For 2020, I have settled on “read”. Up until a few years ago, I was what many would call an avid reader. Starting in childhood, including reading 22 Hardy Boys’ books during a 21 day stay on Cape Cod, I was rarely found without a book nearby. However, that has changed in the last few years and I have found myself missing the joys of a good book in favor of time in front of a screen. I want to make that change in 2020.

So, my word is “Read” and I am taking a few steps to help myself do better in this realm. Today, I bought 6 books of various genre and have them ready to go for the new year. If I devote 30 minutes a day toward reading that is not on a computer or smartphone, at a minimum I will have 183 hours done before the end of 2020.

While my external presence remains more limited than in years past, I will be at WorkHuman Live in San Antonio this May and at least one other event which is yet to be determined. Other known excursions will include a #StateLineCrew meetup with some of the great HR pros of Illinois and Wisconsin and a family vacation (minus one ): ) to Mallorca.

As always, the future is unknown but I remain positive about the possibilities that we all can embrace in the days, weeks, months, and yes, years ahead.

I believe the reason will become clear as you continue. However, I feel compelled to warn you, this is not a post that will either be fully complimentary or one that simply throws rocks through windows. As Perry Timms so eloquently stated in a post he recently wrote, “Stones thrown rarely comfort anyone.” That includes this writer as I put on paper what I am thinking.

However, I’ve reached a point where my silence and frustration is not doing me any good. While I value relationships beyond all else, I write this knowing that some relationships I have may be irrevocably damaged depending on the priorities of those reading it. That may be a price to be paid and that realization is ever present and acknowledged.

Since starting my journey in human resources back around the turn of the century, I’ve been a member of the Society for Human Resource Management or SHRM. This is an organization that I credit for giving me both professional and personal satisfaction over many years. In fact, it’s not a stretch or an exaggeration to say that the majority of my friends have come because of my involvement with SHRM on either a local, state, or national level. Some of these friends date back to some of my earliest days being part of the organization while others are new as of last year’s annual conference in Chicago.  As a past recipient of a SHRM Foundation scholarship, I credit them with providing the kick I needed to start grad school and obtain my MBA.

An active volunteer on many levels, I certainly admit guilt to “drinking the Kool-Aid” and encouraging people to join and get involved. These volunteer opportunities have opened doors to me that I never would have imagined possible. It’s even conceivable that my volunteer roles have brought me farther along professionally than have some of my paid roles over the years. On the professional development side, I was one of the first to get my SHRM-SCP certification and openly steered others toward it. As a member of the SHRM Foundation’s Leadership Circle, I’ve made an on-going commitment to give back to an organization that provided so much to me.

And, yes, I freely admit to owning more than one item of SHRM clothing (including socks)!

So, having said that, why is this so hard. Because, I’ve stepped away from this organization I credit for providing me so much. It’s a matter of feeling like the organization no longer can credibly represent me and my feelings while opening embracing narcissism in leadership and seemingly ignoring or looking away from the ethics that have guided it for so long.

As of last August 31^st, I have been a lapsed member. Despite dozens of messages laced with numerous incentives (a tote bag, hot chocolate, a free month of membership, etc. ) asking me to renew, I have not. This hurts to my core but not as much as my renewal would hurt and conflict with my own sense of right and wrong. While there is no “one thing” that was a final straw or trigger point, there have been a series of events that prompted me to internally reflect and reach this hard decision. Listening to people I know and care about express their concerns and having the benefit of knowing people who have been affected by changes in the organization makes one pause to see if I’m part of the problem or part of the solution. Sadly, this is still a piece I cannot answer with certainty. However, being part of the organization was not helping and my voice inside SHRM, despite being valued by some, is only one voice in a much larger chorus.

To be clear, while actions are being taken which are, in my view, not aligned with the integrity of the organization, there must also be the realization that not everything an organization does is going to be agreeable to its members.  A few examples where I believe the integrity is lacking include:

• The current leader’s alignment with the Trump administration.
• Some elements of reorganization that were (reportedly) not handled in a manner that a good HR person would handle it.
• The blacklisting of a longtime member because they dared to question the current leadership of the organization.

Each of these points deserves some explanation. First, while I expect SHRM and any business oriented organization to have a politically rightward lean, the cozying up to an administration that is so blatant in its disregard to groups of people based on who they are removes the ability for the organization to legitimately state that it can stand up for elements in its own code of ethics. These include, but are not limited to:

• Respect the uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every individual.
• Treat people with dignity, respect and compassion to foster a trusting work environment free of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful discrimination.
• Assure an environment of inclusiveness and a commitment to diversity in the organizations we serve.

