Karl Ahlrichs, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is a senior consultant at Gregory and Appel and a leading thought leader, author and speaker on human capital issues. Karl is an often-quoted expert on workplace topics and has significant experience as a management consultant with dozens of organizations, including Boeing, Apple, Wellpoint and Frito Lay. He was the founding partner of HR services firm ExactHire and also held senior-level positions with Marsh & McLennan, Professional Staff Management and Right Management Consultants.
A chance meeting with a calm student inspired a career shift. The author argues calm leadership reduces chaos, citing examples from global trade to the "Miracle on the...
By Karl Ahlrichs
“Can you feel the rain? Do you hear the thunder? The storm is coming.”—Ed Robinson, CSP, CPA
The storm is here, but I’m confident you are...
We are leaders in interesting times, indeed. I have tracked chaotic events in the past year, taking notes to share. Through this journey, I found that chaos took many...
CFOS generally mistrust the metrics offered by Human Resources about the state of the organization’s human assets. However, optimism may soon replace this skepticism...
To build a strong and diverse team, prioritize civility training alongside initiatives addressing systemic inequalities. This balanced approach fosters a welcoming and...
It’s not your imagination—we’re facing a perfect storm in the North American workforce. Several factors are at play, creating a challenging landscape for...
Your existing hiring process, based on “the way we’ve always done it,” is probably wasting time. It fails to spot high performers and does not screen out...
By Karl Ahlrichs
Have you ever made a bad hire? Did you do it on purpose? There’s a chance you weren’t prepared with the correct information or the right questions...
By Karl Ahlrichs
A few decades back, I worked in outplacement and was involved in thousands of terminations. This experience led me to question why certain individuals...
Stop debating and start solving the talent shortage! Instead of focusing on external recruitment, begin by recognizing and appreciating your existing high performers....
True leadership isn't about power or control. It's about fostering an ethical and empathetic workplace, where leaders inspire others through their actions and create an...
Let us infuse some fresh energy into the big issue facing leadership—the workforce—or, to be more specific, the shortage of talent.
We all face a headwind regarding...
Tackling the talent shortage head-on requires a fresh roadmap for leaders. Let’s discuss the first of several secrets to solving the short-term crunch and providing a...
It’s not your imagination—we’re facing a perfect storm in the North American workforce. Several factors are at play, creating a challenging landscape for...
Storm clouds are gathering. Chaos has entered as an unwelcome guest at our organizational table, from fresh technological challenges to political arguments to wars. Your...
I wish you could have been with me in the room with several managing directors of large professional service firms as they engaged in a spirited conversation about...
A crisis comes out of nowhere and often triggers innovation. Remember when COVID hit, and the U.S. government failed to stockpile enough ventilators for the health-care...
News flash: The news about the workforce and the talent pipeline isn’t good, and your leadership skills will be in demand for at least the next decade. Do you want job...
Kings and queens have come and gone, yet suitable leadership lessons are repeated over the centuries. For example, I was pleased that at the recent British coronation,...
When hiring, employers often face a tough choice: Should they go for high performers who demand a higher salary or opt for high potentials at a lower cost? It’s like...
