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<h3>What Business Leaders Expect from HR?</h3>Is your HR department truly aligned with what your business needs, or are you just spinning your wheels managing HR for HR’s sake? If you’re too caught up in policies, procedures, and playing referee, you might be missing what your leaders really expect from you. Today’s HR isn’t just about keeping the ship afloat—it’s about anticipating business needs, supporting managers, empowering people, and driving results.&nbsp;HR: Solve Problems Before They ExplodeBusiness leaders don’t want to deal with unnecessary fires. They expect HR to be the proactive problem solvers, stepping in with solutions before issues turn into full-blown crises. Whether it’s spotting potential legal risks, flagging early signs of burnout, or addressing conflicts before they poison the culture. HR is expected to help mediate tensions within a team, prevent compliance violations, or suggest performance improvement plans before bigger issues arise.<figure id="figure-zu6vb7xpcnm1zq89k7"><img id="zu6vb7xpcnm1zq89k7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/185328417/photo/burst-your-bubble.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Qp_a-p8Ph7hweO4Z_tlTXPDE1saEObjotujEE1JnnaA=" alt="Burst your bubble" title="Burst your bubble" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/185328417/photo/burst-your-bubble.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Qp_a-p8Ph7hweO4Z_tlTXPDE1saEObjotujEE1JnnaA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>HR: Build Growth Plans That Actually MatterManagers want more than just check-the-box performance reviews—they expect tailored growth plans for their team members. HR’s role here is crucial, helping identify strengths and areas for development, so every employee has a clear path to grow and contribute at their highest potential.HR: Keep Processes Simple (Please)I can’t stress this one enough. HR processes can sometimes feel like a maze of paperwork and policies. What business leaders really want is simplicity, not frustration and delay. Streamlined onboarding, clear policies, fast-tracked recruitment, and easy-to-understand performance reviews—no one has time for bureaucratic slog. HR is expected to cut through the clutter and deliver improvements, not excuses.HR: Bring in the Right and Not Just Any PeopleHiring is one of the biggest ways HR impacts the business. Leaders need HR to be the gatekeepers, not just for skills but for culture. It’s not enough to hire qualified candidates—they expect you to find people who are a good fit and will thrive within the company’s unique ecosystem and help drive it forward.<figure id="figure-mwxbmt04jm1zqbi17"><img id="mwxbmt04jm1zqbi17" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471444483/photo/customer-satisfaction-survey-concept-users-rate-service-experiences-on-online-application.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=V9vMuL5TUzHpKFrNz-U1g7eriPCXa6ROdvnxBXMqUPs=" alt="Customer Satisfaction Survey Concept, Users Rate Service Experiences On Online Application, Customers Can Evaluate Quality Of Service Leading To Business Reputation Rating." title="Customer Satisfaction Survey Concept, Users Rate Service Experiences On Online Application, Customers Can Evaluate Quality Of Service Leading To Business Reputation Rating." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471444483/photo/customer-satisfaction-survey-concept-users-rate-service-experiences-on-online-application.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=V9vMuL5TUzHpKFrNz-U1g7eriPCXa6ROdvnxBXMqUPs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>HR: Share the Data&nbsp;Leaders love data, but not if they have to dig through it themselves. They want HR to provide the insights they need to make smarter decisions, from turnover trends, hiring timelines, to metrics that will support workforce planning. Don’t just deliver spreadsheets, no matter how fancy they are—provide the why behind the numbers, so they understand and can act on it.HR: Help Us be Better Managers, Better LeadersOften managers look to HR for guidance on how to lead. Whether it’s coaching on conflict resolution or improving communication skills, and team performance, HR plays a key role in helping leaders become more effective. Business leaders expect HR to support them in becoming the kind of managers and leaders their teams need.<figure id="figure-aj4wjnb4xgjm1zrc720"><img id="aj4wjnb4xgjm1zrc720" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1915263063/photo/illustration-for-environmental-concept-green-business-or-investment-an-endless-circular.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2ypmxEIqOQpgdZfkdjZ4ouKRnDPq6jtoYRtjf3RWg6c=" alt="Illustration for environmental concept Green business or investment An endless circular economy The icon on the infinity symbol has a green background." title="Illustration for environmental concept Green business or investment An endless circular economy The icon on the infinity symbol has a green background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1915263063/photo/illustration-for-environmental-concept-green-business-or-investment-an-endless-circular.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2ypmxEIqOQpgdZfkdjZ4ouKRnDPq6jtoYRtjf3RWg6c=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>HR: Help Us Navigate the Hybrid WorldFlexibility is the new normal, but managing both hybrid and remote teams comes with challenges. HR is expected to help managers navigate these waters. Policies need to make sense, and productivity and cohesion needs to be maintained across teams. Leaders will turn to HR for assistance, training, and methods to make hybrid work ... and work well.HR: We Need Performance Management That Kicks AssNobody wants to deal with a convoluted performance management system. Business leaders expect HR to create one that’s clear, fair, and actually helps improve performance. They want a system that keeps employees motivated and shows who’s contributing the most to the company’s success.HR: Prioritize Mental Health &amp; WellnessMental health and wellness are not just ‘nice-to-haves.’ They are must-haves in today’s workplace. Leaders expect HR to take the lead in creating programs that support employee well-being, whether through benefits, wellness initiatives, or just encouraging open conversations with staff. Remember, happy, healthy employees drive business success.<figure id="figure-g7nh8z30tqm1zqk3f8"><img id="g7nh8z30tqm1zqk3f8" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1613148057/photo/mental-health.