http://www.thetaylorgroup.com/blog/index.cfm Praxis: The Taylor Group Blog en-us Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:14:18 -0400 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:02:00 -0400 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss administrator@thetaylorgroup.com administrator@thetaylorgroup.com http://www.thetaylorgroup.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/2/7/Three-Recent-Conversations Three recent conversations reminded me of something really important. In our recruiting and hiring we have always sought people who are intelligent and analytically-inclined, who think and speak and write well, and who have an instinct for client service. All of these characteristics are essential for success here. But more than anything we have sought colleagues who by all indication are themselves inspired, enthusiastic, eager to learn and grow professionally in the work that we do, willing to push their own boundaries, and capable over time to help us push our boundaries as a company. These three recent conversations involved separate instances of staff members voicing their interest in particular areas of our work that aren't necessarily part of their written job descriptions. Our response: Yes, of course, absolutely. But then I thought: Have we stopped communicating (and delivering on) the notion that everyone in this company has always been encouraged to "create a position for themselves," to take the initiative to expand their involvement and responsibilities here, to apply a personal interest of theirs to the work we do, all as a way to help move the company forward? I hope not. When people join our team, it becomes our responsibility as a company to create the kind of environment that allows each of our colleagues to flourish, the kind of environment that further inspires the already inspired to carve out a special place for themselves here, to create a position of their own. We have internal goal discussions coming up in the next month. I hope each member of our staff will take some time between now and then to think about where they want to go and what they want to do in this company--what kind of position they want to begin (or continue) to carve out for themselves. And then it will be up to everyone--and up to me--to do the things that need to be done to make it happen. That's how we will move this company forward together. Personnel Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:02:00 -0400 http://www.thetaylorgroup.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/2/7/Three-Recent-Conversations http://www.thetaylorgroup.com/blog/index.cfm/2007/4/19/A-New-Face We're not sure exactly when, but at some point over the last four months, the New Hampshire Primary began. And that should make Erica Rickel feel right at home. Erica recently moved to Portsmouth to join The Taylor Group as a moderator and senior consultant. Originally from Maynard, Massachusetts, Erica spent the last 10 years in Washington, D.C., where she moderated focus groups for, among other clients, a wide range of congressional election campaigns. "Political research is more about ideas than products," Erica said. "You have a constantly moving target because your candidate is evolving and the media is changing the context with every news cycle, which impacts your message and strategy." Personally, Erica has traveled a great deal, having seen all of Europe, Guatemala, Mexico, and The Caribbean. She has been working on her Spanish informally for about six months now, having taken a six-week class in Guatemala in 2005. She also enjoys reading and is addicted to her iPod--habits we're sure will help her fit right in at Taylor. Erica has jumped right into things already, working on several projects in the electronics and media industries. We are thrilled to have her on staff and are looking forward to working with her. Personnel Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:01:00 -0400 http://www.thetaylorgroup.com/blog/index.cfm/2007/4/19/A-New-Face