Engaging Leadership CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

Summary:
Dr. Jim chats about the impact of front-loading the hiring process on employee retention with Tim Widiker, Superintendent of St. Croix School District. They discuss how focusing on fit and standardized interview checklists can improve hiring outcomes. Widiker shares his approach to creating a leader-full organization through effective coaching, ongoing development, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. Takeaways include leveraging building leadership teams and ensuring continuous investment in employee growth. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders in both education and private sectors aiming to optimize retention.
Key Takeaways:

Strategic Hiring for Fit: Tim Widiker stresses the importance of hiring great people over purely skill-based evaluations, emphasizing the role of behavioral-based interview questions to ensure cultural alignment and better retention outcomes.Continual Professional Development: Systematic professional development, including monthly PD days focused on staff wellness and social-emotional learning, is critical in maintaining a high engagement level among educators.Leadership at All Levels: Promoting a belief that everyone in the organization is a leader, whether a bus driver or a principal, helps foster a strong, inclusive culture.Building Leadership Pipelines: The significance of early-stage talent identification through programs like the building leadership teams ensures a steady flow of capable future administrators.

Chapters:
00:00
Leadership Best Practices for Educator Retention
03:28
A Journey from Educator to Superintendent Driven by Positive Role Models
04:51
Building a Leader-Full Organization Through Relationships and Visibility
09:08
Effective Hiring Practices for Improved Employee Retention
16:50
Innovative Compensation Strategies for Educators in Wisconsin
18:05
Building a Culture of Coaching and Development in Education
23:03
Optimizing Hiring and Retention Through Structured Interviews and Development


Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Tim Widiker: https://www.scc.k12.wi.us/
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary:
Edward Carr, CIO of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, shares insights on establishing trust and leadership in technical teams. He emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership, empowering team members, and building a culture of ownership to drive success. Carr discusses his journey from developer to leader, highlighting the value of understanding team dynamics, fostering open communication, and implementing quick wins to build momentum. Join Dr. Jim and Edward Carr as they talk through how new leaders can connect with their teams and elevate organizational performance.
Key Takeaways:
Align Leadership First: New leaders should prioritize building alignment with their leadership team to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated efforts.Build Trust Through Transparency: Open, honest, and transparent communication is essential for fostering trust within the team and with business partners.Engage with Your Team: Regular one-on-one meetings and personal connections with team members help in understanding their motivations and aligning them with organizational goals.Quick Wins Matter: Identifying and addressing pain points early on can build momentum and demonstrate the leader's commitment to positive change.Ownership Mentality: Encouraging team members to take ownership of their roles fosters a more engaged and proactive workforce.

Chapters:
00:00
Building Trust and Leadership in Technical Teams
02:09
The Importance of Trust and Communication in Leadership
06:59
Empowering Teams Through Ownership and Trust
09:34
Effective Leadership Requires Prioritizing and Aligning the Leadership Team
13:50
Building Trust and Momentum as a New Leader
20:22
Earning Your Paycheck Through Consistent Effort and Responsibility
20:47
Building High-Performing Teams Through Soft Skills and Engagement


Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Edward Carr: linkedin.com/in/edward-carr-a45037142
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Intro
Engaging Leadership Outro

Summary: In this engaging episode of the Engaging Leadership show, host CT Leong, co-founder of EngageRocket, sits down with Terrence Davis, the superintendent of Banning Unified School District, to delve into the heart of educational leadership. Terrence shares his journey through various districts in Riverside County and highlights what sets Banning Unified apart—its tight-knit community and the remarkable grit and perseverance of its students.
Throughout the episode, Terrence elaborates on his personal leadership story, his initial reluctance to take on the superintendent role, and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach. He further discusses the vital importance of forging strong relationships with stakeholders, enhancing the professional development of educators, and fostering an environment where students are given a platform to succeed. From negotiation strategies with bargaining units to implementing effective learning walks, Terrence provides invaluable insights into building confident and competent leaders within the educational space.
Key Takeaways:
Empowering Grit in Students: Terrence emphasizes how the adversity faced by the students and community in Banning Unified results in a remarkable grit and perseverance among students, preparing them to excel in various life pathsLeadership Development: The importance of gaining confidence through competence, an ongoing process of learning, and the significance of having a voice in leadership.Building Relationships: Recovering from historical strikes and fostering strong relationships between bargaining units and administration is crucial for student success.Professional Development: Encouraging educators to look beyond their immediate environment and engage with broader networks to adopt industry-best practices.Courageous Leadership: Developing a voice, expertise, passion, and courage are essential components for leaders to effectively navigate challenges and drive organizational success.
Chapters:
0:00
Building Grit and Community in Banning Unified School District
7:22
Terrence Davis's Journey From Teacher to Leadership in Education
12:22
Listening and Synthesizing Information for Effective Team Leadership
15:37
Reluctant Superintendent: A Journey of Unexpected Leadership
17:59
Transforming Education Through Leadership and Collaboration
30:42
Building Confidence and Competence for Effective Leadership

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Terrence: linkedin.com/in/terrence-davis-92120a185/
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites:...