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IJ45G49wydJroEcfJR_ABv2gNvFLzQRKZPuXTstDs_w=" alt="Yellow September: mental health" title="Yellow September: mental health" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1613148057/photo/mental-health.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IJ45G49wydJroEcfJR_ABv2gNvFLzQRKZPuXTstDs_w=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>HR: Create a Safe SpaceHR’s role is not just about preventing injuries; it's about ensuring the workplace is hazard-free and that people not only understand but follow legal requirements. HR needs to be conducting regular risk assessments, enforcing safe protocols, and making sure everyone knows their rights and responsibilities. If HR fails to spot potential safety issues, not only can health &amp; safety be at risk, but the company could face fines or legal trouble. Staying compliant and keeping people safe is an HR must!Be Clear and TransparentBusiness leaders expect HR to be straightforward and transparent. Policies, changes, or expectations should be communicated clearly and without ambiguity. HR’s role is to ensure everyone’s on the same work-page, and that there’s no room for misunderstandings when it comes to what’s expected from employees. Support information should be in a centralized location that’s easy to find and reviewed routinely for accuracy and relevance.<figure id="figure-xtkha0fj9im1zql5ur"><img id="xtkha0fj9im1zql5ur" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1307939278/photo/window-cleaner-using-a-squeegee-to-wash-a-window.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=70jIEil2f--0Y_1L6fy4etHnjXj4mhGFdNmH_OTpY40=" alt="Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window" title="Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1307939278/photo/window-cleaner-using-a-squeegee-to-wash-a-window.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=70jIEil2f--0Y_1L6fy4etHnjXj4mhGFdNmH_OTpY40=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Align HR Strategy with Business GoalsHR’s most critical function is ensuring that their strategy aligns seamlessly with the organization’s goals and objectives. HR should not be focusing solely on day-to-day operations and administration but play a critical role in helping to shape the company’s future. From talent acquisition planning to leadership development, HR’s seat at the table is a valuable driver to motivate people, ignite productivity, propel success.<figure id="figure-l8fbtbnn9m1zr5hwm"><img id="l8fbtbnn9m1zr5hwm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164219442/photo/digital-composite-image-of-woman-touching-illuminated-lighting-equipment.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eVFQpPAS02uBsRos_4xEtBM7gk4O4Ni1W81vV1tmqeM=" alt="Digital Composite Image Of Woman Touching Illuminated Lighting Equipment" title="Digital Composite Image Of Woman Touching Illuminated Lighting Equipment" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164219442/photo/digital-composite-image-of-woman-touching-illuminated-lighting-equipment.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eVFQpPAS02uBsRos_4xEtBM7gk4O4Ni1W81vV1tmqeM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Final ThoughtIf your company was magnified 10X, would you be proud of what’s revealed or scrambling to fix the cracks?

Under the Magnifying Glass

A businessman in blue shirt is holding a magnifying

<h3>The Standard for HR Leaders in 2025</h3>Change is coming fast and furious. Ready or not, 2025 is almost here. What will define your business success? Let’s dive in and examine the HR leaders that will have what it takes!&nbsp;Shaping Culture and Employee ExperienceThe days of ping-pong tables, adult office slides, and fancy coffee machines are over. In 2025, if you’re not creating an irresistible employee experience, you'll fall behind. Culture (and a dash of AI) will be your biggest competitive edge in a talent war. Your focus needs to shift toward holistic well-being, diversity, inclusion, and benefits that speak to a workforce that’s evolving faster than you can say, “What’s in it for me besides burnout and lack of engagement?’”<figure id="figure-bwv72h1xedm1jmc82d"><img id="bwv72h1xedm1jmc82d" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1465517478/photo/abstract-shot-of-a-man-touching-3d-rendered-contact-icons-global-networking-on-the-web.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YPIVDdLVSEFwv4Q06RTaGPyT8JhEWocCSwat4o13eMk=" alt="HR, Culture, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="HR, Culture, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1465517478/photo/abstract-shot-of-a-man-touching-3d-rendered-contact-icons-global-networking-on-the-web.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YPIVDdLVSEFwv4Q06RTaGPyT8JhEWocCSwat4o13eMk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>The Data Imperative&nbsp;If you're still making decisions based on hunches or past experience, it’s time to wake up, Morpheus! In 2025, HR leaders need to be fluent in people analytics, using data tools, leveraging insights, and spotting trends. Data drives competent decisions—from hiring to workforce planning, a data-driven HR will be the strategic horsepower you need. If you're not harnessing the data chariot, you're in the digital dust! Buh-bye!The Inclusion EffectDiversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies must be comprehensive, thoughtful, and backed by action. It's about creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Foster belonging at EVERY organizational level. Open the glass doors to bias training, resume anonymization, way less favoritism, and equitable management practices. Sound DEI programs bring innovation, productivity, new customers, morale-boosting outcomes, and amazing growth. Don't be the last HR person standing to figure this out!<figure id="figure-9172jxx5asm1jmhh2g"><img id="9172jxx5asm1jmhh2g" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2150486260/photo/diversity-and-inclusion-at-workplace-lgbt-leadership.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=CTrLgEqG3q4B_EPaZwNct0Gcdi89LYFv3dwal865Jlk=" alt="DEI diversity, equity, inclusion, Business Goal Strategy, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="DEI diversity, equity, inclusion, Business Goal Strategy, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2150486260/photo/diversity-and-inclusion-at-workplace-lgbt-leadership.