Ask HR! with Youseline Poteau-Young

In this episode of #AskHR, I’m sharing powerful insights from my recent EMC Leaders Training (EMCLeaders.com), where the focus wasn’t just on managing conflict, it was also on caring for the people behind it. Leadership isn’t about stepping in only when issues arise, it’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported every day. Many leaders spend hours each week navigati...

The way we speak as a leader shapes everything- trust,culture, and performance . In this week’s episode, we break down how to replacenegative or reactive communication with language that builds connection and credibility. Since last week’s episode, which toxic phrase(s) did youreplace? This matters because small changes in wording cancreate big shifts in engagement and accountability. If you want...

This week, we’re answering a tough and common question: My leader says things that shut people down all the time. Doesn't she realize this hurts morale? How do we deal with language that's demoralizing and just plain mean? Whether you are a leader trying to keep your best talent or an employee navigating a difficult office, this episode gives you a to shift the energy in the room. If you&#...

Being trigger happy with write-ups is not leadership . Documentation matters, but it’s not a substitute for coaching. Jumping straight to corrective action without having the hard conversations first can create: Resentment Confusion Disengagement A coaching conversation today can prevent a formal disciplinary action tomorrow. Key Takeaway: Coach First. Write Up Later. Lead Like A HUMAN!, and with...

Let’s stop casually asking this during interviews: Is there anything in your background we should know about? This role requires a clean background — would that be an issue?” Those questions can violate state and city Fair Chance (Ban the Box) laws. And yes — it happens more than you think. If you’re being asked about your background before a conditional offer (depending on your state), that’s not...

Ask HR is back—and we’re starting 2026 with a reminder we all need. Job searching isn’t about chasing every opportunity. It’s about alignment . In this episode, you’ll learn: Why relationship-building is still one of the most powerful career strategies How intentional connections create long-term momentum—not just job offers What hiring should look like today and what leaders are really prioritizi...

More voices. Bolder perspectives. Real HR conversations. I’m inviting you to join Season Two—with yours truly, MOI ! I’m back with Ask HR with Youseline Poteau-Young. This season, we’re going deeper- answering your questions and speaking directly with leaders across industries who are doing the work—often with little or no support—while building fair, people-centered practices. Tune in Subscribe S...

This week’s episode takes you back to one of my favorite sessions — where I covered the “quiet trends” reshaping today’s workplaces. From quiet quitting and quiet firing to quiet hiring , quiet promoting , and quiet leading — these patterns aren’t so quiet anymore. During my roundtable at the Workforce Health USA Conference , we explored: ·       What these quiet trends really mean and how they sh...

In this episode of Ask HR! , we revisit key insights from Youseline’s panel discussion at the Hacking HRSpeaker Series on what it truly takes to build and sustain high-performing teams. From setting clear expectations to fostering inclusion, the conversation highlights how a blend of tactical and strategic initiatives reinforces alignment, adaptability, and long-term engagement. You’ll also hear t...

Toxic behavior in the workplace isn’t always easy to define. Is it simple rudeness, or something deeper, like racism or bias? As leaders, we’re often the first line of defense. That’s why the PRO approach and our H.U.M.A.N. Framework matter. Together, they provide a practical roadmap for hearing concerns, understanding context, mobilizing interventions, modeling respect, and normalizing accountabi...

In this episode of #AskHR, we break down how to assessbehavior, reactions, and outcomes, so you can protect yourself and decide if your workplace is truly worth your energy. Here’s what we cover: The takeaway is that toxic behavior should never benormalized. Step back, focus on your direct experiences, and remember you deserve to work in a place that values respect and equity.   Listen now on Spot...

Did you know the way we phrase our questions can significantly influence the outcome of our conversations? This week, we're diving into a powerful coaching skill I've recently learned: asking questions for impact, also known as the framing effect . In this episode, we'll explore why shifting from a "telling" to a"coaching" mindset is a crucial skill for leaders. We&...

