Letter from the President –
Welcome 2009!

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

With 2008 behind us, it’s probably safe to assume that last year held a number of challenges that none of us anticipated. In spite of the economic uncertainty we all face, I continue to be a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. Have you set your goals for the New Year? What do you want to accomplish, both personally and professionally?

 

A very dear friend and mentor of mine would say, “In order to realize your goals, you must first visualize them.” Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and The Success Principles, How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, is also a big proponent on “acting as if.” Don’t wait until you have what you desire…begin acting as if you have already met your goals! How would that behavior look different for you? Plan your goals for 2009 as if you absolutely knew you would achieve them! No limits or negativity allowed!

 

I believe in utilizing feedback from trusted colleagues in my decision making process. By incorporating this feedback, we can realign the course. And it is far better to take two steps forward and one step back than never to have taken a step forward at all. What is your forward moving goal for this year?

 

As we at Helios HR continue to support our clients on how to best leverage their human resource practices, we see organizations placing increased emphasis on individual and team accountability. Whether impacted directly by the economy or indirectly based on their concern regarding the unknown, the pendulum is indeed swinging. There is an intense focus on personal accountability.

 

I believe it’s healthy to expect people to be at their professional and personal best—at all times. It’s unfortunate that it takes a tight economy for that message to be stated so clearly. Truth is, we should be providing honest and constructive feedback to support the growth and development of our team members at all times. What are they doing well –what’s working? How could they improve—what needs work? Direct feedback, shared in a respectful and thoughtful manner, can have an incredibly positive impact on an individual who wants to grow and improve.

 

Perhaps one of your goals for 2009 will be to focus on the development of personal accountability within your team and overall organization. This may look different for different teams, but it might include ensuring commitments are honored and clearly meeting performance expectations.

 

Helios HR wishes you a fabulous 2009 with all its challenges and opportunities! If we can help you in any capacity, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Let’s make it a successful year in which you reach your goals and realize your aspirations!

 

Warmly,
Kathy Albarado
President & CEO

Issue 13 | January 2009

In this Issue

 

Letter from the President – Welcome 2009!

 

Communicating Low or Non-Existent Salary Increases

 

Leadership Development in a Down Economy

 

Career Transition Services

 

 

Also This Month...

 

Helios HR New Location!
Due to continual growth, we have moved to larger office space at 12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 420, Reston, VA 20191. Come visit us!

 

 

2009 Helios HR Apollo Nominations Now Open through Feb. 25!

Nominate your company or another who promotes employee development. Find out more and apply online!

 

 

Management Development Training
Register for the 2009 Winter/Spring session kicking off January 28th! Continuing Ed Units (CEUs) available.

 

 

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
Attend the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Strategic Growth Conference & Capital Forum March 19 & 20, 2009 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel - Keynote Speaker Mark Feldman, Authority on Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Change
Annual Conference Registration Link

 

 

Coat Drive a Huge Success!
1,271 coats have been collected for our less fortunate neighbors. Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed!

 

 

About Helios HR

Helios HR client-focused delivery models include:

 

HR Outsourcing

 

HR Consulting

 

Interim HR Management

 

Additional information

is available at
www.helioshr.com