Hodgepodge

I had the heady experience of attending #SHRM17, the annual conference and exposition of the Society for Human Resource Management last week and left energized about the potential for making a difference through my work. One message that came through over and over was that now is the time for HR to disrupt and innovate.

Heard at conference sessions:
From Shane Yount: We are meeting ourselves to death; should be able to run our businesses in six or fewer hours of meetings per week.

From Laszlo Bock: Give people freedom to do more. Freedom is free. Also, ensure employees understand the meaning in their work. Managers must connect the dots.

This week I conducted a cultural competency workshop and at the beginning became flustered because of technology snafus. Without thinking, I said something using the language “we don’t want to become slaves to …” not sure what. At the break, a woman told me she and the people sitting around her were bothered by that choice of words. I felt terrible but was so grateful she told me.

Later in the day I was discussing actions people can take to become an ally of the LBGTQ community. Being open to and accepting feedback is one way. This really applies to all aspects of the cultural competency journey. I so appreciate that earlier feedback as it was given in a constructive way which allowed me to learn, correct, and save face at the same time.

My bff Sandy has been doing time on the treadmill at her fitness club watching CNN and FOX simultaneously. She is fascinated by how differently the exact same stories are reported. Her thought – the story is largely about whoever is telling it. Pretty deep, huh?

Finally, Polly Watts, the owner/manager of the Avenue Pub I profiled earlier this year, has taken some of her staff on a beer trip to Scandinavia to meet the brewers and learn about the beer there. Consider the implications for employee development, retention, engagement, and recruiting.

Disrupt and innovate.

We are past the halfway point of the year. How can it be going so fast?

That’s all for now. Sending positive vibes out to all.

Would love to hear your thoughts on any or all of these ideas. Comment below.