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=CTrLgEqG3q4B_EPaZwNct0Gcdi89LYFv3dwal865Jlk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Be a People Development Ninja!If you’re not investing in your people, someone else will, and benefit more than you! As we charge into 2025, with AI and groundbreaking tech advances, your teams will have to adapt faster than ever before. It’s not just about teaching staff to be better in their current roles but preparing them for the roles they (and you) haven’t even imagined yet. Continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling are the name of the game now, my HR peeps! So, transform your teams into digital wizards by keeping them competitive, data-literate, tech-savvy, and armed with AI mastery. BTW, Cohesion HR can help with all that ;)Workplace Flexibility or BustForget the traditional 9-to-5 grind! The 2025 workforce will be a mix of remote employees, gig workers, hybrid schedules, international talent, and people with really cool side hustles! Embrace flexibility! Rethink how you manage, motivate, employ, and engage a diverse workforce. The secret sauce: creating strategies that allow flexibility and autonomy without sacrificing productivity. Bend the arrow, my friend!<figure id="figure-3k6x8c4yzpm1jmkjsi"><img id="3k6x8c4yzpm1jmkjsi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1006298256/photo/business-goal-strategy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9I-aE_f7PQ_G_Mcgx_ZYWAm-1ZTmWdGlYZWoiiHcjtE=" alt="Business Goal Strategy, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Business Goal Strategy, Inclusion And Diversity, HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1006298256/photo/business-goal-strategy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9I-aE_f7PQ_G_Mcgx_ZYWAm-1ZTmWdGlYZWoiiHcjtE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>HR Leaders: Time to Drive, Not Call ShotgunIn 2025, HR leaders will be business co-pilots, shaping strategy and driving success. If you’re in the passenger seat, it’s time to move over and drive that Tesla Model S, bb! Know your industry and understand market trends. Be an expert when it comes to your company’s unique challenges because if you’re not aligning your initiatives to business goals, you’re not leading ... or really helping all that much either.&nbsp;Sai Parlare Tecnologia?In 2025, if you can’t speak tech, you'll be spinning digital circles in microseconds. The future of HR is intertwined in a digital tapestry of tech innovation. HR systems, AI, cloud-based tools, and new technologies are evolving exponentially. HR leaders who can talk the tech and leverage it will supercharge the workforce. From HCM systems to virtual and augmented reality, to AI-driven processes, you’ll need to understand how these tools work and how they can engage and elevate your team’s productivity. Gotta embrace the bots. They can help! And, some of them are kinda cute too!<figure id="figure-hiqvz2uxtlm1jmn353"><img id="hiqvz2uxtlm1jmn353" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1206801125/photo/hand-touching-digital-chat-bot-for-provide-access-to-information-and-data-in-online-network.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=T61kIEEe2NIqpZBUazF8YSdF7iT1CHP8mBvVZqPETJM=" alt="Artificial intelligence, innovation and technology HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services." title="Artificial intelligence, innovation and technology HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1206801125/photo/hand-touching-digital-chat-bot-for-provide-access-to-information-and-data-in-online-network.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=T61kIEEe2NIqpZBUazF8YSdF7iT1CHP8mBvVZqPETJM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Mental Health is the New Metric for SuccessIn 2025, wellness programs are essential for a motivated workforce. Offer counseling, stress management, and flexible work options for staff. A burnt-out team is a disengaged team. Prioritize well-being and invest in a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. And trust me—happy employees will take your company a lot further than you can ever imagine.&nbsp;Data Security: Lock it Down!AI and data are indispensable tools, but if you’re not protecting that data, you’re sitting on a ticking time bomb. Yeah! In 2025, HR needs to take the lead in safeguarding sensitive people information. Stay ahead of compliance regulations. Run routine audits. Master risk and data security. If you don't, you’ll be playing a dangerous game. Protect your data like your business depends on it—because it kinda does. Guard the gold!<figure id="figure-o6dahbpj8m1jmr06d"><img id="o6dahbpj8m1jmr06d" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1463546128/photo/cyber-security-concept-illustration-of-lock-and-woman-working-with-laptop-at-table-closeup.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FRkyhq6IGknYGQPdgQM-5AM12vor7jeAOi6U8H9zS1o=" alt="Cyber security concept. HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Cyber security concept. HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1463546128/photo/cyber-security-concept-illustration-of-lock-and-woman-working-with-laptop-at-table-closeup.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FRkyhq6IGknYGQPdgQM-5AM12vor7jeAOi6U8H9zS1o=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure>Ability to Rise to the Challenge—Always2025 or not, true leadership is about how you show up when the going gets tough. Do you face problems head-on and be the superhero your team needs? If you’re not stepping up when the hard decisions must be made, or you need someone to hold your hand in order to "deal," well, you’re stepping back, sweetheart, and everyone sees it. Transparent communication, empathy, decisiveness, and a steady hand will get you through the storms. Remember, leaders rise when others fail. So, be that leader, especially if you hold that title!It’s Showtime!Alright, HR champions, the future of work is calling! It’s time to stop playing it safe and start playing to win. HR needs leaders who are innovators, tech strategists, game changers, people problem solvers, and straight-up rockstars. So, what’s it going to be? Are you in or out? The choice is yours, butterfly!<figure id="figure-ppjb92k57m1k145al"><img id="ppjb92k57m1k145al" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1421170573/photo/aspiration-for-change.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=09448ibqjO_ITw7XCEY0k71noCeyINflYZfExX24AOM=" alt="Cyber security concept. HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Cyber security concept. HR Leader, Ottawa, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1421170573/photo/aspiration-for-change.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=09448ibqjO_ITw7XCEY0k71noCeyINflYZfExX24AOM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>

Are You the HR Leader 2025 Demands?

