Editor’s Note – March/April 2014 Issue

Forefront Editorial Team Issue 10 - March/April 2014 Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter if you live north, south, east or west. It’s been a long, hard winter. One of the longest, hardest winters in recent memory, in fact. Along with chapped skin, frostbitten fingers, slushy streets and salt-crusted sidewalks, the result has been an epidemic of seasonal affective disorder that’s left many of us feeling as dreary as we are …

The Habits of Highly Successful HR Leaders – Part 3

Jaclyn Crawford Human Resources, Issue 10 - March/April 2014 2 Comments

What’s the difference between an HR practitioner and an HR leader? Our expert has identified 12 traits, and here are two. By John Schierer Yesterday, human resources (HR) supported the business. Tomorrow, however, HR will drive it. In fact, a 2012 survey by HR consultancy KPMG found that 59 percent of senior executives believe HR will grow in strategic importance. …

The Secret to CFO Success Isn’t Math

Stephanie Harris Finance, Issue 10 - March/April 2014 Leave a Comment

It’s management, according to Marc Washington, CFO of Beachbody. He explains why the best finance executives act more like businesspeople than bankers. By  Stephanie Harris With a background in business, Marc Washington was not your traditional Chief Financial Officer (CFO). But his willingness to take on new opportunities in unfamiliar territories led Washington to his current role as President and …

Why Airlines Would Have Turbulence Without Their HR Departments

Jill Yarberry-Laybourn Human Resources, Issue 10 - March/April 2014 Leave a Comment

Director of People Shari Conaway helps Southwest Airlines outfly its competition as steward of its “servant leadership” mission. By Jill Yarbarry-Laybourn The man leans down and kisses his little girl softly on the forehead. Gently, he hands her off to her mother. Just before he walks into the corridor leading to the airplane, he turns and gives the girl a …