Former D.C. employee awarded $3.4M in whistleblower suit | Transparent communication can align culture with goals | Enhance HR training with internal benchmarking
A D.C. Superior Court jury has awarded damages of $3.4 million to Maureen Hill after finding that she was terminated from the District Office of Contracting and Procurement after she made disclosures regarding alleged improper contract-splitting to bypass D.C. Council approval. The District government argued that Hill's termination was the result of poor performance, not because of the concerns she raised. Full Story: The Washington Post (10/14)
Cheron Porter, APR and executive vice president of corporate communications at Inlivian, emphasizes the importance of company culture in achieving organizational goals. Speaking at PRSA's ICON 2024, Porter highlights the need for transparent communication and personal engagement with employees to foster commitment and a sense of belonging. "If you want to soar as an organization, to meet your goals and have an engaged employee base, you have to think creatively" and find ways to build a positive work experience, Porter says. Full Story: PRSAY (10/15)
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US gender wage gap widens post-pandemic The gender wage gap in the U.S. widened in 2023 as women re-entered the workforce, particularly in low-wage industries, according to findings in a report from the US Census Bureau. The report shows that women in full-time jobs "earned 83 cents on the dollar compared to men," a decline from 84 cents in 2022. Experts emphasize the need to address structural problems, such as the undervaluation of care work, to close the gender wage gap. Full Story: ABC News (10/16)
Technology
AI will change how applicants' tech skills are tested The methods by which job applicants' computer skills are tested must be tweaked for the rise of AI, asserts CEO Laith Dahiyat of eSkill Corporation. As software production teams create more work with fewer errors, companies increasingly will "need computer skills tests that measure candidates' collaboration abilities," Dahiyat writes. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (10/15)
FranchiseFilming.com CEO Trevor Rappleye shares how his experiences as an NCAA Division 1 Soccer referee have informed his leadership style in business. Lessons such as maintaining composure, setting standards, and being open to admitting errors are crucial both on the field and in the boardroom. Full Story: Entrepreneur (10/11)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Remember when the 1989 Major League Baseball World Series was interrupted by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake? It happened in the backyard of the San Francisco Giants, who eventually lost to what team?
I respect the men and women who serve as referees in youth sports. Crowds can be brutal. I’ve seen fathers lose their tempers over a call and threaten to shoot referees. I’ve seen grandmothers jeer and hurl insults from the stands. And I’ve seen mothers (usually wearing “#BoyMom” t-shirts) get into profanity-laced screaming matches with referees and umpires when their child gets hurt or they disagree with a call. It’s a sight. But the best referees eschew the taunts and focus on the game. They’re not easily rattled. They don’t become aggressive or engage in toxicity. They maintain their professionalism and composure, no matter the circumstance. And over time, these referees earn the respect of the players, coaches and fans. They also develop a reputation for being excellent in their field. Great business leaders have the same qualities, as we see in today’s HR Leader story by Trevor Rappleye, a Division 1 NCAA soccer referee. They are cool under pressure, fair with their authority and are unafraid to own their mistakes. Leaders like this can rally the troops. They have the respect of their teams and their peers. And that’s what makes them effective. Who’s the best leader you know? Someone you work with now or have in the past? Let me know. I'd love to hear what you liked and respected about them. Do you love this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
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