<h3>AI: Supercharging Your Business Potential&nbsp;</h3>Warning: AI is not just a trend, it's a total disruptor! It's everywhere and the hottest topic in town. It's here to stay and businesses not embracing it are going to be left behind.&nbsp;Now, if the extent of your AI knowledge stops at ChatGPT, Midjourney, Julius, Sybill, or Notion, I'll provide some back-story.&nbsp; Because, while you furrow your brow and copy that last sentence, your competition is shifting into high gear with AI, impressing more clients, streamlining their operations, boosting their productivity, and raking in the rewards. Are you AI ready?&nbsp;<h3>First, an AI Crash Course&nbsp;</h3>This is a huge topic, so I’ll try to keep it lay and light. If you want more insights, you know where to find me. As for all you techie AI professionals and LLM programmers out there (firstly, hats off to you), you have time to get another coffee and maybe a bit of sunshine. Vitamin D is very good for you!There are two main categories of AI for this discussion. One is Machine Learning (ML) and the other, newer, is generative AI (GenAI). There are other examples like computer vision, robotics, etc., but we’re not going to go down those paths right now.Machine learning systems learn from input and improve task performance without being explicitly programmed, employing algorithms to identify patterns and make predictions or decisions based on information.&nbsp; Still with me ...? Google search, Amazon suggestions, Netflix recommendations, targeted ads, and TikTok curating your feed through engagement are all good examples. You input an interest, a keyword, a selection, and the system algorithm ‘learns,’ provides matches, and classifies it. It’s not formulating, however, it’s mimicking and matching.GenAI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Midjourney, Claude, GitHub Copilot, and Stable Diffusion are advanced models that can create new content such as text, images, and code. These tools use deep learning techniques that involve artificial neural networks and natural language processing intelligence to generate human-like output, making them useful for endless and varied applications and customer service interactions.&nbsp;These LLMs appear creative, but they are only simulating creativity based on patterns in their training data. (Shhh, it's always about the data.) They pull it off quite effectively too, especially if you are a prompting ninja. But they are not always accurate and can hallucinate—that’s AI lingo for making crap up and making it sound legit! That’s why AI should not be left to its own devices. It’s like a genius teenager that can sometimes go off the rails, as such it needs to be monitored and managed ... closely.Let’s move on with a note about robotic process automation (RPA), although not a branch of AI, it does automate repetitive, rule-based tasks without any learning or decision-making. While RPA can work alongside AI for more complex processes, it just follows set rules and automates tasks, rather than using intelligent systems to perform, but it's still beneficial in workplace processes as long as you have the resources to setup all the rules.<figure id="figure-jm1s6prdjwlziodr4f"><img id="jm1s6prdjwlziodr4f" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35Gaqqh3S7CehDcKo9r7sJBfBuNEAAigU4M2poylQ1UPa9iEztBoAahwUJMhyn6M.png" alt="GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " title="GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35Gaqqh3S7CehDcKo9r7sJBfBuNEAAigU4M2poylQ1UPa9iEztBoAahwUJMhyn6M.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><h3>Understanding how AI can help</h3>AI will help you streamline your workflows, analyze, summarize, code, fact-check, and automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks. Across industries, it can manage inventory, enhance fraud detection, assist with diagnostics, and do investment analysis. Utilizing AI will free-up employee time, so they can focus on strategic activities, business operations, and improving services. What business owner or director doesn’t want to kick productivity in the ass? Well, AI can help businesses achieve way more with way less.<h3>If you’ve got the data …</h3>Assuming you are inputting business information into some sort of database--I hope you are--you can save your data staff from endless hours of compiling, analysing, cleansing, error correcting, coding, and using project management tools to do their work. Instead, feeding data, discreetly and very confidentially, through private AI aggregators can provide actionable insights in seconds! Want trend analysis, okay! Predictive analytics, okay! Sales volumes, okay! KPIs, okay! Data audits, okay!&nbsp;Yes, to all of it! In seconds! You need the right AI, though, with budget considerations and knowledge of how to load and prompt—yes, it is an art. AI can digest even the largest volumes of data and help businesses just like yours make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and smash issues.AI systems can analyze data patterns and predict trends, helping your business anticipate market changes, optimize pricing strategies, and improve customer and employee experiences. Advanced AI analytics tools can identify potential improvement and growth opportunities that may be eluding you. It can identify what's trending, and identify gaps, hot spots, and potential risks. Overall, AI enables a proactive and efficient approach to data insights and outputs.<h3>How else can AI help?</h3>Let’s get those SLAs and targets up! AI enhances customer experiences by expediting and personalizing interactions. It can analyze, respond, write, summarize, query, flag, aggregate, report, and monitor in microseconds, and, wow, can they chat! There are AI technologies so conversational that it’s difficult to separate them from a human conversation. When a customer makes contact, your AI has already analyzed the querent’s bio, historical transactions, account details, etc. and all in milliseconds before anyone says 'hello.'&nbsp; It can tailor solutions, next steps, and initiate the necessary workflows as needed. Scary, I know!If sales are your focus, AI can assemble desired marketing targets based on your business data, products and services in real-time, heck, it can assemble the entire campaign and apply best industry practice if that's what charges your battery!<figure id="figure-pninrfwvgvlziomy40"><img id="pninrfwvgvlziomy40" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7UTMlEvXmEbWA5xNFYQnW3suygQkUDS9iblyskdt9JVaYaRDscoekv8IreHqvJSm.png" alt="AI, GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " title="AI, GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7UTMlEvXmEbWA5xNFYQnW3suygQkUDS9iblyskdt9JVaYaRDscoekv8IreHqvJSm.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Phew! Finally, the HR stuff!