‘Impact’ Articles at Everyday People, Page 2

Sorry, We’re Closed !!

This weekend, my son took a giant step of leadership and initiative !! He began work on his Eagle Scout project. He started building a shed to replace a POD for the Animal Friends Humane Society who currently has to pay to have the POD for food storage for the animals. The project is massive, but he is more than able to take it on. Have to say the “proud father” tears often swell to the surface when I think about how amazing he is !!

One of the keys in doing a project like this is that you get first-hand experience on when things go well . . . and when they don’t.

Josh had ordered the shed from one of those big box hardware stores and everything was scheduled to be delivered on site (a mile from the store) the Friday before his first workday on Saturday. We stopped by the store on Friday night just to make sure that everything was ready. The shipping supervisor looked a bit confused and dumbfounded when Josh asked about the delivery. It looked like it was “supposed” to have happened, but another employee hadn’t entered the firm delivery in the computer, so it didn’t exist.

Another key to an Eagle Scout project is to adapt.

Josh asked if we could compromise and get a rental truck and get some of the material to make the shed’s base and floor for the next day because people were scheduled to come and help. The store agreed and waived the rental fee for the truck and apologized for the mistake and confirmed that they could deliver the remainder of the materials on Sunday. Josh added an extra work day, but still moved forward.

On Saturday morning, we arrived to get the rental truck and pick up the material for the floor. We were directed over to the lumber yard, and we were the first customers for the day. A young man in a Security shirt came out of the guard shack and the following happened.

Guard: May I help you?

Steve: We were told to come back to the lumber yard to get material.

Guard: Sorry, we’re closed.

Steve: What ?! (confused and frustrated from the original delivery being mixed up) They told us to come back here.

Guard: Sorry, they must have told you the wrong information. We’re closed.

Steve: But we need to get the lumber. You don’t understand, we have people . . .

Guard: It’s okay. I’m just messing with you. We’re open. Come on in. Can I help you get to where you need to go?

We busted out laughing !! The young man saw that we were in a hurry and had to “get things done.” He noticed we were missing out on starting the day getting some material to do some project. We weren’t there to enjoy the experience and he was supposed to just do his job.

The thing is – he was doing his job better than anyone could have imagined !! He chose to take a rather mundane job (checking people in and out of a lumber yard ALL DAY) and make it enjoyable. I loved his creativity and told him that I appreciated his approach.

I’m sure if typical supervisors had seen this interaction, the guard would have been coached if not disciplined or terminated. We want people to WORK and be productive. We have spent years beating the passion out of people, and yet we expect them to bring the workplace to life through their jobs.

I had to come back later Saturday morning, because you always have at least 3 return trips to hardware stores during a project, and I saw the guard again. I couldn’t resist, so I said, “I see you’re open now !!” He didn’t miss a beat, “Yeah, you just caught us because we were closed ten minutes ago.”

HR needs to take note to give employees permission to love what they do and who they interact with. Work would be a better place if we looked at how to make people smile in what we do regardless of our role.

That young man made our day !! I’m sure glad he was “closed” !!

The Campaign for HR !!

We’re getting closer and closer to another election season. Even though this is a “light” year for elections locally, that doesn’t stop the candidates who are running for office from filling the airwaves with commercials. And, true to form, there are few candidates who say what they’re going to do. Instead, they spend millions of dollars to smear their opponent. People must feel it works because it gets worse the closer you are to the actual election day.

To me it seems similar to what I see from other bloggers in the “space” when they write about Human Resources. People feel that if they continue to tear down HR, it will somehow get better. I don’t follow the numbers and metrics of posts, including my own, but negativity must sell. When I see posts that focus on division and separatism I get concerned. Why would people want to work in a field that only wallows in things that are wrong?

I had toyed with the idea of seeking political office in the past and I determined back then that if I would ever run, I would only be positive. I think people should make choices on what you can bring and not focus on one and another’s faults. Therefore, I am launching a campaign in support of HR !!