What If a Person Is Not Right for the Team? Part 3: From Poor Fit to Culture Add, The Future of Thriving Teams! In the final episode of our three-part series, we shift the conversation from what’s wrong to what’s possible. After learning to spot the signs of poor team fit (Part 1) and exploring the ripple effects of ignoring them (Part 2), we now focus on building teams that thrive. In this episod...

In this second part of our three-part series, we ask: whathappens when the early warning signs of a poor team fit are ignored? The impact goes far beyond simple awkward moments; it creates a ripple effect that damages productivity, fuels disengagement, and wears down psychological safety. In this episode, you'll learn: · Three critical ripple effects and how to get ahead. · How to move from simply...

What If a Person Isn’t the Right Fit for the Team? Credentials may get you in the door, but competence and collaboration keep you on the team. In this episode of Ask HR, our question is: What if a person just isn’t the right fit for the team, even when their resume shines? This is Part 1 of a 3-part series exploring how misalignment impacts team success and why accountability in these situations i...

In this After-Hours edition of Ask HR, these are our confessions — the disconnect between what employeessay and what leadership actually hears. From culture misalignment and DEI fatigue, to trust gaps and broken promises of promotion, this episode unpacks a few exit statements (including my own). What you’ll hear in this episode: • Why people leave even “good” jobs with potential • What leaders th...

Great episode this week! This conversation is your roadmap from day one to a hundred . Whether you're building an HR department from the ground up or stepping into an existingstructure, these first few months can truly define your path forward. We'll break down a 5-step, people-first strategy to help you assess, act, and align your efforts, all while staying human-centered, data-informed,...

As people leaders, learning to coach high-energy employees is crucial for meaningful growth conversations. How can managers effectively guide those eager for new projects that don't quite fit their current role or team's immediate needs? Instead of jumping straight to solutions, we encourage leaders to step back and ask: What's truly driving this interest? What are they hoping to learn or contribu...

Are you a leader facing the challenge of retaining top talent when a direct salary increase isn't an option? Compensationconversations can be tough, but what if you could offer something equally valuable? This episode focuses on creative compensationalternatives that go far beyond the traditional paycheck. We're talking about building a comprehensive system that attracts, motivates, and re...

In this episode, we’re talking all things compensation: fromhow to ask for a raise to mastering the art of self-advocacy in the workplace. Learn how to build a compelling, fact-based case using data, feedback, and strategic timing. We’ll walk you through understanding your total compensation package and exploring alternatives like title promotions or contract work when a raise isn’t immediately po...

Are you empowering your team or just watching over their shoulder? In our previous episode, we explored why employees may meddle in others’ work, ranging from overconfidence and insecurity to poor leadership and cultural differences. This week’s #AskHR episode, we’re drawing a clear line between leading with intention and micromanaging without realizing it. From unclear roles to low-trust cultures...

Is today the day your well-meaning coworker finally stops telling you how to do your job and starts focusing on their own? Ever feel your focus drain when helpful colleagues or micromanagers overstep? You're not alone! In this episode of Ask HR!, we're discussing this common situation, discussing the behaviors around minding your own job and how recognizing certain patterns can help you ma...

Culture Check: Are You Modeling the Right Message? Are your employees showing out or simply reflectingwhat  you  modeled? In this leadership-focused episode of  Ask HR! , we are talking about what it truly means to show up as a leader with emotional maturity, cultural awareness, and consistency. From coaching vs. criticism to using curiosity over control. Tune in to learn: - How your behavior sets...

Let’s talk about the difference between authenticity andattention-seeking. What does it really mean to bring your whole self to work and when does that cross the line into disruption or performing for validation? When we talk about showing up authentically at work, we’retalking about professional presence, navigating tension, and building respect. This episode explores why some employees “show out...

It all boils down to process and systems! In this week’s #AskHR episode, I’m sharing key insights from my session at last year’s ICABA Entrepreneur Jumpstart Series. Whether you're an entrepreneur, solopreneur, orleading a growing business, sustainable growth starts with structure. And that structure begins with people, process, and systems- all designed for profit. Catch the episode on: - YouTube...