Summary:
Dr. Jim chats about fostering a pioneering corporate culture during times of transformation with Keri Smith, Chief People Officer at Dowl. Keri shares her expertise in maintaining employee engagement and safety amidst massive organizational change. The discussion covers facilitating transparent communication during mergers and acquisitions, building high-performance teams, and the importance of leadership in guiding transformations. Keri also highlights real-world practices, such as integrating existing and new talent, to ensure employees feel valued and supported.
Key Takeaways:
Transparent Communication: Clear communication reduces employee stress during changes.Employee Engagement: Engaging activities enhance collaboration and support.Conflict Management: Use company values for conflict resolution and innovation.Leader Involvement: Senior leader participation is vital for cultural transformation.Development and Retention: Transferring leaders to new projects shows commitment to growth and retention

Chapters:
00:00
Building a Pioneering Culture with Employee Development and Retention
02:07
From History Buff to HR Leader: A Journey Through Airline Industry
04:12
Managing Stress and Transparency in Mergers and Acquisitions
08:46
Balancing Legacy Success with Innovative New Ventures
12:01
Building Team Synergy Through Strategic Communication and Engagement
20:34
Strategies for Managing High Stress During Business Transformations

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Keri L Smith: linkedin.com/in/kerilsmith
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Intro
Engaging Leadership Outro

Summary:
Join Dr. Jim as he speaks with Dani Mikula, superintendent of the South Shore School District in Wisconsin, about building a culture of teamwork, community, and coaching in a small K-12 district. They discuss the unique challenges of a small district, such as wearing multiple hats and preventing burnout, and how to attract and retain talent in a remote, rural area. Dani shares strategies for creating a positive culture, involving the community, and providing support and development for educators. Discover the key principles that have led to the success of the South Shore School District.
Key Takeaways:
Building a culture of teamwork and community is crucial in a small district where every employee counts.Streamlining processes and policies can help alleviate the burden on educators and prevent burnout.Providing mentoring and coaching support is essential for retaining early career educators and helping them thrive.Involving the community and parents in the school creates a sense of belonging and pride, attracting and retaining talent.Creating opportunities for connection and collaboration, both during the school year and in the off-season, helps combat isolation and fosters a positive work environment.
Chapters:
00:00
Cultivating School Culture in Small K-12 Districts
03:00
Multitasking and Burnout Prevention in Small School Districts
05:38
Geographic Challenges in Talent Attraction and Retention
07:00
Enhancing School District Reputation to Attract Educators
09:46
Innovative Mentoring and Coaching in Education
12:00
Cultivating Positive Culture for Educators and Students
12:58
Principals as Key Mentors in Reducing Educator Turnover
14:00
Revolutionizing Teacher Collaboration and Professional Growth
15:11
Strengthening Community Ties in Education
18:00
Building Community Through School Engagement and Activities
20:44
Small Consistent Gestures Foster Positive Outcomes
21:00
Maximizing Summer Learning and Community Engagement in Rural Areas
22:44
Strategies for Recruiting Educators in Small Districts
25:28
Cultivating Optimism and Belonging in Leadership
27:03
Connecting With Dani Mikula
27:21
Principals' Involvement Key to Retaining Educators
Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Dani Mikula: https://www.sshore.org/
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Jim and guest Kristina Karcic discuss the importance of shifting from a "Me" culture to a "We" culture in order to solve talent challenges and build high-performance organizations. They emphasize the need for representation at all levels of the organization and the role of executive leadership in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Christina shares her insights on building a diverse workforce, creating a strong foundation for growth, and prioritizing mentorship and leadership development. Tune in to learn how to transform your talent strategy and foster a culture of collaboration and success.
Key Takeaways:
Aligning executive leadership with a 'We' culture and growth mindset is essential for building a sustainable talent strategy.A strong, foundational job architecture allows for clear paths of growth and helps nurture a growth-oriented culture within the company.Diverse talent should be nurtured by providing access and support, creating a truly innovative and inclusive workforce.Leadership development programs and mentorship should be readily accessible to prepare employees for future roles.Building a supporting culture means having representation across all levels and helping employees see a place for themselves within the organization.
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction to Talent Strategy Crisis
00:29
Kristina Karcic's Background and HR Philosophy
01:43
Business Side Experience and HR Transition
03:15
Support Structures for Career Progression
04:56
Addressing the Talent Attraction and Development Challenge
06:17
The Importance of Career Lattices, Not Ladders
09:11
Incorporating Diversity and Access to Opportunity
12:06
Support Structures for a Successful Diversity Strategy
16:28
Diversity Conversations in Mature Organizations
19:01
Building a People Strategy in Startups and Scale-ups
Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Kristina Karcic: linkedin.com/in/kristina-karcic-ehret-9434348
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Intro
Engaging Leadership Outro