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
Roomie,
I read your blog with great interest and enjoyment, as we share such a similar approach in conferences and the thrill of meeting new people!
My week at spring training in Arizona was enhanced by the opportunity to meet so many great people, with the common love of baseball. Twins fans at a Cubs vs. Rockies game, Reds fans at a Royals vs. Rangers’ game…. Sharing stories with them, talking about our teams and families… was so cool. One guy who was on the plane that I met, gave us some great tips on getting autographs fort my grandson. We bumped into him at two different games. It was like Karma.
Getting to know people and helping people are great opportunities for all of us, not only those of us HR.
Fred