Before you think I am thoughtless political extremist with only progressive views, I am not. In 2016, I voted in the Republican primary here in Michigan and am more comfortable talking to my Republican Congressional Representative, Fred Upton, than I am to either of our state’s two Democratic Senators.

The second point is one that is only conjecture and based on indirect information received and my own observations as an experienced human resource professional. I am a firm believer that a leader has the need to have their own people advising and guiding them. However, how you treat existing people when a change is made provides great insight into the character of the leader. While departures, both voluntary and involuntary do generally rise with the change at the top of an organization, the manner in which they are handled are important. Again, relationships matter and I always want to see people treated with dignity and respect. When you tout yourself as the world’s leading authority on HR, you damn well better have HR practices that match that mantra.

The third point is admittedly a point of personal hurt.  Yes, I am that member. While I do understand membership has its privileges, being ostracized in a manner that makes it appear that leadership in an organization is making personal attacks is, to me, an unmistakable sign that being challenged is threatening and that voices of dissent have no role. Professional responsibility requires us to adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

It’s this final point that has sealed it for me and prompted me to publish. Until substantive changes occur with the leadership of SHRM, I cannot in good conscience be part of the organization. As stated in the beginning, this hurts me to my core. I have grown as a professional because of SHRM. I am a better person because of SHRM. My life is a richer one because of SHRM.  Sadly, this growth, betterment, and richness is no longer worth the price. I will certainly miss some opportunities but at the end of the day, it is my own sense of dedication that will shift unless SHRM chooses to make some changes of its own.

I consider myself fortunate that I have a strong network of talented HR professionals that I can access as needed and that knowledge sharing among my colleagues is something that can happen without SHRM resources being available. No matter what organization I am involved with, I will always strive to share knowledge, provide support, and help advance the profession I love. Thank you friends, you are the best! It is all of you who deserve a letter devoted to love and dedication!

More than once while he was home, my wife and I remarked about the changes we noticed. While we expected there to be changes, we weren’t certain how they would manifest and what would be different versus the same for this first extended time at home. I can confirm they were positive! I know for me, I am confident that the path ahead for him will be bright, even if it doesn’t exactly follow the path he anticipates. While, like any parent, I hope beyond all hopes that what he wants to do is where he ends up, I know from personal experience that the path ahead is uncertain.

Even as I look at the 19 year old growing before me, I am forced to recognize that my own path ahead is still an unwritten future. This doesn’t bother me in the least and, after some time away, I’ve allowed that same calmness to work for my son as well. I’ve been fortunate that my path has led me to where it has so far. The faith that I have in that for me must be true for my children as well.

The path ahead leads where it is meant to lead

So, as he pulled out of the driveway this afternoon to head back for the Spring semester, my optimism for him matches the optimism I have for my own path too.  I must simply remind myself that every journey has obstacles yet these do not automatically prevent us from moving forward and in some cases provide just the spark needed to accomplish great things. So, the path ahead leads where it is meant to lead. Enjoy the journey and know that growth can come from every step forward we take.

Writing fits the bill quite nicely!

While I am not one to propose New Years’ Resolutions, I have for the last few years used the One Word approach each January to have a focus for the year. This has worked well for me and for 2019 I have decided to make it a bit more formal and action oriented.

The title of this post is my word for 2019. I’m pairing this with a commitment to myself to write something each day. Even when not for public consumption or toward a bigger goal, I intend to write at least little each day. Writing is something I enjoy (thanks to my HS AP English teacher Mr. Gilmer!) and I have gotten away from writing over the last couple of years.

I know some of you take the same approach as I by picking a word over resolutions. Please share so that we may support one another as the year unfolds.

For me, the title of this blog is a continuous reminder of my first job. However, the lessons go much deeper.

As a 16 year old ride operator at Kings Island, I learned first-hand the importance of treating people with respect, even when they were not reciprocating. Whether it was working with the little kid rides or the biggest coasters, the emphasis on guest service was the same. Safety was 1st, always. Following that essential commitment, providing good guest service was the highest pillar we needed to achieve.

Those lessons continue to serve me well.

It was with some bemusement this summer when I had a chance to watch my son experience his first job. Asked recently what he learned, he replied that he learned he did not want to perform manual labor for the rest of his life!

For some others, the lessons included:

“I learned that people are not always upfront and honest”

“Having the right tools makes things easier”

“Corn leaves can be sharp”

As you continue through your work, take a moment to think back on your first job and reflect how a lesson learned continues to help or influence you today.

