Mr. Dithers. Remember the boss from Dagwood? We have all worked for a Dithers. The Headline Group (THG) has tried to undo the oft-true cliché of leadership. So good have they been at this effort, they recently were awarded for it. THG won the 2000 HR Professional Excellence Award presented by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Atlanta.

THG received the award in the small business category for companies with fewer than 250 employees. “We’ve always believed in giving our employees an enriching, fun environment in which to grow professionally, while serving an extensive range of clients. SHRM has affirmed our efforts as we proceed through a very competitive period for employee retention in the public relations industry,” said THG President and CEO, Claudia Gaines Patton.

THG’s programs built to support client retention and client satisfaction were recognized with the award. Among these programs: THG uses an open management style in which all employees feel they have a stake in the company’s success. All employees on a team basis are led through Myers Briggs Type Indicator sessions and an annual Upward Assessment Program, which builds team relationships and insures that employees are involved in company changes. “THG University” is comprised of a series of monthly development presentations on topics surrounding the public relations field. THG was recognized for their internship program, employee retreat programs, and employee initiative programs. Not only awards prove success. THG has enjoyed a low 10% annual turnover rate in an industry tracking 42% turnover nationwide.