&nbsp;</h3>There are numerous AI applications for HR. I think I’ve blogged most of them already. I encourage you to have a gander … seriously, go look! AI in HR can automate and manage routine processes, provide progress reports (with suggestions), identify skill gaps, write your job descriptions/postings, do job market analysis, automate and aggregate the job classification process, digest people data, analyze it and make recommendations. It can organize and align business planning, streamline processes, lower service costs, improve data governance, and shhh, it can keep it all secret too!AI can interact with your employees, predict how they are doing, working, and feeling, and provide avenues for improvement, engagement, training, and assistance. Hello? Better talent management = higher moral, improved well-being, and a more motivated workforce!AI tools can screen resumes, facilitate performance management activities, create any HR template, policy template, or form you desire. There's more! How about drafting interview questions, scoring matrices, onboarding ‘to dos,’ and schedule and remind you about them. AI can manage team tasks, monitor progress and performance, recommend workforce plans based on your data. Essentially, this helpful little bit of tech is there to eliminate all the repetitive time-consuming tasks so your HR people and org supporters can support your people and org.<figure id="figure-7k7fnr3yt9lzioxp7k"><img id="7k7fnr3yt9lzioxp7k" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1325421270/photo/businessman-touching-to-virtual-screen-with-infographic-and-hr-wording-human-development-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sWgReR_96PuvkhA836ygnujD_CmbnYBvvbe5K9ZqCzk=" alt="GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " title="GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1325421270/photo/businessman-touching-to-virtual-screen-with-infographic-and-hr-wording-human-development-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sWgReR_96PuvkhA836ygnujD_CmbnYBvvbe5K9ZqCzk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>AI Integration Playbook&nbsp;</h3>So, you’re probably thinking, ‘This is all super helpful, but how the heck do I roll out the red carpet for AI and greet it like Elon would?’ Easy! You stop thinking about it as a glitchy robot overlord out to steal your job and, instead, embrace it as the new business superstar assistant it is, and then watch your efficiency skyrocket! The moment you make the change from, ‘What is all this AI hype?’ to ‘How can I harness this digital disrupter?’ is when the magic happens, my friend. So, what’s the plan to integrate it? Well, you contact Cohesion HR, of course! I know, you’re shy, I get it. So, I’m going to outline a few of the steps for you. There are more, but we can discuss those later. &nbsp;1.&nbsp; You need an understanding of AI and what it can do What's out there? Learn some background on business AI. What potential does it have for your business. Familiarize yourself with the applications and concepts. Conduct some research and reference AI use cases in your industry.2.&nbsp; Business Analysis: what are the business needs? Every business has its pain points and processes that can be improved. Identify them and determine if AI will add value and then prioritize based on feasibility, impact, relative cost, and potential ROI. Tip: consider tasks that are repetitive, data-intensive, time-consuming, customer-serving, or require rapid decision-making.3.&nbsp; What are the AI objectives? What are the outcomes you want for your business? Identify them, all of them. Ensure that they are specific, align with your business strategy, and can be measured.4.&nbsp; What solutions are a good fit? Select the AI tools, platforms, or providers that align with your business objectives and strategies. Should be a no-brainer, right? Evaluate the vendors serving similar industries. What are their technologies and service offerings? Can they share some insights? Demo, demo, demo, score and assess, demo again (lather, rinse, repeat), right down to security, storage, and services. Oh, and have a long list of question ready!5.&nbsp; Is your organization ready? This is important. Do you have the data, IT infrastructure, and capacity to support AI integration? If not, what do you need? Are external providers a viable solution? Also, it's critical to analyze your workforce and cultural readiness because it's gonna change the way your people work!&nbsp;There's more ... What is the AI fluency level in your organization? You likely need some Cohesion HR consulting, along with some staff AI-adoption training (yep, throwing that in ;) Your staff needs to know how this will benefit them, so involve them! Make them part of the change you want to see!6.&nbsp; AI strategy, development, and planning Draft a project outline, a plan, a roadmap. Include timelines, milestones, risks, constraints, interdependencies, testing requirements, communication needs, budget, resources, data prep, securities, and management. Ahh, take a breath, Pam!! And ... release ...7.&nbsp; Build and work with expertise You will need to build internal capabilities and train-up your workplace experts. It's a good idea to seek external expertise to assist with this initiative. Cohesion HR can help identify the skill gaps and what the 'big ticket' training needs will be. Partnering with providers and consultants can ease the change process, alleviate burdens from falling on your internal management, and ensure successful integration, knowledge transfer, and adoption.8. Start with a pilot project It’s best practice to pilot. Launching on a smaller scale lowers the risk and will allow for closer observation using real scenarios.&nbsp; It will provide an opportunity to identify potential issues, refine processes, garner feedback, and validate the concept and data before a full-scale launch.9.&nbsp; Full implementation, integration and adoption Good to go? Great! Apply the lessons learned from the pilot to the broader implementation. Now that AI is integrated with existing systems and workflows, ensure your documentation, policies, and training materials are centralized, easy to locate, and reviewed regularly for relevancy and accuracy.10. &nbsp;Monitor, evaluate, improve, scale&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Get feedback. Track performance. Adjust and optimize as needed. Where else can you potentially expand? AI technologies are ever changing so assessing what will and won’t work for your organization is a continuous process. Are there new opportunities? Yes? See step one.Incredibly Important Things to RememberOne: Data privacy, policies, and governance Two: Ethical concerns surrounding AI&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Three: Compliancy&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Four: Fairness and transparency&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Five: Training and buy-In<figure id="figure-dgyfs9cpdlzip1l82" class=""><img id="dgyfs9cpdlzip1l82" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2yWwpxqiLYqY8Un3uTVtnUnfDHQK1SlKdZMmb8MXKAp2BVfjzaZf5u8k7wAZlguu.png" alt="AI Chess, GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " title="AI Chess, GenAI, CohesionHR, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Help Ottawa, " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2yWwpxqiLYqY8Un3uTVtnUnfDHQK1SlKdZMmb8MXKAp2BVfjzaZf5u8k7wAZlguu.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Take away</h3>AI is not overlookable. It is something your business will need to succeed, innovate, and stay ahead of the competition. It is not an upgrade, it's a revolution. Integrating AI into your workplace bit by bit will provide significant improvements to your bottom line. So, let’s get you ahead of the curve and crushing the status quo! The extended hand may be virtual, or 3D mesh, but it’s still a hand. Let’s talk.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Cohesion HR – Connecting the dots!