When is comes to HR, I am literally ALL in !! It’s been my career of choice and I try to be active and visible through volunteer work, social media and speaking at events. I only see HR growing and becoming more and more relevant in my organization and in many organizations across the globe. There are creative and innovative people who are changing their approaches and their cultures to have workplaces where people can perform their best and move their organizations forward.

Here are the planks of my platform to share to make this campaign come to life !!

Be Others Focused

We are in the one profession that is built with a focus on other people. Think of what a great opportunity that is !! Seriously, you have a chance to work with people on purpose. It’s built into your job and it needs to be the base of your thinking and approach every day.

Be Certified

I refuse to continue to argue on one certification versus another. Certification should be our ticket to moving ourselves, and the field, ahead. The key to being certified is more than passing a test. Having a professional certification gives you credibility and gives you the base on which to be a continuous learner and seek professional development. We need to know HR to practice HR. Take the time to get your letters and then build on your education from there going forward.

Be Connected

HR on its own is career suicide. You will struggle if you aren’t connected to great people, great resources and great events. Every time I read something, I look to learn from the author and their perspective. When I find resources that help me do HR better, I share them with others. Most importantly, when I go to events, I make sure to meet others to build my network in order to connect others. We’re only better when we’re together as a profession.

So, can I count on your support ?? Will you join me in moving HR forward in a positive way ?? I would love to have you join in and stem the tide of negativity. I know we can do it and am geeked to see what happens !!

I’m Steve Browne, candidate for the Campaign for HR, and I support this message !!

What’s Your Sentence ??

As I write, I’m recovering from the Ohio SHRM State Conference. It was another incredible event full of learning, fun, laughter and engaged HR pros. Everyone there found something that they could use as a takeaway to improve their role back at the workplace.

Personally I was geeked to be able to give a presentation myself !! It is always a highlight for me when I get to speak to my peers. I also enjoyed participating in a Town Hall to update folks about the new SHRM Certification with Nancy Conway from SHRM.

I enjoy going to events like this because I seek out sessions that will stretch me and how I look at what I do. I want to hear new thoughts and approaches to see how I can approach HR in my organization in a fresh and relevant way. I was encouraged that the entire conference would have sessions like this when Bill Taylor opened as the conference’s first keynote. Taylor is the author of “Practically Radical” and I was intrigued as he shared real world stories from today’s companies that are differentiating themselves.

He also shared a story when John F. Kennedy was President and a noted female Republican member of Congress met with the young leader. She confronted the President and questioned his scattered approach to his job. She told him that he needed to be someone who would be remembered by what he did in one sentence.

Kennedy took that advice to heart and Taylor challenged the conference attendees to reflect on this advice as well. He asked what your sentence is for HR? What is the sentence for your company and what is your sentence for you?

I think it’s something that calls for you to set up your legacy, but I’d like to challenge you to make it your present approach to HR !! Think about it. You don’t have a legacy until after you’re finished. To get to that level of being positively remembered, your actions have to start now.

I think it starts by reflecting to see if how you’re practicing is genuine or manufactured. Are you putting on a facade which is fraught with stereotypes of HR and the myths of what others say about us? Are you putting on this shield over your clothes because you feel that’s how you are “supposed” to act?

You can’t expect others to be genuine if you aren’t willing to be genuine yourself. The fact is that if you’re genuine, you will be more attractive to the people around you. I’m not talking about your physical appearance. Genuine people are a draw and attract others. If you attract others, you can establish a relationship with them. If you have a relationship, you can talk about anything and influence the behavior and performance of others.

To get this going, I want to share with you my sentence. I hope that it comes true. I need to establish this in order to make it come to life. Here it is . . .

” I want to make a difference in people’s lives every single day.”

Not sure what that difference will be. Not sure that I’ll even get to see it. However, it’s what I can do that matters. It can shape my attitude, my behavior and my approach. It will keep me grounded and mindful that my actions affect others.

