I just returned from an incredible conference in San Antonio, Texas for the HR/TD group of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). This was my second time with this group of HR professionals and I have to say that, as a whole, they are some of the most welcoming folks I’ve met in our field !!
I never take it lightly when I get the opportunity to speak in front of any group – especially peers in my field. I know the challenges they face in their organizations, how others outside of HR view the field and that working with people can be tough. However, I also know that they have the ability to be amazing in what they do and where they work !!
It was truly fascinating to be inside an HR group within an industry. Because, you see, most of us don’t even know these great HR pros exist !!
The majority of people in HR have a very narrow focus. You can read all you want about being “broad,” but most people have either a comfort zone or a personal capacity where they keep their HR community pretty close. Be honest, we tend to look for HR “voices” either in Social Media or through SHRM National, or local chapters. These are all great avenues to connect with HR people, but it’s not the only place we exist. The fact is . . . HR people are everywhere !!
Since that is the case and HR people are everywhere, what keeps us from connecting? Let me throw this out to you . . .
We’re surrounded by people every day, and we lose site that there would be an advantage to get to connect with other great HR pros. The “negative” voices rear their ugly head like – “They’ll probably want something from me.” “What if they’re creepy?” “I really don’t have time for more people in my already busy life.”
We’ve bought into the myth that our current relationships can provide all we need to be effective HR folks. In fact, some companies HR people NEVER leave the confines of their own organization because they’re gigantic and they feel they have all the resources they need internally.
Don’t buy it !! I can give you countless stories of great HR people I continue to meet, interact with, and connect to others. I’m glad this faction of the HR world asked me to venture to Texas. I told them that I was writing about them and hope to see more of them get connected in the greater HR universe.
My hope is you do this as well !! This week, step out. Meet one new HR connection. I guarantee it will only improve what you do and how you look at HR !!