Integrating AI in the Workplace ~Revolutionize Your Business

Employee upskilling and reskilling for future-ready workforce

<h2>Upskilling to Outperform</h2>Businesses that thrive are those that invest in their people. Upskilling is more than just a training program; it's a powerful way to future-proof your business and unlock the full potential of your team and power productivity!<h3>The Skills Gap: A Growing Concern&nbsp;</h3>As technology and business continue to evolve, the skills needed to stay competitive are changing too. The result is a growing skills gap that can leave even the most talented teams feeling like they're struggling to keep up. You can bridge the gap, though, by providing your teams with the skills they need to succeed in their current roles or develop them for new responsibilities.<figure id="figure-1mjuizk42sm009nbhb"><img id="1mjuizk42sm009nbhb" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/598828710/photo/red-ladder.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2KuBbLsDr4PmOEPejr1fJKM--r_PLdmZBU8FNsPw8JU=" alt="Red Ladder, Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" title="Red Ladder, Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/598828710/photo/red-ladder.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2KuBbLsDr4PmOEPejr1fJKM--r_PLdmZBU8FNsPw8JU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>The People Benefits of Upskilling</h3>Upskilling is about investing in the growth and development of your teams. When you prioritize it, you're sending a powerful message to your employees: We're committed to helping you succeed! So, what will result? <ul><li>Get a big employee retention boost: When you invest in your employees' growth, they're more likely to stick around and contribute to your company's success.</li><li>Increased productivity: Employees with the latest skills and knowledge are more efficient and effective in their roles, driving productivity and growth.</li><li>Innovation leaps: Upskilled employees bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving innovation and creativity within your company. </li><li>Enhanced morale: When employees feel like they're growing professionally and supported by their leaders, their morale, satisfaction, and engagement increases, leading to a more positive work environment for everyone.</li></ul><figure id="figure-f3vns5c3gm01athfo"><img id="f3vns5c3gm01athfo" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1957279084/photo/power-soft-skills-multi-skills-responsibility-hr-human-resources-concept-personal-attribute.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rhihKXyyJW2C7cM3oMsrwl0EMSnr7O__42bQLdeXhEI=" alt="Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" title="Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1957279084/photo/power-soft-skills-multi-skills-responsibility-hr-human-resources-concept-personal-attribute.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rhihKXyyJW2C7cM3oMsrwl0EMSnr7O__42bQLdeXhEI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Business Benefits of Upskilling</h3>The benefits of upskilling don’t stop with your employees. It will impact your business too!<ul><li>Reduce your recruitment costs: Upskilling allows you to fill skill gaps internally, reducing the need for costly external recruitment.</li><li>Improve customer satisfaction: Employees with the right skills are better equipped to meet customer needs, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty.</li><li>Strengthen company culture: A commitment to employee development fosters a culture of learning and growth, which can attract top talent to your organization.</li><li>Prepare for the future of work: Upskilling ensures your workforce is prepared for future challenges, including automation and AI, keeping your company resilient and efficient. </li><li>Competitive Edge: With the rapid pace of change, companies that prioritize upskilling can quickly adapt to new industry trends and remain competitive.</li></ul><figure id="figure-zsoj1diowm01avpnp"><img id="zsoj1diowm01avpnp" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1409806011/photo/business-personal-development-concept-improving-and-developing-competency-performance.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vodxlFXfXw9cWdxzCdFo2cWNQpdjE6sJVZrDsrty0w8=" alt="Business, personal development concept. Red Ladder, Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" title="Business, personal development concept. Red Ladder, Upskilling, Training, Development, Improve performance, HR Help, HR consulting, Cohesion HR, HR Ottawa, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1409806011/photo/business-personal-development-concept-improving-and-developing-competency-performance.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vodxlFXfXw9cWdxzCdFo2cWNQpdjE6sJVZrDsrty0w8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Empowering Leadership DevelopmentUpskilling isn't just for frontline employees; it's also essential for developing leadership skills at all levels. By investing in leadership development, you can ensure your business has a strong, capable management team that's equipped to drive growth and success.Partner with Cohesion HRReady to unlock the full potential of your team? Cohesion HR offers tailored programs designed to meet your specific business needs. Our expert team will work with you to create solutions that address your unique challenges and business goals.Take away …Upskilling is more than just a buzzword (it’s on the list, though, go see 😊). It's a strategic investment in your company's future. By prioritizing your team's development, you're ensuring long-term success and positioning your business as a leader in your industry. So why wait? Invest in your team's future today. We’re here to help! Cohesion HR - Connecting the dots!