I’m glad I went to OHSHRM just for this. Trust me, there was much more that I learned, but this will serve as a cornerstone for how I practice HR from now on. I have my sentence. Now you have to ask yourself – what’s yours ??

1st Time Handshake . . .

This past week I was fortunate to be the emcee for the second DisruptHR in Cincinnati !! We had another great time and the presentations were unique, diverse and thought provoking. The venue of Memorial Hall also added to the ambiance of the night. The true highlight for me was seeing many familiar faces as well as a large number of new people.

It’s fascinating to me to see how people greet each other at HR events. People look for people that they know first if they didn’t already come with someone they know. If they don’t know people, they head to either a corner or the bar to get a view of the room and scope out how they’re going to maneuver around people before figuring a way to get to their seat with the fewest interactions possible.

If someone does introduce themselves they tend to keep a clear distance and reach for a business card as a force field to get the niceties out of the way. There may be some small talk exchanged asking where someone works, why did they come to the event and what do they expect. More often than not, the room is filled with more people you don’t know than it is people you do know.

I’m not trying to make fun, it’s just what I see. I’m an extreme extrovert, and I know that isn’t common. I thrive in a room full of people. I can’t wait to meet as many people as I can. I don’t want to just meet them, I want to get to know them. In order to not have this be overwhelming, I’ve developed the following approach.

1st time handshake. 2nd time hug !!

Okay, the hugging part may be overwhelming, but it’s necessary. I mean it !! People need to be hugged especially if they work in HR. You’ve heard me say that working with people is challenging. That is nothing new, but a genuine support system for HR is !! HR people tend to want to move on their own and have bought into the myth that they shouldn’t be close to anyone.

Being isolated in our field is senseless and harmful. It’s harmful because if you think you can foster engagement in employees, but you aren’t connected to other people on purpose youself, then you’re just trying to make something come to life you don’t believe in. We need to care for each other and be up front about it.

I remember a few years ago, Joe Gerstandt came to speak at Ohio SHRM and I was the program chair. We had never met in person at that time, only through social media. When I saw him far across the room, I squealed and ran over to him and gave him a giant bear hug. (I skipped my 1st time rule.) Joe pulled back a bit from me and said, “I guess brothers hug.” Love that !!

Ironically, other HR people there chastized me for being loud and too excited. You see, we want order and decorum in a world that is calling for empathy and compassion. I choose hugs and will not shy away from it. I’ve had too many people melt in an embrace because it hit them just at the right time.

This week, Ohio SHRM is happening once again and I will be giving out hugs as much as possible !! To say I’m Geeked would be an understatement. I will love seeing friends and meeting new ones.

If I see you there (or at other great HR and SHRM events), choose. I’m good with a hug right off the bat. You need to know someone cares about you and that you are in HR. I’ll be looking for you !!

Repurposing HR !!

Recently, my family and I had a gigantic garage sale !! Seriously, my entire garage, family room and front porch were filled. We had all of the possessions of my mother-in-law who recently passed. There were tons of memories as we sorted everything, and it took over a week just to sort all of the “treasures.”

We prepped, priced and positioned everything so it had the best chance to be sold. Our goal was to sell it all with the proceeds going toward my son’s Eagle Scout project. It always amazes me that when you have one of these sales your street is lined with people who just can’t wait to see what you’re offering. We were scheduled to open at 9:00am and the first folks started showing up at 7:45am !! No one was turned away and the sales started building.

People came looking for certain items and knew exactly what they wanted. We were fascinated by people and their choices. We even came across some people who were “resellers.” These folks were professionals. They pulled item after item because they were going to take them and repurpose them into something “new.” They were great negotiators and rarely wanted to pay full price. I thought they were really fun and saw items that people may consider as junk as something that had potential.

There were a few items that we hoped wouldn’t sell because deep down we wanted to keep them. We ended up with a set of antique 1/2 gallon milk bottles with a carrier that used to bring milk to people’s homes and a set of steel chairs from a patio set. We took the chairs and went to work on them by scraping loose paint, washing them down and giving them a new color so that they each had a new look !! We knew that these would be a unique addition to my daughter’s 1st college apartment.

