Session 6A: Sue Zen: "Grow: Using What You've Got or Gearing Up"

Human resources and organizational management expert Sue Zen of SueZen Enterprises presented on current trends in relation to "the E's": economy, evolution and employment.

Particularly interesting was her focus on "The Generational Dilemma":

• The Greatest Generation: Depression Children, WWII vets, tradition is good
• Boomers: live to work ethic, largest population, hangin' around
• Gen-X: life balance, smallest population, change is okay
• Millenials/Gen-Y: techno-geeks, growing population, "dude! chill...we're equals"

We're all in the workforce right now. How do we work together?

A look at staffing in today's workplace:

• Employee: payroll (w-2), benefits eligible
• Independent Contractor: 1099, works independently, cannot be supervised
• Job Sharing: 2-for-1 (two part-time employees who share responsibilities), win-win
• Employer Collaboration: shared employees (employees who work with several companies who have a relationship), mobile workplace
• Functional Outsourcing: PEO (payroll employment organization), leased employees, temporary agencies

Notable quotes:
"A 'thank you' goes a long way. Recognition matters." - Sue Zen
"You're doing well if you can keep someone five years. That's 'long-term.'"- Sue Zen
"People who are closely aligned with corporate mission and values will exhibit positive behaviors..." - DeGarmo Group, Staffing for Work Value Alignment (2011)
"Can we please give up the idea that one must be promoted into management to make more money or be more influential?"!

Sue urges companies to use what they're got and "reboot the system" - balance work effort required and talent available. "Throw away current job descriptions" and "identify core/supporting functions." Examine 'qualifications' and realign tasks. Then, consider skills and knowledge, passion and desires.