Future-Proof Your Business:  Upskill and Outperform

The Matter of Metrics

<h3>Coping Mechanisms for Dealing with Bad Managers</h3>We’ve all been there, having to cope with a terrible or incompetent boss. They who transform our dream opportunity or organization into a nightmare. It’s stressful, frustrating, and demotivating, plus it significantly impacts your performance, moral, engagement, and well-being. So, let’s explore some solutions that will help you navigate these murky waters and get you on a better course.<h3>Just Focus on Your Work</h3>The stress that arises from having a poor boss and worrying about their incompetence can affect your mood, productivity, job satisfaction and, frankly, drive you crazy, making it difficult to focus on the quality of your own work.Coping Solutions: Concentrate on what you can control. Set goals and focus on the processes that will bring them closer, break your tasks into manageable chunks to derive personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed by the environmental factors. Maintaining high standards in your work will allow your ability and professionalism to shine through.<figure id="figure-p50sq57yyslz3n9m8o"><img id="p50sq57yyslz3n9m8o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2wmPrBwY14MqE5QPORiMxOEyVOW6sgSJnZJNct0Ihu3k8ZwLMzBeO9nRLxTk0v7t.png" alt="Binoculars, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Binoculars, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2wmPrBwY14MqE5QPORiMxOEyVOW6sgSJnZJNct0Ihu3k8ZwLMzBeO9nRLxTk0v7t.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;"></figure><h3>Hold Yourself Accountable&nbsp;</h3>This can be a slippery slope, indeed!&nbsp; Bosses who avoid accountability like the plague tend to wait poised and ready to lay blame on others for mistakes and outcomes. They take no ownership of critical work decisions, delays, or mistakes. Instead, they dodge and blame-shift.&nbsp;Coping Solutions: Focus on what you can—your own accountability and integrity. Accept responsibility for your actions, be transparent about your progress and any challenges you are facing. This approach not only builds trust with your colleagues but also shines the spotlight on your professionalism and reliability, potentially setting you apart as a leader within the team. Encourage accountability in others by recognizing and rewarding it. Applaud those who do assume responsibility and ‘own’ their work and decisions. WooT~~!<h3>Document! Document! Document!</h3>Incompetent bosses tend to be absent, vague and misleading. Instruction can be disjointed, irrelevant, or ambiguous. Avoidance, miscommunications, and blurred objectives can lead to failures, finger pointing, responsibility dodging, and fault-finding. Don’t go down that path!Coping Solutions: Keep a detailed record of all communications, assigned tasks, and directives. Email a summary of actionable meeting items and those from verbal interactions. These can be helpful references should disputes arise. Seek clarity when instruction, tasks, or objectives are vague. Ask for specifics: details, examples, deadlines, priorities. A shared document or project tool for the team to update tasks and progress is a transparent option that can also help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.<h3>Managing with a Product of Favoritism&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Ahh, the Halo Effect)</h3>Leaders in their role due to favoritism and not merit can foster an environment where talent and hard work are overshadowed by personal connections. Typically, these folks lack effective leadership skills and abilities but remain untouchable and blameless. It can be a demoralizing circumstance, and dealing with these radar runners and cloak-riders can hinder your own career growth, lower productivity, and stir resentment.Coping Solutions: Focus on building your own credibility and reputation. Continue to deliver high-quality work and seek opportunities that demonstrate your capabilities and what you bring to the table. By maintaining your professionalism and excelling in your role, you can mitigate the toxic impacts of favoritism. Additionally, seek mentorship and guidance from other credible leaders within, or without, the organization who can provide you with the support, direction, and career advice that you are not receiving from your boss.<figure id="figure-8ea5ahrnnglz3nmpnf"><img id="8ea5ahrnnglz3nmpnf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12qq1uHeeXyRVE1f4AemqIKDKG3p9gerjbEdaqNO7LNPujWGtvkUESIrAHAPzreQ.png" alt="Halo Effect, Pie in the sky, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Halo Effect, Pie in the sky, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12qq1uHeeXyRVE1f4AemqIKDKG3p9gerjbEdaqNO7LNPujWGtvkUESIrAHAPzreQ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Networks &amp; Confidants</h3>Bad bosses create bad work environments. This can leave you feeling isolated, helpless, unmotivated, and unable to rely on leadership for support.Coping Solutions: You need a workplace support network where you can share your experiences with trusted colleagues and listen to their suggestions and perspectives. I stress the "colleagues you can genuinely trust" phrase here! These folks can bring you emotional support, encouragement, and practical advice. Depending on the situation, reaching out to HR is also an option. If you feel you don't have the work supports, friends and family are always an option.&nbsp; They may not have a situational line of sight, but they do have your back! Sometimes, just knowing you're not alone and having someone who understands can alleviate some of the stress. Besides, it's relatable, everyone has had at least one terrible boss.<h3>Develop Your Own Skills&nbsp;</h3>An incompetent or toxic boss might not provide you with any opportunities for growth, change, or skill development, or worse, they offer it to their favorites only. This can lead to feelings of career stagnancy, frustration, disengagement, and resentment.Coping Solutions: Take control of your own professional development! There are lots of free learning options and certifications online. Enroll in local groups, attend workshops, read for one hour a day in your chosen field, seek mentors and coaches, attend conferences and seminars, and subscribe to business newsletters and professional memberships. YouTube it. Ted Talk it. Podcast it. Enrich thyself! Expanding your skill set can boost your confidence, make you more marketable, and get you far far away from poor leadership, and put you on a new path for success.