They turned out great !! It only took an hour and a few dollars to breathe life into something that had been buried in a garage gathering rust and dust. It was also very fulfilling to know that this simple investment of time and work would help out someone else who could use them for years to come.

While I was giving the chairs a facelift, I thought of HR. I know that may seem like a stretch, but hear me out.

How many things are there that we do that sit and gather dust after we create them? We’re so excited when they were introduced, but we missed it when they were no longer relevant. The difference is that if we had a sale of old HR stuff, people wouldn’t be lined up to check it out.

What do you have that needs to be cleaned and given a new coat of paint? What do you have that needs to be put out for the sale just to flat get rid of it?

This week do some cleaning. Don’t settle for how you’ve been doing HR. Dig deep and take the items that need new life and give it them. At the same time, take the systems, policies and procedures that have no purpose anymore and get rid of them. Have the HR garage sale that you’ve needed to have !! You’ll be glad you did !!

A Little Piece of My Heart !!

This week has been one of transition. My mother-in-law passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Also, a dear friend of mine, who I sang alongside in our church choir, passed away gracefully at the age of 89. I doubt that few who read this blog know these two great people who impacted my life in tangible, meaningful ways. I am thankful that I can celebrate their lives and what they meant to me.

These two people also had an impact on my amazing wife, Debbie. I don’t mention her much on social forums because she’d prefer to be in the background. You see, she is a perfect reflection of the quote from Jerry Maguire – she completes me. She and I are almost complete polar opposites and everything I do poorly, she does well. I don’t know how my life would look without her. I don’t think it would be nearly as positive and great as it is because she so gracefully and effortlessly fills the voids and blind spots I have.

The majority of the people who touch our lives are more like my wife, my mother-in law and my friend from church. They are meaningful to us individually and the sphere of who they’re connected to varies greatly. Even though I may be personally connected to them, I may not be connected to the other amazing people who they know and interact with.

I want to take the time this week to share something that you may not know. Just like these three wonderful people – you have a piece of my heart !!

Too often, we downplay the impact EVERY single person in our lives has. We keep thinking that people only make an impact if they have visibility, notoriety or celebrity. Sadly, many people keep chasing those shallow attributes of our society thinking it will give more substance and meaning to their lives.

You need to know that YOU matter – at least to me. I don’t take any interaction I have with any person lightly. It may be the one and only time we ever cross paths. That matters. I may not personally see how this affects either your life or mine. But, I know that because you came across my path and in my life – you impacted me and made a difference.

I don’t view life in the manner that most people do. To me, the “humans” are key because my life is not defined by my profession. It’s just what I happen to do.

The losses I experienced this week reminded me that I don’t take enough time to let people who are in my life know how much I value them. I guess I assume they know, but that is a missed opportunity. This is something so critical to all of us as people to communicate how people touch our lives.

Make sure to notice everyone you come across this week !! Don’t ignore, brush off or move past some ONE to some THING you think is more important.

I don’t take our connection lightly. The fact that you would take the time to read this blog as well as connect in person and/or socially drives me and fuels my passion for people more than you know !!

I’m glad you are a piece of my heart !! I know that I am better because of it !!

Image Courtesy of Deviantart.com

I Need a Hero !!

We drove to the theater with great anticipation hoping to get tickets in time for the 7:45pm showing of the brand new Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The great ticket seller at the box office confused us when he said, “7:45 ?? The next show is at 7:15pm.” We were early, but that meant we couldn’t get dinner before we went to see the show. We decided to stay and head in to the theater. The staff had us stand against the wall and form a line because the prior showing hadn’t ended. We were an hour early.

As we stood there, the line to get in grew . . . and grew . . . and grew. I didn’t remember a line forming before a movie like this since I saw the various Star Wars movies as a teenager. Everyone was patient, but you could feel the energy building and building as we got closer to the showtime. The line was opened, and my son and I walked in and got the perfect seats for us. The entire venue was filled in the next 10 minutes.

