Realistic targets might mean your team has to work harder, longer, brighter, more creatively, but realistic targets should also be within your grasp, even if you have to stretch a bit, says Neville Aitchison.

Families can be great for drama on TV but they are a potentially good or bad mixed bag in the workplace. If a family member isn’t performing, it’s better to “go ugly early”, says Terry Williams. They should be treated the same as any other employee.

Passion and commitment define the people who work for Wellington Free Ambulance, says Kristin Murray. She tells Helen Frances about the steps the organisation is taking to make it a great place to work—now and in the future.

Onboarding initiatives should be closely tied to strategic goals, says James Hewitt. You should be able to measure how well your programmes are helping to achieve those goals, and make improvements as necessary.

Talent management is too important to be left to chance, says Peter Merry. But you’ll need the right system—and simplicity is key. He outlines some winning systems strategies in the war for talent.

Winning an employment case may not be the victory you imagined, says Bridget Smith. Even if there is a strong prospect you will succeed, the costs awards may represent only a fraction of the costs incurred.

Many HR practitioners find themselves managing international corporate structures and workforces. Lisa Bell provides a lowdown on using your HR information system to connect across the globe, maximise workforce efficiency and promote business agility.

Attracting top talent is a common challenge for business; however, technology has broken down many barriers and created new ways to source talent, says Tony Ward. He looks at how LinkedIn has become a crucial element of HR professionals’ recruitment strategies.

Industry has linked up with education to give South Auckland students a chance. Ruth Lavelle Treacy reports on an initiative that’s providing students with the opportunity to learn real skills on site, and giving employers the chance to find keen team members who fit their business.

Henry Ford was a mechanical tinkerer who despite several false starts went on to become king of car manufacturing in the 20th century. He was also prone to tantrums and frequently frustrated his colleagues and backers. As John Gill explains, working with a genius can be exhausting.

With confidence at its highest point in 20 years and an increasing number of employees actively seeking a new role, seizing talent on the move is crucial, says Pete Macauley. To retain or hire top talent, it’s important to focus on acknowledging employees’ value to reduce the risk of them leaving.

Career and family are two significant components of life, although the lines are often blurred, says Ross McMillan. Employers who understand this will generally be better placed to gain higher levels of discretionary effort from their employees.

Taking a DVD from work was “very much on the cusp” of behaviour for which dismissal may be justified, according to a recent Employment Court finding. Although the employee’s dismissal was unjustified, his misconduct meant he received a significantly reduced award, says Paul Robertson.