WITH YOU

For Our Edification | Define Your Story

Dr. Sheena Howard?has succeeded because of a simple mantra:? "This is not the end of my story." Having survived domestic abuse at one point of her life, she shared great thoughts about self-belief and becoming the hero of your own narrative.

I Wanna Work There! | Human-Centered Design and Institutional Success

What happens when employees are forced to conform to an organization's processes and culture? Erik Rueter sees this as “using a hammer to try to screw something into a wall.” He explains how human-centered design boosts organizational efficiencies, processes and profitability, and the talent experience. This one isn't just for the sexy people in higher ed.

Ethocast | Understanding Chapter Culture

This episode takes a look at fraternity or sorority chapter culture. Dr. Gregory Parks explores social identity, what it means for organizations to have subcultures, how new members impact culture, and what productive leadership looks like in a chapter.?

SPREADING THE WORD

A strong personal brand and network are essential for career growth in higher ed. Join me as I moderate this discussion with my good friends Shane Baglini, Allison Turcio, and Maya Demishkevich on September 13th. Register today!

On September 4th, I'm teaming up with Greek University to visit Southeastern Louisiana University for their NPHC Fall Informational. National Pan-Hellenic Council members and interested students will hear about leadership in "Divine Nine" fraternities and sororities, the importance of followership, and the "Gumbo Theory" of teamwork.

Learn more about what I do at eddiefrancis.com.