I didn’t know if others had a tradition like I do with my teenage son. You see, every superhero movie that comes out means that we will be there to watch it. I think we’ve made every Marvel, DC Comics, and smaller brand movies that have been released. It is a shared experience that I truly cherish !!

It was a great movie !! (You really should see it !!) I loved it because Captain America is “odd” compared to most superheroes and most people in general. You see, he’s completely selfless. He is 100% others focused. I love this attribute about him and want to encourage this in others as well.

By the incredible turnout at the movie, I can surmise that people find this attribute attractive as well. We don’t see it often enough. We live in a society, and work in companies, that are more self-focused than others-focused. It seemed that people are looking for a “hero” of some sort.

I’m not going to get into the definition of what a “hero” is because most heroes are active behind the scenes doing things that others never notice. You see, I believe you can be heroic by being there for others and meeting their needs. It doesn’t have to be something magnificent, but it does need to be something tangible.

So often in HR, and in articles about culture, we focus on making sure to identify the WIIFM (What’s In It for Me) factor. What if YOU were what’s in it for others? What if YOU chose to reach out and be there to meet the need of someone else in work, life or the community?

What would happen if YOU helped someone else AND expected nothing in return? I think the world would be an amazing place !! I know that it’s unlikely that many people will read this and try this, but I believe that the “Captain America” effect can happen in your life and in the lives of others.

So, this week shed your ego. Open your eyes and see who could use a hero. Then step up and act. You’ll be glad you did !!

What’s Your Approach ??

At times Human Resources feels like it moves at an amazingly fast pace !! There may be some peaks and valleys, but each day is more likely a blur. I know many folks who have to double-check their Outlook calendars just to remind them what day it is.

With things moving so quickly all the time, there is the possibility that the field we should love becomes the job that is more drudgery than joy. If you don’t think this is true, go to an HR Conference and listen to the conversations in the crowds. Most of them are not positive and are laced with unending frustration.

There’s a way out of this constant drain of negativity. It does, however, take a huge intentional effort which many aren’t willing to do. It’s not “hard” but it is different from the norm.

It’s all about your approach . . .

Your approach to your life. Your approach to HR. Your approach towards your employees. And, your approach towards others around you.

Let me share an example that just happened. We are entering the SHRM Conference season. There are phenomenal regional and State events that you should check out and attend. I just attended and spoke at the 48th Annual Northern Ohio HR Conference (NOHRC) in Cleveland. It’s a great event full of great programs, business partners and, most importantly, HR pros.

Often when folks go to Conferences, they are much more focused and concerned with which sessions have Strategic Credit, where are the best seats, who should they go see and what is going to happen . . . every . . . single . . . minute. They willingly walk past every other attendee to get to their session without even greeting each other. The session is FAR MORE important than the other attendees.

Having experienced this more often than I like, I opened my session by asking all of the people who came to take 30 seconds and meet the people around them. The energy level in the room jumped !! People started smiling and they shook off the full day of sessions and activities. Their minds were clear, they were ready for something different and we launched.

I shared with everybody my observation that we struggle with HR because of how we approach it. Just like the conference setting, we are so much more concerned and focused on systems, policies and procedures than we are the people who work with us. People who come to work and want to do great work, be recognized for it by person-to-person feedback and also want to see their company succeed !!

The other example I shared at my session was that when I attend an HR conference, I spend my time almost primarily seeking out friends, meeting new people and getting connected to them. I also attend sessions, but usually to meet others. When people go to conferences with me they better get used to delays because I will get, and give, countless hugs, handshakes and hellos.

You see, PEOPLE are my approach !!

This isn’t an admonishment, it’s an opportunity. People make us who we are as a profession and it’s the most fulfilling approach I know. So, this week, drop one system. Ignore one policy. Skip one procedure.

But . . . approach EVERY person with a new view !! I guarantee you’ll love it !!

