Author Archives: mcgntr

About mcgntr

About Ann I was lucky and grew up in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts surrounded by the arts, industry, literature, and family. I had a great education-- undergraduate work at Caldwell College and my masters at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I began business life as Training Assistant. Returning east, I continued in the training profession, and ‘fell’ into Human Resources - first, Recruiting and Employment, Director of Human Resources and finally Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Training. I bowed out of the corporate world with the white collar layoffs in early ‘90s – and started a new venture McGill Enterprises: HelpQuick Human Resources Advisory & Training Services. I have enjoyed great opportunities - publishing 3 training books, mentoring HR professionals, creating a wide variety of training programs, writing scripts, and becoming an adjunct professor.

Teaming up for the Veterans

I am really proud to be associated with the University of Massachusetts at Lowell – where the university is ranked as a top school for veterans. The university actively engages with veterans to ensure that they receive all the benefits … Continue reading

Posted in Hiring Veterans, Human Resources, Mentors | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gender Bias – The Flinch Factor

When flicking through channels, I find that I am always willing to pause on Alan Alda’s skinny grin, especially when he’s gaming with university scientists.  The Brains on Trial episode I happened on wanted to answer the question:  “Can we … Continue reading

Posted in Human Resources, Management Skills | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hiring Veterans Requires More Than Patriotism

  WHY??????   CHECK THESE FACTS Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Release 2014 In 2013, 21.4 million men and women or 9% of the civilian noninstitutional population were veterans.  Nearly one quarter of these veterans served during Gulf Era … Continue reading

Posted in Hiring Veterans, Human Resources, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hiring Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities 2014

ATTENTION FEDERAL CONTRACTORS: VETERANS The OFCCP issued a final rule for VEVRAA – effecting affirmative action for veterans that impacts all federal contractors.  Labor data for the 2.6 million veterans in 2012 indicated that the unemployment rates for the veterans … Continue reading

Posted in Human Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

21st Century Managers: Guiding Stars

True Story of an Unguided Star   There was once a bright graduate from Syracuse University who found a full time job with a Name Company in the midwest. Imagine her disappointment to discover that her job required none of her … Continue reading

Posted in Employee Performance, Human Resources, Management Skills, Training & Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The HR Interview – Reversed Roles

Recently, my brother, Dennis,  marathon-interviewed at a company in Maine — you know those 8-in-the-morning-till-3-in-the-afternoon talkathons.  When he met with the HR Director, he was in for a surprise.  The Director reversed the roles.  First, he briefed Dennis on his … Continue reading

Posted in Human Resources, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Employee development – Day One – Discretionary skills

DAY ONE  I tell my college students that whatever their level of skills may be is okay by me.   My role is to help them:  identify and build on their strengths, improve their thinking skills,  and gain confidence in their … Continue reading

Posted in Customer Service, Employee Performance, Human Resources, Management Skills, Training & Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

November Memorials – Researching The Shrapnel Story

Each name on a War Memorial has a life story. Before I joined NanoWrimo, I had written many stories. Here is my story of  how I wrote Shrapnel – a  November story – a Memorial Story for my family to … Continue reading

Posted in Life Reflection, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

November – Month for Writing and for Remembering

IT’S  NOVEMBER:  NanoWrimo sparks over 300,000 writers to start their new novels.  War Veterans gather at cemeteries and memorials to remember past sacrifices.  Both seek to engage us in stories that matter.  I paired these two groups and their twined … Continue reading

Posted in Life Reflection, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Novel Writing Month is Here — AGAIN!

It’s November – and it’s National Novel Writing Month!   Again! I’m joining the 300,000+ writers in writing my novel.  This is my third year participating in this venture. Besides having fun and writing 45,000 words last year,  I renewed my … Continue reading

Posted in Business Writing, Collaboration | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment