Laura Tolhoek is an experienced Human Resources professional and the owner of Essential HR – Essential HR works with small businesses to help them implement HR strategies that attract and retain the best talent.

For over 15 years, Laura has used sound HR practices with a pragmatic approach to improve business performance. She has worked with some of the biggest players in the restaurant, foodservice and retail world as an integral member of the HR team. Laura is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) through the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA).

She enjoyed a successful career in the corporate HR before launching her own business.

Laura lives in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada (near Niagara Falls).

Topics and questions addressed in this episode of The How of Business podcast include:

• What inspired your interest and focus on Human Resources and development programs for small business owners?
• You had a successful career in HR, what led you to launch Essential HR, your own small business?
• What’s one thing that surprised you about business ownership?
• Do you regret not having launched your business earlier, or was the timing necessary? What held you back from launching sooner?
• How did you fund the transition and start-up of your small business?
• What do you currently enjoy most about being your own boss?
• What the components of an effective employee development program? What should I consider before I start developing and implementing my program for my small business?
• Why do we need a development or coaching program or process for our small business?
• What do employees need or want from a coaching experience?
• What are some tips for coaching difficult or under-performing employees?
• How does coaching relate and work in conjunction with a formal employee review process, or quarterly conversation?
• Where do I start as a small business owner, with developing and implementing an employee development and coaching program or process?

Episode Host: Henry Lopez is a serial entrepreneur, small business coach, and the host of this episode of The How of Business podcast show – dedicated to helping you start, run and grow your small business.

Resources:

Downloads:

• Discussion Questions for Performance & Development Conversations–  from Laura Tolhoek
• Corrective Counseling Form Example – from Henry Lopez

Books mentioned in this episode:
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• The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Gary Chapman

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