<figure id="figure-58mjccivwvlz3no0gi"><img id="58mjccivwvlz3no0gi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12SLJhU7D1B53oDRuKUGDmCC0EfxuSOJnejHDa0uztgFDxbGwtvPXOaVdch8JSB7.png" alt="Psychedelic lightbulb, electric, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Psychedelic lightbulb, electric, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12SLJhU7D1B53oDRuKUGDmCC0EfxuSOJnejHDa0uztgFDxbGwtvPXOaVdch8JSB7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Draw a Metaphorical Line in the Sand!</h3>Bad leaders tend to have unrealistic expectations and fail to respect people’s personal time when it comes work. Overwork, breakdowns, burnout, stress leave = unhealthy work boundaries.Coping Solutions: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day. Short, frequent breaks can help you recharge and maintain productivity without feeling overwhelmed. Establish clear boundaries and messaging around your work hours, meetings, response times, and availability. Communicate them professionally and respectfully. Protecting your personal time is crucial for maintaining balance. It’s like drawing a professional, but polite, line in the sands of expectation.<h3>Bring on the Dopamine! Find an Outlet!</h3>Dealing with dysfunctional leaders, toxic environments, frustration, and stress can negatively impact your mental and physical health. Work should not dominate your life. Use breaks or lunch time to have a mini-escape from the day, so you come back recharged. When you are done for the day, be done! Don't take work home with you--it's not invited! This is your time! Having outlets and balance will lower stress and raise your vibe!Coping Solutions: Engage in activities that make you flow and Zen. They will de-stress and clear your mind. There is no end to the possibilities here. Whatever gets your vibration up! It could be exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing, bubble tea, smelling flowers, hobbies, meditation, writing, watercolour, puzzles, building, gardening, blasting zombies in VR, vacation planning, cliff-diving, belting out your favorite song, or simply spending time with loved ones. Embrace activities that free your mind, fill your soul with sunshine, and cultivate positivity.<figure id="figure-tyisdxvq6lz3nq0og"><img id="tyisdxvq6lz3nq0og" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cZV5NHnw5g53e01XoSOaTD0XmM6AuvNaW8Zt6lsKaF9NfGlO2wIWnRxfswn4tby.png" alt="ikigai, zen scene, HR Analytics, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="ikigai, zen scene, HR Analytics, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cZV5NHnw5g53e01XoSOaTD0XmM6AuvNaW8Zt6lsKaF9NfGlO2wIWnRxfswn4tby.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;"></figure><h3>Communication is Key</h3>Managers who lack basic communication skills cause confusion, indecision, delays, and mistakes. Clear communication can clear up a lot! Communicate effectively even if they can’t.Coping Solutions: If you need clarification, ask for it. Be diplomatic, positive, and respectful, but ask. Reduce misunderstandings and gain the clarity you need. Have the difficult conversation if that is what the situation requires. Be precise and detailed. Use active listening techniques to ensure you fully understand the expectations. Reiterate to ensure full and mutual understanding, summarize the outcomes in writing, and bring on the progress check-ins. These steps can prevent errors in communication and demonstrate your professionalism and attentiveness.<h3>Step Up When Your Manager Cannot&nbsp;</h3>An indecisive boss can delay critical decisions, creating issues, confusion, and financial loss. Projects can stall, trust can be compromised, and productivity will suffer. So, what can you do when screaming obscenities is not an option?Coping Solutions: If your boss struggles with decision-making, fill the gap and take the initiative. Propose clear, direct, actionable next steps, and seek their approval. If there are several viable options, present them in clear summaries, identifying the pros/cons, constraints, impacts, benefits, etc., whatever is needed to present the decision points obviously. Provide it in writing and give them a gentle turn-around time that leaves space for them to digest and consult with their higher-ups. Another option is to create a decision-making framework tool or checkoff that identifies the critical decisions needed, along with impacts, priorities, and deadlines. If possible, involve others in the process and activity. These efforts will benefit from having more eyes, input, and perspectives. Taking these extra steps will foster the decision-making process and help your boss make more expedient and informed decisions.<figure id="figure-ceia2ijm3lz3owh7p"><img id="ceia2ijm3lz3owh7p" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f5nI6EEdB2ZNMMPxRE0060m9Qw2YUUSLUsDctwQTinZnXS65YCXhbaAwcbwi37T.png" alt="Growth, ikigai, zen scene, HR Analytics, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" title="Growth, ikigai, zen scene, HR Analytics, HR Training, HR Analysis, Cohesion HR, organize, HR Help, HR Consulting, HR Ottawa, Cohesion HR, HR support, HR Services" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f5nI6EEdB2ZNMMPxRE0060m9Qw2YUUSLUsDctwQTinZnXS65YCXhbaAwcbwi37T.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 0%;"></figure><h3>You Have Options</h3>Incompetent managers may not change, and staying in a toxic work environment for too long can have long-term negative effects on your career and your health. Depending on the situation and how severe the circumstances are, it may be something that is better to discuss with HR (if that's an option for you ...) and seek their guidance and next steps.Coping Solutions: Insert 'introspection' here! What is your job satisfaction level? Are you growing? Ticking off the boxes? Happy to face the day? Engaged? Yelling ‘Hell ya!’ at the bathroom mirror? Are you moving toward your career goals or have they stagnated and sunk to the bottom of Lake O’Lame Leadership? Maybe it's time to haul them up from the watery grave!&nbsp;If your situation is unbearable or hopeless; do something about it!&nbsp; Perhaps it’s time to start exploring other opportunities. Update your resume, network with industry contacts, and consider seeking a new role where your incredible skills and contributions will be appreciated, recognized, rewarded, and valued.<h3>Final Thoughts ...</h3>Dealing with incompetent bosses, toxic leaders, or dysfunctional work environments presents many challenges, but focusing on what you can control, seeking support, and prioritizing your well-being, will allow you to navigate these experiences. Remember, you are never stuck. See these situations as learning exercises, opportunities for growth, future examples and case studies, tests of your character, and even as harsh warnings. Healthy work environments, bosses, and leaders are out there, and they are waiting for someone just like you!&nbsp;

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