Are workplace issues universal? Do organizations in the U.S. face the same issues, as India, China, or Italy? Here in the U.S., my experience shows, one of the major issues is the ‘talent war’. This is the struggle of recruiting, training, and retaining talented people.

On a recent trip to Italy, I was surprised to see how challenging this issue is globally. I had the opportunity to meet with one of the Big Four Accounting firms. They shared with me that this is their number one concern, as well. Competition, however, is forcing people to work harder and longer. Technology, such as Blackberries and Treos also aid in keeping people connected.

It was amazing to me how you used to be able to walk the streets of Milan on a Sunday and see not one store open for business. Now, however, there are many stores open on Sunday. It is the new ‘connected 24/7’ craze taking over the world.

With that said, there a numerous different factors that can contribute the success or failure of a new employee. However, here are a few things that can help you find the best applicant for the job:

• Provide accurate description. To attract people that are the best fit for the job you must first, let them know what the position requires and the expectations. When posting an ad make sure you state all that is necessary from an applicant. By including specific requirements you can reduce the amount of unqualified candidates that apply.

• Check resume. Try to review resumes all at once that way you can consciously give each equal consideration. Check for error and organization. Make sure that you have the necessary job requirements in front of you as you compare them to the resumes.

• Interview. Chose an interview technique that will tell you more about the applicant. Consider one-on-one interviews as well as group or non-traditional interviews that may include spending some time on the job. Ask questions clearly and relevant to the job. Write down the candidate’s answers next to the questions for your records and always make sure you allow time for candidates to ask questions.

• Analyze. Compare your notes of all the candidates and see which ones stand out. Before making a final decision check references.

• Follow through. Let the applicants know when they’ll hear from you.

Once you have hired a new employee, it is important to gauge how they are performing. Regular assessments could provide critical information to understand why people think and behave as they do. Assessments take and inventory of individuals’ strengths, and indicate the areas where a person has the potential for significant improvement.

Monday, November 12, 2007 By Tim Grant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's the thought that counts but gift-giving at work is fraught with perils, according to workplace expert Peter Handal, president, chairman and chief executive of Dale Carnegie Training.

Some companies have formal policies about the giving and receiving of gifts at the office. Others play it by ear.

Mr. Handal's suggestions for appropriate gift-giving at the office include:

• Do not spend too much money. If you give an expensive gift, it might make the receiver uncomfortable. Appropriate gifts include stationery, chocolates and homemade baked goods.

• Keep it private if you plan on giving to only a few co-workers. This can help avoid any uncomfortable conflicts.

• Know your boundaries. Do not give alcohol. Try to stay away from personal items such as jewelry, perfume or clothing. Those items might send the wrong message.

• Add a personal touch always include a handwritten note regardless of the value of the gift.

• Generally it's not appropriate for a subordinate to give a gift to a superior. It might appear you are trying to gain favor. However, you and your colleagues may consider organizing a group gift for the boss. On the other hand, if you are an executive assistant, a small gift is appropriate.

• If you are a senior employee gifting your staff, make sure each gift is of equal value unless the employee has worked with you on a special project or is your executive assistant. Another idea would be to give a holiday party the whole team can enjoy.

Creative ideas result in new discoveries, better ways of doing things, reduced costs and improved performance. Here are some tips you can use to drive innovation in your workplace: