Author

Jennifer Sokolowsky

Freelance Writer

Explore past articles

Best PracticesBusiness Resource Groups: Definition, Benefits and How to Start OneEmployees have a long history of forming structured groups within their companies to promote a sense of community, support and inclusiveness in the workplace as well as cultivate career development. These employee resource groups work to increase employee personal development, connection and a sense of belonging — which results in workers who are far more…
Best PracticesImproving Manager Effectiveness and Coaching Future LeadersManager effectiveness is the ability for managers to help their teams be successful while serving the organization’s mission. Managers can make or break a workplace. Good managers are crucial for fueling strong performance, while bad managers can be major roadblock to success. For many employees, their manager is a key factor in how they feel…
Best PracticesYour Actionable Workplace Mentorship Program TemplateMentoring has repeatedly shown to have a positive impact on both organizations and their employees. A workplace mentorship program template can deliver significant benefits, including tangible improvements in job skills, knowledge, and leadership, resulting in a more capable and productive workforce. This workforce is better equipped to creatively solve problems, unlock innovation, and stay ahead…
Best Practices5 Reverse Mentoring Topics to Empower Reverse MentorsReverse mentoring flips the standard mentoring script. Instead of older, more experienced employees imparting their wisdom, younger or less experienced employees guide the relationship in a reverse mentorship. Often, the goal is to tutor senior employees on technology. However, reverse mentoring can support many different missions. It’s also a great way to encourage cultural and…
Best PracticesBenefits of Professional Development ProgramsProfessional development programs offer multiple benefits to organizations and their employees, with multiple benefits for both. Employees gain opportunities to grow professionally and personally, while companies gain workers with higher skill levels, a robust leadership pipeline, and stronger employee engagement, productivity and retention. These programs represent a win-win for any organization. What is Professional Development?…
Best PracticesDefining ERG Roles and Responsibilities for SuccessAn employee resource group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led group that brings together colleagues who share an identity, background, or interest, such as women, veterans, LGBTQ+ employees, or working parents. ERGs exist to build community, support members’ growth, and give employees a voice in shaping workplace culture. They are also called affinity groups or business…
Best Practices7 Reverse Mentoring Program Best PracticesReverse mentoring is an emerging mentoring practice that can benefit organizations and employees. This article explores what a reverse mentoring program is, its advantages, and best practices that can help you make the most of this modern mentoring format. What is a Reverse Mentoring Program? Traditionally, mentoring consists of a senior mentor offering guidance…
Best PracticesWhat is Career Development?Career development is the process of building knowledge, experience, and skills that will help an employee reach long-term career goals. Career development is different from employee development, which is more focused simply on gaining skills and experience, often in areas that will benefit the employer. Career development, on the other hand, is guided by the…
Best PracticesBuilding Leadership Development Programs for Future LeadersWithout effective leadership, organizations can’t reach their full potential. While some people are natural leaders, leadership is a skill that can be learned, and it pays for companies to foster great future leaders by providing training and development. Development programs help leaders find a sense of purpose, learn how to relate better with their teams,…
Best PracticesMentor Training: Equip Mentors with the Skills They NeedMentoring is an age-old practice that has gained new relevance—and organizational support—in today’s workplace. Mentoring helps individuals realize their potential and organizations thrive, with benefits including career and leadership development for a strong talent pipeline, higher engagement and performance and greater retention of skilled employees. A growing number of companies are creating structured programs to…
Best Practices7 Mentoring Challenges + Solutions to Avoid Program FailureWorkplace mentorship programs can be an effective tool for employee development, connectivity and overall organizational success. Mentorship—in which one employee acts as a trusted career advisor to another employee—has been proven to contribute to higher employee satisfaction, engagement, productivity and retention, among other benefits. However, not all mentoring experiences are equal, and there are plenty…
Best PracticesLong-Term Career Goals [Examples & How to Succeed]Setting goals is the first step to achieving anything you want out of life, and your career is no exception. Long-term career goals define where you want to be in the future and serve as an overall guide for the decisions you make about your career day-by-day and year-by-year. This article will explore what long-term…