One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is, “How can we improve morale?” Whether it’s because employees are heading for the exits at an alarming rate or because employee relations issues are becoming increasingly problematic, the question usually arises because someone in senior management asks HR to see what it can do to improve... [full article »]
David Lee
David Lee, the founder of HumanNature@Work, works with employers who want to improve employee engagement, customer service, and morale.
An internationally recognized thought leader in the areas of optimizing employee engagement and onboarding, he is the author of over 60 articles and book chapters published in North America, Europe, India, China, and Australia.
In addition to his research and work with both struggling and top performing organizations, David Lee’s work draws from a wide range of scientific disciplines including cognitive neuroscience, anthropology, and paleopsychology.
Taking this research which typically doesn’t find its way into the business world, he translates these principles of human nature into leadership and managerial practices that optimize employee performance.
Using the popular TV show The Dog Whisperer as an analogy for the difference understanding human nature makes in the workplace, David’s work helps leaders and managers become “Employee Whisperers.”
Articles by David Lee...
Building a Compelling Employer Brand, Part 4: Using Stories In Your Employer Branding Process
by David Lee Aug 31, 2004
In Part 3 of this article series on building a magnetic employer brand, we explored how to: Analyze your default brand for strengths and weaknesses [full article »]
Building a Compelling Employer Brand, Part 3
by David Lee Apr 13, 2004
In the first part of this article series, we explored five essential components of effective employer branding: Putting together a team that understands, influences, and experiences all facets of employer branding and your employer brand [full article »]
Becoming a Branding Partner: How HR Can Contribute To The Corporate Branding Process
by David Lee Sep 11, 2003
In his recent article, Why Branding Is Important in HR, Dr. John Sullivan makes a compelling case for why HR can and should play a larger role in corporate branding. In this three-part series, I will map out the how and what: how specifically you as an HR professional can contribute, and what specific actions... [full article »]
Building a Compelling Employer Brand, Part 2: Your “Default” Brand
by David Lee Mar 21, 2003
In the first part of this series, we discussed five key principles and practices involved in building a compelling employer brand. Here in Part 2 of this series, we will discuss the process of identifying your “default employer brand.” For Better or For Worse, You Already Have an Employer Brand The process of building a... [full article »]
How To Build a Compelling Employer Brand
by David Lee Feb 20, 2003
When you make the effort to create a compelling employer brand, you save yourself the work of trying to convince candidates that you are an employer of choice. With a compelling employer brand, your reputation acts like a huge talent magnet, drawing the best, most talented people to your organization. To enjoy the benefits of... [full article »]
The True Power of a Magnetic Employer Brand
by David Lee Dec 13, 2002
Q: Is all this talk about employer branding just the latest in a long line of management fads? A: It depends. Q: Doesn’t it really just boil down to creating a better recruiting sales pitch? A: No. Q: Does it really make a difference in your ability to attract talent? A: Absolutely. Whether or not... [full article »]
Your First Task as a Recruiter: Recruit Senior Management Onto Your Team
by David Lee Nov 1, 2002
If your job is to recruit the best employees possible, here’s what should be at the top of your “to do” list: recruit senior management onto your team. You can increase your efficacy ó and your value to your organization ó by helping them recognize that the responsibility for recruiting talent doesn’t just lie in... [full article »]
Retention: Beyond Goodies and Gimmicks, Part 3
by David Lee Sep 20, 2002
In the first two parts of this article series, we discussed how understanding and satisfying core human needs in the workplace is a far more effective strategy than bribing employees with goodies and gimmicks. In the second part of this series, we explored four critical human needs that influence employee retention: Having pride in one’s... [full article »]
Retention: Beyond Goodies and Gimmicks, Part 2
by David Lee Sep 12, 2002
In the first part of this article series, we discussed why retention strategies based on “goodies and gimmicks” are misguided and how such approaches are not the key to increasing morale or becoming an employer of choice. Becoming an organization that attracts and retains the best employees instead requires strategies based on essential human needs... [full article »]
Stop Using the “Goodies and Gimmicks” Approach to Retention
by David Lee Sep 5, 2002
Imagine a male colleague of yours coming to you for advice on how to save his troubled marriage. He shares his strategy: “She’s thinking of leaving me, so I’ve got to find the perfect present that will make her want to stay. I’m thinking a Caribbean vacation, or maybe I’ll get her a Mazda Miata.... [full article »]