One of the fun little things on my desk (in front of a pile of folders which, at the moment, is put away!)

Well, there is no clear consensus on how we like our desks to look. Not a surprising result, yet instructive on how we each look at the world. Despite yesterday being #CleanOffYourDesk Day, I get the distinct impression that is not something widely celebrated within my circle of friends and colleagues.

There are numerous studies (some results from one conducted at the University of Minnesota can be found here) that suggest a messy desk is a sign of creativity or genius at work. Personally, I’m ok with that. Although right now my desk is at its zenith of neatness, I am confident that will change as January progresses. I fondly remember my mother having a sign with Garfield the Cat on her desk that stated “A clean desk is the sign of a cluttered mind” and given the studies that have been done and some of the commentary shared by my readers, there seems to be some agreement to that point.

So, do not fret over the mess. It may very well mean you are creative, maybe even a genius.  Science will even back you up on that!

Thanks for the input for this week’s post. The question for consideration before next week is…

What is a lesson learned from your 1^st job that still serves you well today?

My blogging goal for 2018 is to foster good debate and discussion on topics. Each week, a post putting out a question will go up. In the days that follow, I will invite people to chime in and provide their perspective(s) on the topic so that the next week’s post can include value taken from across the spectrum. The resolution post will include my own perspective on the topic and the next week’s question.

So, 1st up for 2018. January is often a month of organization and clean out. What are your feelings on a messy desk versus a clean one? Reply using either the comment box below or to me via e-mail Brad-at-rollercoasterhr.com

I know this hard for many of you, but it’s so important so bear with me for a moment.

If everyone I know would take 10 minutes and write a letter, the difference that can be made is tremendous. There is too much going on right now in this country and in this world to sit and wait while watching it all happen.

Yes, I am referring to you. Take time, write, express your opinion to someone. Even if it doesn’t agree with mine it’s important to be heard.

So often we are afraid of expressing ourselves. Doing so shows vulnerability and that is a state that we humans don’t like. Too bad. As I have stated before, it’s important to become comfortable being uncomfortable. I am here to challenge you again!

Below is the letter I submitted Sunday afternoon to my Congressman, Fred Upton. Now, my representative and I do not agree on some things, do agree on others, and have had one very brief conversation while having lunch (on Election Day 2014) in the same restaurant here in Portage. Whether we agree or not is irrelevant. What matters is that I express my thoughts to my elected representative. There are too many important things happening to leave to chance if someone should think “I wonder what my constituents think?” So my challenge to you is to write now on a subject of importance. Be vocal, visible, and valuable.

• On the keynote side of the house, Amy Cuddy (author of Presence) is the one I am most looking forward to hearing. I know several people who heard her speak during May’s WorkHuman event in Orlando and all had only good things to say. My own conference, HR Indiana, looked to have her but alas our conference coincided with the start of her term teaching at Harvard.
• I’ve not spent the time reviewing the concurrent session grid to know with certainty everything I am attending. My friend Karl’s session on Tuesday, Advanced CFO Wisdom is likely one you will find me attending. Given the changes coming out of the NLRB (just down from the conference site!) I expect to get some updates on those activities as well.
• One of my favorite things during the SHRM Annual Conference is time spent with the SHRM Foundation. I know they are releasing 2 new reports during the conference, and are partnering with Fitbit on a step challenge. Anyone who has attended SHRM before knows that walking is constant and achieving 50,000 steps during the time the conference runs is a realistic goal. I hope I remember my Fitbit charger!
• Of course, no SHRM conference is complete without the after hours social events. Don’t discount them and the learning and sharing that occurs!
• Speaking of social – the time with my SHRM Blogging friends (and yes, they are friends!) will be a highlight and will serve to recharge my HR batteries. There is no greater group of people than these smart and accomplished HR professionals. I am honored to know them.
• Finally (and most importantly!) I am being joined in DC by my wife and daughter. They will be tourists while I “conference”, but I will have some time to spend with them as well as some family who live in Northern Virginia. It’s my daughter’s 1^st time to our nation’s capital and I hope she enjoys it as much as I do each time I have the chance to visit.

If you’re going to be there, please send me a note. If we haven’t met, I would love to meet you! Reach out via twitter @bradgalin or come by the SHRM Bloggers Lounge (room 102A)

Is there a song, piece of music, or sound that you rely on for inspiration?

My #HRMusicShare friends should have some great answers for this one!