When I look out today across the HR landscape, I see something that is a great opportunity !! Those in the HR social media community have the chance to truly bridge the gap with the profession as a whole.
I love seeing the great work that others produce in their blogs, their books and in their presentations. There is an amazing amount of material out here that ranges from HR generalist topics to compliance to development. The spectrum is amazingly broad, but not that deep. I don’t mean that as a shot. I think that there are an incredible amount of HR pros who truly are longing for resources, but they aren’t connected to “us” or the work we’re producing.
You see, we tend to want people to “come see” what we do. Whether that be a blog, a webinar, or at events. I want to start a new movement where we PUSH resources out to HR professionals without worrying about membership or revenue. I also think we need to quit trying to qualify which “level” of HR person we should reach. When we splinter and categorize people into levels of importance or impact, we divide our profession – not bring it together.
There is a gap that exists between those in HR that truly have resources and connections, and those that continue to rely on their own efforts. It’s a HUGE number of people. I think we have an obligation to close this gap so that these folks can be great professionals in their corner of the HR Universe.
So, I have a plan. This isn’t just a random observation about our field. I plan to take to be an HR evangelist to truly bring the HR community together. It will take the effort of many, but I think it can be done. Here are the steps:
- I am going to push other people’s great work out to the HR community through Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and other forums. I want people to have your work to see what’s being done, and done well.
- I am going to continue to intentionally reach out to HR pros who aren’t as well known as others and ask them how they would like to get resources.
- The focus is going to be on ALL HR professionals and not just those who are vocal and visible.
- I am going to highlight the good work of others on my blog as they produce it like their books and events they produce.
- I am going to continue to look for ways to inform, educate and encourage HR pros to get connected where it makes sense for them.
- I will not do this on a short-term basis. This will be my intention going forward.
- I will highlight the passion of others to show how HR can be relevant personally, professionally and throughout all businesses and industries.
This is meant to be intentional and ungovernable. It is meant to be persistent and far reaching. It is meant to wake up the HR community and get them jacked up about who we are and what we do. I’m like the Dancing Guy in the First Follower video. A friend of mine shared this with me and said, “The video made me think of you.” The question is . . . who’s going to follow ??
Cool! I like the idea. I’ve looked for stuff, and what gets “pushed” is often garbage. Like the evangelical idea – pondering what I can do in that realm. Thanks and good luck!
Mind the gap – this is London Calling 🙂
Great post Steve – ‘intentional and ungovernable’ – I simply love that. Sticking your post on my FB page right now. Love and peace – Doug.
Love the post Steve! It was great seeing you in Cleveland again! I get up that way for business all the time. We should grab lunch/dinner sometime! Blessings to you!
What a great post Steve! I love it a lot! ~ Jean
Right on, Brother. Your goal is an admirable one where the right focal strength should be shared regularly.
I think you are a much better dancer than the shirtless dancing guy!
Further I think you are a better leader too! Thanks for sharing this. I look forward to seeing where you take the movement. Please feel free to call on me to do what I can to help!
This is so you. I have been thinking a lot about this myself and you are such a great example of an “HR and People Advocate” and I learn so much from you and others in this space. I’m planning on doing my part – thanks Steve, great idea!
Steve – love it! I’m happy to be part of the progress. Can’t wait to see the impact!
Kirk
Woo-hoo!!!! Great post Steve- and as usual your enthusiasm is totally contagious. I love your thinking on this- there are so many amazing bloggers, thinkers, and sharers out there, but it can sometimes feel like we are just sharing with each other (which is great, but fundamentally limiting in terms of impact). So I’m with you! Also- that video totally put a smile on face. Thanks 🙂
I am a nut! Lets do this.
Steve, you are the consummate networker/bridge-gapper/all-around good person! Your enthusiasm for the field of HR is genuine and contagious, at the very least.
I believe we all need to support and promote each other and be the resource any of us can turn to in a time of need, whatever that need looks like. I’m on-board; you have my support so count me in.
Thank you for leading the charge!
Really looking forward to seeing what comes from your efforts. Like others have mentioned, so much that is pushed is for a price, with the much of the freely available stuff (your blog excluded of course) rubbish to put it bluntly – no wonder HR has an image problem. Again, really enjoyed your post.
Steve- Love the post! I am happy to be a part of the movement and dancing with everyone on purpose!
Make it a GREAT day!
Desiree
You know I’m ‘All In’ buddy…let’s do this!
Great Post Steve! I’d love to help any way that I can!
Yes, yes…and yes! I love the idea and your enthusiasm. As were were just talking about in #NextChat “The HR community/network rocks!”. Some of my non-HR friends find it hard to believe how collaborative we are…and also how many fantastic HR blogs are out there. I’m all about recognizing others contributions.
I blog therefore I am!
…oh…and I wanna learn to dance as well as that guy
Tim,
Like you, I have a non-HR business contact/friend who joined a few of our recent #nextchat’s, and he was amazed at how dynamic there are, and the amount of passion and ideas flowing through the conversation.
It just goes to show you what an amazing group is out there!
Steve, I love, love, love this idea! Please count me in!
Steve,
Love this idea!! We have such an amazing group of passionate, smart HR pros that have a strong SoMe presence (as demonstrated by the weekly #nextchat).
I’d love to be a part of this, in any way I can. Once exception, I do not (repeat, DO NOT) dance. 😉
Keith
You are so right on. A leader isn’t a leader without followers. A leader has to be gutsy and the first follower has to be forward, brave and join in.
Steve,
This is phenomenal! As someone who is a “newbie” in HR, this is very encouraging. I stumbled into HR about 2 years ago, and I mean stumbled. I work for a non-profit organization who serves adults and children with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. I was a case manager covering for the Habilitation Manager who was on Maternity leave. When suddenly our HR manager quit, and the director pulled me in and literally said “I don’t care what I have to send you to, what classes I have to pay for, what ever I have to do. You are personable with the staff and they trust you. I want you to be our new HR manager.” Talk about baptism by fire!!! My degree is in Psychology, and oh my am I just learning as I go. So knowing that I have people like you who are behind me to support me, encourage me, and educate me, is very comforting and inspiring. THANK YOU!!!
Yes. That is developing a sustainable approach to HR long term, and not only in the instant of need. Great way to look at it with a pragmatic and doable approach.
Its not about “me”, but about all of us.
Steve,
This was such a breath of fresh air to read. As a matter of fact, you breathe fresh air into everything you do. This is a valiant effort to push our HR community forward. I am excited to see what you come up with. I’m a diehard HR geek as well so please count me in for whatever you cook up.
Kind Regards,
Janine
It’s great to see the HR community to come together and work together! We work with many great HR Pros and I’ll be sure to pass this along to them.
A truly fantastic approach. Supporting all the way!
Great initiative and great video , happy to hop on to the band wagon