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Brenda Lewis

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Director of Human Resources, Greenbelt Homes, Inc.

60 points

I have worked in human resources since 1998 for a 1600 member housing cooperative in suburban Washington, DC. I returned to University of Maryland University College to obtain HR credentials (attended Howard University, Wash., DC as an undergrad) in order ...

I have worked in human resources since 1998 for a 1600 member housing cooperative in suburban Washington, DC. I returned to University of Maryland University College to obtain HR credentials (attended Howard University, Wash., DC as an undergrad) in order to obtain the Certificate in Human Resource Management. Also have the SPHR designation. As an HR generalist in a small company, must wear many hats and juggle numerous balls at once. This is a rich and rewarding profession and I love it. I am a SHRM member and volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association.

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Brenda Lewis recommends this answer by Mike Cuppett

Nov. 3, 2011

SITUATION: I've been unemployed for awhile. Should I accept a so-so job offer?

Caty,
Been there, done that! Taking care of my family is more important than my job title. Besides, there are many things you can learn from any job or organization that will help you grow.
Thanks!
Mike more

Human Resources

Career Development

Brenda Lewis recommends this answer by Sonya Williams

Nov. 3, 2011

Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I would rather have more work that I enjoy doing vs less work to do. If I am enjoying the work, it will not feel like work. I always tell my mentees to figure out what they like doing and find a way to earn ... more

Human Resources

Career Development

Personal Development

Brenda Lewis and 18 other people answered this question

Nov. 3, 2011

POLL: Do you read job seekers' cover letters?

A - I scan them and if they are "boilerplate" I go immediately to the resume.
However, if it is a well written and thought out letter it will give the applicant an advantage with me. As Michael said, communication skills are important. more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis and 11 other people answered this question

Oct. 31, 2011

34% of Americans over the age of 20 are obese. Should the workplace play a role in fixing this?

I have not met an obese person who was not aware that they needed to lose weight -- and most of us are forever trying. Fun competitions are great for health and for motivation. Constantly pointing out the obvious, however, will not help anybody modify ... more

Human Resources

Health & Wellness

Brenda Lewis and 10 other people answered this question

Oct. 31, 2011

What do you think is the scariest job in the United States?

President of these (un)United States.

Human Resources

Career Development

Job Description

Brenda Lewis and 1 other person answered this question

Oct. 31, 2011

Do your employees dress up at work for Halloween?

A few do usually -- but not this year for some reason. I am the only one in costume so far. I love fun in the workplace! more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis and 11 other people answered this question

Aug. 18, 2011

Do happy employees create happy customers?

For more years than I care to think about, my philosophy has been: I can tell how employees are treated by the way they treat the customer(s). This has held true whether it is a restaurant, department store, or law firm. Perhaps the word "happy" ... more

Customer Service

Human Resources

Customer Experience

Talent Management

Brenda Lewis recommends this answer by Gail Wallace

April 13, 2011

What are the qualities of a good business executive?

A good executive doesn't just lead people but is able to get them to share his vision and mission for the company, demonstrates his integrity and ethics through his actions and treats all employees with respect and as highly competent.
It is also vital that the ... more

General Management

Brenda Lewis recommends this answer by Andrea Herran

Feb. 17, 2011

Employee Performance Best Practices: What are your 3 tips for giving an annual performance review?

I think the best tips are not for the actual performance review but what needs to be done before hand and in the 12 months prior. Meaning - the actual sit down review should only be summary with no surprises (unless it's a promotion) of ... more

General Management

Human Resources

Employee Conduct

Brenda Lewis recommends this answer by Meridith Elliott Powell

Jan. 31, 2011

What are your two favorite open-ended interview questions to ask Inside Sales candidates and why?

Good open ended questions are so important, as quality conversation is so much more powerful than a resume or references in determining fit.
All of these questions are terrific. I would like to add two of my favorites.
1. I like to ask people to share with ... more

Inside Sales Interviewing

Brenda Lewis and 15 other people answered this question

Jan. 26, 2011

Is it better to staff a position with anyone just for the sake of filling it?

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis recommends this comment by Robyn Williams

May 3, 2010

Reference Checking

Reference checking for me is an integral part of the hiring process. While I have a small company, I mostly use contractors with extensive backgrounds in specific areas to write business, marketing and strategic management plans. It is imperative I select people I feel I ... more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis and 5 other people answered this question

March 30, 2010

Worst Interviewing Mistakes?

True story. I wear my hair in a natural style. Had a candidate look me in the face, pull off her wig and say: "If I had known it was okay, I would not have purchased this for the interview". Gee, I said to myself, ... more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis recommends this comment by Michael Dortch

March 29, 2010

Raw Talent or Experience

Maybe it's because I've IT industry analyst got much more experience as an industry analyst than as a hiring manager, but I'm tempted to answer the question with another. How do you evaluate raw talent in a way that's meaningful and comparable to experience in ... more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis recommends this comment by Tiffany Branch

March 18, 2010

Performance Management/Self Appraisals

@Brenda. I hope you share the outcome with us. I would love to hear how things turn out. Unfortunate, but great test of how seriously mgmnt views this process. more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis recommends this comment by James Thomas

March 1, 2010

There are two types of "resume fraud" and they are quite different. The first, which is quite prevalent, could be described as "elaboration". These are the people who stretch their dates of employment a month or so here and there to cover for a period ... more

Human Resources

Brenda Lewis recommends this comment by Chris Deel

Feb. 3, 2010

What is the most formidable impediment to business success with IP telephony?

I'd say the biggest challenge is managing the knowledge and risk level. With the bandwidth capabilities available at such low prices, small businesses can actually save money and use their business class cable or fiber data connections to service voice and data quite well and ... more

Information Technology

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