Here are this week’s links to a few good stories that we found and selected because we feel they might add valuable insights and perspectives for small to medium size businesses.

• It seems that every time I see a politician on TV, I notice an American flag lapel pin affixed neatly on the lapel. It is a “must have” for most politicians it seems. But is it something that will soon be a thing of the past? Once Millennials take charge perhaps they will be. Andrea Gappmayer, writing for TLNT offers some interesting observations in What’s a Lapel Pin? A Recognition Award That Millennials Just Don’t Get. To further her point she tells a story of a 25 year old who didn’t know what a lapel was. While I am several decades removed from the Millennial generation, I have to admit that I never got over the silliness of the lapel pin as a form of recognition. If offering up lapel pins for employee recognition is part of your service award program, perhaps it is time for an overhaul.

• Branding is important for all businesses, not just the big players, says Lou Imbiano. Writing for American Express Open Forum, in Branding 101: The Small-Business Guide to Building a Killer Brand Identity the CEO of Trinity One argues that implementing a brand identity is not difficult, even if your business is small and emerging.
• And lastly, do nice guys finish last? Not according to a recent study by Harvard Business Review as long as they implement the right strategies. In an article posted by Exabyzness and Harvard Business Review, Emma Seppalla offers compelling reasons why nice bosses likely extract better production from their workers than those who are more demanding. Read The Hard Data on Being a Nice Boss to learn more.

For more information, please reach out to Genesis HR Solutions at AskUs@genesishrsolutions.com or 800-367-8367.

Genesis HR Solutions is the premier PEO provider for Massachusetts based businesses.