Image courtesy of Dragyn Studios

Mr. Browne Goes to Washington !!

This seems to be a “bucket list” kind of year. I was fortunate enough to be elected as part of the Membership Advisory Council (MAC) for SHRM. I get to speak at SHRM National in Orlando this June !! And then, there was this past week . . .

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at the Xavier University men’s basketball game with my wife when I got an e-mail from the SHRM Government Affairs group asking me if I’d consider testifying at a Congressional House Committee. I was very moved and humbled that I was asked in the first place. After I got over the rush of the moment, I had to consider if I should do it or not.

I believe in Advocacy by HR professionals and have done this at the State and Federal level for the past several years. I think we forget that we live in a country where we are allowed to share our viewpoint and participate in our government. It’s somewhat intimidating, but I have found that the representatives and their staff are longing to hear from our community because they don’t hear enough from practitioners. They do hear from many lobbyists with various special interests, but they don’t get our perspective nearly enough.

So, after clearing it with my incredible employer, I said, “Yes.” I went through an interview with staff from the Committee, and last Wednesday morning I was sitting in the Rayburn Building at a long, wooden table in front of a microphone, a timer with lights and my remarks about to testify on behalf of SHRM. As Chairman Kline called on me with “Mr. Browne,” I took a deep breath and began to share my testimony. The questioning from the Representatives was heated at times. I tried to represent my employer, SHRM and HR the best I could. When it ended, I was relieved and still incredibly excited !!

Trust me when I say that I didn’t take this experience lightly at all. To be a citizen sitting in front of members of Congress is something I’ll never forget. This wasn’t something where you had to side with political ideologies. It was a chance to give a business perspective from an HR pro. I hope that people can see that we are a BUSINESS voice !!

I also hope that SHRM, and our community as a whole, can see there are Sr. practitioners who are involved, are engaged and want to move us all forward.

Here is my challenge to all of HR . . . Make your voice heard !!

If it’s in the context of your department, be heard. If it’s with your employees and your Executives, be heard. If it’s in an advocacy role at the local, State or Federal level, be heard.

A wise person told me once – If people don’t hear from you, someone else WILL be heard !!

HR, your perspective matters. Be confident in who you are and in what you do. This is a chance for you to set the example that you want others to follow. Being passive and hoping that things will change, or evolve, isn’t effective.

By the way, as I walked out I asked if I could take my name tent. The staff wondered why I’d want a piece of paper. I told them that today mattered, at least to me. I took it back and put it in my office so I can always remember when “Mr. Browne” went to Washington !!

Be Relentless !!

This past weekend was phenomenal because I spent it with the 50 SHRM State Directors at the Regional Summit. It’s great for so many reasons such as developing leaders, sharing best practices, learning what successes others are having and the most recent news from SHRM itself.

The true highlight for everyone attending was learning from Jason Lauritsen and Joe Gerstandt as Talent Anarchy !! They showed everyone a valuable tool with the Hack Lab. Hacking isn’t “new” to the business world, but it is lacking in HR and in volunteer leadership roles. The level of energy and creativity was incredible !!

They also highlighted their great work from their MUST HAVE book Social Gravity which break down the immense value of our social capital. When this session was completed, there was a sharing of take aways, and a vast majority of the group shared that they were going to work on being more connected to each other.

In fact, my favorite response came from the North Dakota State Director, Stephanie Winterquist, when she said she was going to BE RELENTLESS at improving her social capital !!

It made me wonder if others in HR would be relentless too? I know that “connecting” is an overused plea in HR blogs, but it keeps coming up because people just aren’t doing it !! As soon as the conference was over, and before I caught my flight home, I sent a Linked In invitation to intentionally connect with the folks from the SHRM Leadership Summit that I hadn’t yet. This isn’t to gather more “friends” or “followers.” It’s to find others who can be resources for you and for you to be a resource to others.

HR will sustain its relevance the more it’s connected !! That is an undeniable fact. So, you have to ask yourself – will you be relentless too? I think it’s time for all of us !!