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“Skills can be taught, but the core essence of who you hire should come natually. Focus on finding people who embody your comapny’s core values rather than just looking for specific skills.”

Welcome back to the Boutique Chat podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Jackie Koch, a seasoned HR and recruiting professional turned consultant.

Building a business from the ground up is a thrilling journey filled with excitement and challenges. Often, entrepreneurs find themselves in uncharted territory when it comes to managing people. The transition from focusing solely on the product or service to leading a team can be overwhelming. In a recent podcast conversation between Ashley and Jackie Koch, the topic of navigating team building and leadership skills was explored, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Jackie Koch, a seasoned HR and recruiting professional turned consultant, shared her expertise and experiences in helping small businesses establish strong teams. Here’s a breakdown of their discussion, peppered with practical advice and actionable steps for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Building Strong Teams, Ensuring Compliance, and Creating a Great Workplace

Establishing a Foundation

Before diving into the hiring process, it’s essential to define the core values and team culture you want to cultivate. Core values serve as guiding principles that shape the behaviors and decisions within your organization. Koch emphasizes the importance of clarity in defining these values, as they form the foundation of your team. Reflect on the traits and characteristics that align with your business goals and identify three to five core values to guide your hiring process.

Crafting Core Values

Once you’ve identified your core values, involve your team in the process of refining and embodying them. Koch recommends co-creating these values with your team members to ensure buy-in and alignment. These values should not only guide hiring decisions but also permeate daily operations and interactions within the organization.

Integrating core values into the hiring process involves crafting interview questions that assess candidates’ alignment with these values. Look for behaviors and actions that reflect your core values during interviews. Celebrate and reward employees who exemplify these values, reinforcing their importance within the organization.

Leveraging Technology

Technology can streamline HR processes and ensure compliance with employment laws. Platforms like Gusto, BambooHR, and Rippling offer comprehensive solutions for payroll, time tracking, onboarding, and compliance management. Investing in the right HR technology can save time, reduce errors, and enhance the employee experience.

Documenting Policies

A well-crafted employee handbook is essential for communicating expectations, policies, and procedures within the organization. Ensure that your handbook is tailored to comply with state-specific regulations for all locations where your employees work. Regularly review and update policies to reflect changes in laws and organizational needs.

Embracing Flexibility

While policies and procedures are essential, maintaining flexibility is crucial for fostering a positive work environment. Avoid overburdening employees with unnecessary rules and regulations. Treat employees like adults, and empower them to make responsible decisions aligned with the organization’s values and objectives.

Embracing Compliance: From Contracts to Workman’s Comp

Jackie highlighted the importance of understanding compliance issues, such as distinguishing between contractors and employees. Many small businesses opt for contract labor initially, but Jackie emphasized the necessity of ensuring compliance with regulations. She shared anecdotes and lessons learned, underlining the critical need for liability insurance and the potential risks of misclassification.

Workman’s Comp, a staple in ensuring employee protection, was also discussed. Jackie provided historical context and emphasized its significance in today’s business landscape. From its origins in Wisconsin to its role in modern-day workplaces, Workman’s Comp serves as a vital safety net for employees and employers alike.

Leadership in Action: Nurturing Talent and Cultivating Culture

Transitioning from compliance matters to leadership development, Jackie delved into the essence of effective leadership. She emphasized the dual nature of leadership—self-awareness and leading others. Drawing from her experience at Lululemon, Jackie highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of growth and development within organizations.

The discussion extended to the challenges of hiring and retaining talent in a competitive landscape. Jackie challenged the notion of competing solely on compensation, urging small business owners to focus on crafting unique employee value propositions. By creating environments where employees feel valued and supported, businesses can attract and retain top talent.

Beyond Business: A Legacy of Better Workplaces

As the conversation wrapped up, Jackie shared her overarching mission—to create better workplaces. Reflecting on her own experiences, she underscored the profound impact that positive work environments can have on individuals’ lives. Beyond business success, Jackie’s vision encompasses a legacy of nurturing talent, fostering growth, and enhancing overall well-being.

Jackie’s insights serve as a beacon for small business owners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. From compliance essentials to leadership principles, her wisdom offers a roadmap for building thriving businesses and nurturing vibrant workplace cultures.

In This Episode

• People Principles: Hiring + People Strategy
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