Is your management team too busy with the day-to-day operations, that they cannot step back and determine the future direction of the company? “Tactical busyness” is a common problem with the lean management teams in the staffing industry. They are so focused on the fires in front of them they cannot address long-term issues. This short term focus traps them … Read More
Behind the Wheel: Driving Excellence in Staffing Operations
I am often asked why I wrote a book about the staffing industry. I felt like a book on staffing management needed to be written. There was no business case or financial model, just a belief that strong management is critical to the future of our industry. We needed resources that helped managers understand there unique role as well as … Read More
Achieving Simplicity and Focus in Staffing Data
We live in a time where we have more data that can possibly be manipulated. Companies sincerely believe that the more data they show their team, the better they are at management. I would argue this approach does more harm than good. While data can be valuable, sometimes it becomes too much of a good thing. Instead of adding value … Read More
Execution: The Most Powerful Differentiator
When I was a staffing executive, I faced a crucial decision that would determine the fate of our organization. Our largest client had given us an ultimatum that would require me to completely restructure our organization to meet their service requirements. In addition, they were demanding lower margins with the promise of higher volume in the near future. What our … Read More
Reducing the Growth Plateau in Staffing Companies
From what I have seen, most growth trends for staffing companies are not linear. Instead, there is strong growth followed by a plateau. I have come to the conclusion that managers may not be able to completely escape plateaus, but they are the key factor in determining how long they last. The reason for this is simple. As a company … Read More
Set It and Forget It
As a young staffing manager I was always looking for the perfect combination of policies and metrics to make managing operations easier. I wanted to find the perfect compensation plan to motivate my reports, the perfect metrics to establish expectations, and the perfect meetings to drive effective communication and collaboration. What I wanted to create was a turn-key operation that … Read More
Letting Go
In my first executive role, I had a difficult time letting go and allowing my managers to do their job. Whether it was getting involved in daily conflict resolution or overriding minor decisions, I spent more time acting as a puppet master than a manager. This is a tendency common in staffing and is understandable especially for the owner-operator who … Read More
Mike Cleland Named to Staffing 100 for 2014 by Staffing Industry Analysts
Mountain View, Calif. – October 24, 2014 – The top 100 most influential people in the North American and European staffing markets have been announced by Staffing Industry Analysts, the global advisor on contingent work. The annual list, now in its fourth year, profiles the movers and shakers who have made a difference to the staffing industry. Staffing industry insiders … Read More
Mike Cleland named as Finalist for the Fast Growth Entrepreneur Legend Award
Mike Cleland was named as a finalist for the Oxford Center Fast Growth Entrepreneur Legend Award at the Oxford Center Get Real Conference in New York City on September 26, 2014. The Entrepreneur Legend Award is a lifetime Legacy Award to an entrepreneur who has built and successfully exited fast growth companies, continuously demonstrates excellent customer service, exhibits a positive … Read More
The Staffing Executives’ Greatest Asset
A strong management team is the most important asset for the executive focused on growth. Strong staffing managers build, develop and motivate top producers, manage the day-to-day operations, and drive critical improvements. All of these elements are crucial for productive operations. In addition, a strong management team combined with a focused and driven executive provides strategic flexibility which can lead … Read More