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!

Who is someone who greatly influenced you in your early career?

As I think back to my first “real job” after college, it takes me back to Cincinnati and my time working as a theme park consultant with International Theme Park Service (ITPS). When I was hired in September of 1995, I was fresh out of college with work experience that consisted of being at a theme park (Kings Island) mostly working with people my own age and behaving as one would expect young twenty somethings to do!

Enter Mrs. Jackie Renner!

Jackie was the VP of Administration for International Theme Park Services. I credit her for teaching me what being a professional looked like. I learned much from Jackie including the right way to communicate with people from around the world and other cultures, how to be complete in my preparation for client presentations, and how to be a loyal employee to my organization.

As my tenure at the organization increased, I found myself working more closely with Jackie on new business development. Her ability to judge people and know them quickly was something I admired.  When I did not understand the reason behind a process we followed, she was able to explain the why behind it and how the process made the business better. This is a lesson that I’ve never forgotten; always be able to explain your actions and how they can impact your business.

It’s really been over the last few years that the lessons I learned from Jackie have become even more important. My opportunities to interact with and show the next generation what professionalism means have increased. Each time I am complimented on how I handled something professionally or ensured some detail was taken care of, I think of Jackie and say a silent ‘thank you’ to her.

Now, I can say it aloud; thank you Jackie for showing me what being a professional should look like. It is something for which I am very grateful!

Just a few of the people who make for a memorable SHRM VLS – 7 people from 7 states!

The title of this post sums up what makes something memorable or not.

Yes, it’s the people!

For the 5^th, 6^th or maybe 7^th time (sorry I’ve lost count) I was fortunate enough to attend the SHRM Volunteer Leader Summit in Washington DC last week.  I say fortunatebecause as conferences with HR people go, this one is one of my favorites.

Why is it a favorite? Yes, it’s the people!

This conference has become, for me, much more than an opportunity to gain some new ideas and get the latest from SHRM on initiatives and programs being pursued or incentivized over the next year. This conference becomes, more than most others, a reunion among like-minded colleagues friends.

From the time I arrived at the hotel Thursday afternoon until my last moments in Washington, I had the chance to catch-up with the people who share a passion for helping others improve their HR practices and want to see good things happen for their chapters, councils, and companies. While there is a healthy debate in some HR circles about the value provided by organizations like SHRM, there should be little doubt that the people who dedicate the extra hour each week to building something meaningful and sustainable are worthy of knowing and supporting.

It’s the people who contribute to memories, fun conversations, and an exchange of ideas that many HR people are either unwilling or unable to participate in. It does mean going above and beyond.  Yes, there are those who fall into the classic “do no harm” mentality that is pervasive in my field. However, spending time with positive and professional people can have anaffecton us and it is up to each and every one of us to penetrate bad practices and ensure that good comes from the work we do day in and day out.

There are many levels of thanks to go around after this summit. SHRM staff was excellent in their session preparation. There were numerous fellow volunteer leaders (many of whom I am lucky to call friends) who shared their experiences and expertise. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank my Indiana SHRM colleagues for allowing me the chance to continue to serve, even though I live in Michigan now!

Why do I stay involved (even when it requires a 4-hour drive to Indianapolis)? You already know the answer, it’s the people!

As the HR social media community gathers again on-line to honor one of our own, the well-deserving recipient is NYC’s own Victorio Milian.

In honor of a great HR person! Thank you Victorio!

I’ve had the honor of meeting and learning from Victorio and while we celebrate him in the HR world, I am always impressed with his commitment to family and his capturing of the beauty that exists in his city. Through his stories and photographs, Victorio is able to share some of the big city experience with those of us who live in “fly over” country.

So, I am privileged to know Victorio and hope that this day of celebration brings him the recognition he so richly deserves!

The ‘H’ in HR stands for “human” (at least in most places!) and we as HR professionals do not always do a good job reaching out to those who can help us when we face situations that we haven’t encountered before. Building relationships is essential to learning and seeing things from a different perspective. While chatting with people in sessions and on the exhibit floor can begin the process, establishing genuine connections takes more time and sharing common experiences can lead to continued dialogue and bring people closer.

Even if big parties and crowded events are not your thing, there are many opportunities to connect with small groups of people and expand your own network and build the value you can bring to those you support in your business.  If you’re not one to find people on your own, I can certainly recommend the Meet to Eat Program that SHRM does each year. My own network benefits from people I met during a SHRM Diversity Conference at such an event.

One important reminder; take off your SHRM badge before you go out! Introduce yourself in person, not by your credential.

Psychiatrist and author of the book Play, Stuart Brown, provides some tips on how we can incorporate more elements of play into our lives.

Change how you think about play. Remember that play is important for all aspects of our lives, including creativity and relationships. Give yourself permission to play every day.

Take a play history. In his book Brown includes a primer to help readers reconnect with play. He suggests readers mine their past for play memories. What did you do as a child that excited you? Did you engage in those activities alone or with others? How can you recreate that today?

Surround yourself with playful people. Brown stresses the importance of selecting friends who are playful and of playing with your loved ones.

Play with little ones. Playing with kids helps us experience the magic of play through their perspective.  What could be better than that?

Have fun and PLAY!

Any time you think play is a waste, remember that it offers some serious benefits for both you and others. As Brown says in his book, “Play is the purest expression of love.”

Those attending the SHRM conference next week in Chicago have an opportunity to play and contribute to a great cause.  Come to Grant Park next Sunday night at 7:00 to see some HR rock stars playing kickball and doing good for No Kid Hungry.  Knowing the people involved, I’m sure fun will be had by all.  Even if you can’t be there, you can donate to the very worthy No Kid Hungry cause and be a part of playing a role in helping end childhood hunger.  After all, play is the most important thing a child can do! Let’s give all of them a chance to worry only about play, and not from where their next meal may come.