denver business journal

So, you want an “A” player…

Feb 23, 2012 | Articles

As appeared in the Denver Business Journal — By Stephanie Klein

The good news is hiring continues to pick up, and many companies are reporting a more optimistic view of the year ahead.  This confidence is partly based upon estimations that 2012’s revenue numbers could be the best they’ve been in three years. After all the turmoil we’ve been through, it’s hard to not get excited about such positive projections.  As companies approve budgets, hiring managers have been given the green light to hire, and are planning the dream candidate – the elusive “A” player that embodies all the characteristics the company needs. It’s that perfect new employee who will help grow the top line, drive operational efficiency, and simultaneously create raving fans out of coworkers and managers alike. Sounds great, right? Before you move full steam ahead, though, consider the following steps along the way.


Acceleration toward skilled workforce has implications for companies, unemployed

Nov 01, 2011 | Articles

As appeared in the Denver Business Journal — By Stephanie Klein

One of the biggest challenges our economy, as well as many businesses, is facing right now is a pervasive and ongoing skills mismatch. Companies are seeking talented, experienced people, but unemployment numbers are still high and holding flat, demonstrating that their quest for skilled workers is bearing little fruit.

Unfortunately for many employers and unemployed individuals, this trend shows no signs of slowing down and instead appears to be increasing. Reports suggest that by 2020, high-pay, high-skill jobs will account for nearly 75 percent of new jobs being created, with only a small percentage of individuals available to fill them. That leaves about 25 percent of low pay, low skills jobs to be divided among the majority of workers.


Denver Employment Outlook

Sep 01, 2011 | Articles

As appeared in the Denver Business Journal — By Stephanie Klein

It goes without saying that things in the Colorado business marketplace are changing at warp speed. The recently roller coaster of economic outcomes and reporting underscores the volatility many are experiencing. Adapting to these forces means changing traditional ways of thinking, especially in employment, hiring and management. It means accepting some new realities, letting go of outdated ideas, and revisiting traditional practices with fresh eyes. Here are several Denver employment outlook predictions that will shape the next several years of hiring and management.


Know your people as well as your financial numbers

Jul 07, 2011 | Articles

Denver Business Journal – by Stephanie Klein

While the need for strong financial acumen is a given when it comes to running a successful business, another more crucial measurement is that of a business’s employees. Do you have a system for measuring the value of your company’s talent? The fact is, a business’s financial success hinges on the sum total talent of its employees. Some of the best known and most successful companies judge its overall performance based not only on financials but on human capital as well.