Unlocking Potential: The Power of 1:1 Coaching for Career and Personal Growth
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Unlocking Potential: The Power of 1:1 Coaching for Career and Personal Growth

All too frequently, amidst the relentless demands of our personal and professional lives, we relegate our own needs to the background. Perhaps you've contemplated your growth and potential, yet find yourself consistently prioritizing other responsibilities or people above your personal development. As the new year unfolds, it's a common moment for introspection and goal setting. Whether your ambitions involve honing your leadership skills, managing conflicts, exploring a new career path, or seizing your next opportunity, 1:1 coaching serves as a valuable guide to light the way forward. Explore how personalized coaching can help clarify your vision and provide the strategies needed to navigate the challenges on your path to achieving your goals.

Read More
Maximizing Hiring Success: The Critical Role of Good Interview Skills
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Maximizing Hiring Success: The Critical Role of Good Interview Skills

In the fast moving landscape of today's business world, the ability to hire effectively isn't just necessary—it's a key strategic advantage. At KnitHR, we recognize the pivotal role of training managers in interview skills, a cornerstone in attracting and retaining top talent. This blog delves into why empowering managers with adept interview skills is crucial and its transformative impact on the hiring process.

Read More
The Power of Positive Interactions: Reflecting on 'How Full Is Your Bucket?' 
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

The Power of Positive Interactions: Reflecting on 'How Full Is Your Bucket?' 

Nearly a decade ago, as a manager of HR services, I discovered "How Full Is Your Bucket?" by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton, a book that profoundly reshaped my approach to team dynamics and communication. This insightful work, co-authored by the father of StrengthsFinder, Donald Clifton, utilizes a compelling bucket analogy to delve into the impact of our daily interactions on emotional well-being and productivity. It echoes Clifton's philosophy of focusing on what's right with people rather than what's wrong, a concept he originally developed in the 1960s.

Read More
Ready to Rally: HR as Your Crisis Stability Partner
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Ready to Rally: HR as Your Crisis Stability Partner

In the vast landscape of crisis management, the role of Human Resources (HR) stands out as an essential partner and likely more so since the pandemic. HR plays a central role in ensuring that the organization's most valuable asset, its people, are well-supported, prepared whenever possible, and safeguarded. This blog will spotlight how HR contributes to effective crisis management, emphasizing the importance of their early involvement and how a small HR team can ensure preparedness for crisis.

Read More
To Be, or Not to Be: ‘Open to Work’
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

To Be, or Not to Be: ‘Open to Work’

Recently, I was asked by a few job seekers whether one should display the green ‘Open to Work’ banner on their LinkedIn profile. This isn't a new question, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it amidst the barrage of LinkedIn layoff, restructure, or insolvency posts. Today, I was compelled to better understand what’s stirring up the conversation on the open to work banner once again.

Read More
Bridging Gaps: Striving for Cohesion in Leadership
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Bridging Gaps: Striving for Cohesion in Leadership

Have you ever been on a team where leadership wasn't in sync? How did it affect you? How did it affect the company culture?

As I approach nearly 14 years in the Retail sector, I can confidently state that Retail is not for everyone and can be a rife with ups and downs. And when it comes to Specialty Retail specifically, it can feel like being on a Tilt-a-Whirl. If you're unfamiliar, picture this: Instead of a predictable roller coaster with its visible twists and turns, the Tilt-a-Whirl offers cars that rotate unpredictably based on the weight and position of its riders. It's thrilling, but you never quite know which direction you'll spin next.

Read More
5 Essential Tools for Budget-Conscious HR Departments Serving Start-ups
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

5 Essential Tools for Budget-Conscious HR Departments Serving Start-ups

In the fast-paced world of start-ups, the Human Resources (HR) department often finds itself juggling numerous roles. From recruiting top talent to fostering an inclusive company culture, the tasks are many and varied. However, one common challenge faced by HR departments in start-ups is the limitation of resources, particularly in the budget department.

Read More
The Significance of Employee Handbooks: Building a Strong Company Foundation
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

The Significance of Employee Handbooks: Building a Strong Company Foundation

In today's constantly evolving workplace environment, there exists an often-underestimated yet indispensable document that plays a pivotal role: the employee handbook. This unassuming booklet contains more than just rules and regulations; it serves as the compass guiding employees through the company's values, expectations, and compliance with employment laws. In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of an employee handbook, exploring how it lays the groundwork for a cohesive and thriving workplace.

Read More
Finding Balance: Prioritizing Mental Health in Your Work-Life
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Finding Balance: Prioritizing Mental Health in Your Work-Life

As an HR professional or people manager, your role is pivotal. You stand on the front lines, supporting employees struggling with burnout or those seeking a balance between work and personal lives. But remember, this duty extends to self-care as well. I firmly believe that HR serves as the moral compass of an organization, making it our responsibility to spearhead mental health initiatives. Seemingly small gestures, like recognizing the challenges employees face or ensuring accessible Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources, can make a significant difference in cultivating a supportive workplace.

Read More
Interview Insights: Probing Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Interview Insights: Probing Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager

Interviews often feel like a one-sided assessment, but it's important to remember that they provide a unique opportunity for you as well. It's your chance to discern if the company and role align with your values, aspirations, and career goals. In my journey, I've discovered the significance of asking poignant questions, ones that unearth deeper insights about a potential employer.

Read More
Navigating the Revolving Door of Managers: A Guide to Workplace Resilience
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Navigating the Revolving Door of Managers: A Guide to Workplace Resilience

In today's dynamic work environment, it's not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where managers come and go. Throughout my own career journey, I unexpectedly encountered an extraordinary degree of leadership turnover. At one point, I underwent 11 changes in direct management within the span of 3 years. Navigating the subsequent shifts in leadership styles proved to be a transformative journey in itself.

Read More
Conquering Difficult Conversations: Your Roadmap to Success
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Conquering Difficult Conversations: Your Roadmap to Success

If there is one piece of advice I have given over and over again as an HR professional, it’s how to prepare for having a tough conversation. Dealing with conflict head-on doesn’t come naturally to everyone.  In fact, the easiest thing to do is stick our heads in the sand, act as if nothing happened, and hope that we can get over the situation quickly.

Read More
Navigating the Demands of HR: Your Partner for Success
Kathy Hernandez Kathy Hernandez

Navigating the Demands of HR: Your Partner for Success

In the bustling world of business, Human Resources (HR) is one of the key components that keeps the organization running smoothly. HR is a demanding journey, often entangled in legal complexities and psychological demands, requiring unwavering attention to detail.  

Read More