After hearing from SHRM leadership today during a question and answer session, I continue to have several concerns not only as an active volunteer leader, but also as a certified professional. I worry that the value of my certification, no matter which one I have (or both) will have even less value than they do now. I have this concern for the following reasons:

• Approved providers – Although there are many frustrations with HRCI and their processes around certifying programs in a timely manner, the proposed SHRM solution of allowing their chapters to be approved providers has the potential to weaken the process o ensuring that programs meet the requirements as set by SHRM. Right now, those able to approve programs have been fully vetted by HRCI and have firm guidelines. While SHRM can go this direction, the numbers needed to support the chapters and councils could create a large discrepancy in how people certify programs for credit. Will there be different tiers for the different certifications? That is a question we do not know.
• After years of touting the HRCI certifications as world class, SHRM’s efforts to transition to their competency based certification is an overt statement that the HRCI certifications are not valuable in their eyes. It was stated today that the new certification goes beyond knowledge and that it represents “an evolution” from the old model. As an old biology major, I know that evolution happens over time and is not a sudden change in direction. One bit of advice to SHRM, don’t describe this as an evolution. It’s closer to being a revolution.
• Finally, I worry that having two certifications for HR associated with SHRM (let alone the others from World of Work and such) will lead to confusion. Will employers be willing to accept both HRCI and SHRM? Will the work done over the years to build recognition for the HRCI certifications ultimately prevent the new one from being established as a clear improvement over what was in place before? Two different has the potential to raise the level of confusion. If we as HR professionals are confused, how will those outside the realm be able to grasp the differences?

More information from SHRM is forthcoming at the annual conference in Orlando. Stay tuned for more and hold on as things continue to evolve!

‘If the opposite of pro is con, then the opposite of progress must be Congress…”

Are you accomplishing as much as the entity that calls this home?

Unfortunately, given the state that we find ourselves in right now, that is quite true.  Since the new Congress began in January 2012, only 15 bills introduced have become law.  That’s less than one law for each month that Congress has been in session!  No matter your political persuasion, that meets the definition of a “do nothing” organization.

As you reflect on this stellar record of accomplishment, keep a few things in mind.

1. We are paying for this (both directly and indirectly)
2. Change is not on the immediate horizon
3. You too may be guilty of acting this way

Odds are that the first two statements above have met with little opposition.  However, that third one may strike some of you as harsh.  Well, ask yourself these questions…

1. Is your HR department regarded as a “necessary evil” and nothing more?
2. How many processes owned by HR are necessary for the good of the organization?  If they do not benefit the organization or are not legally required, why are you insisting on doing them?!?
3. When was the last time and innovation that had a positive impact on your organization either originated or was housed in HR?  Asked another way, do good ideas go to HR in order to die?
4. Does HR leadership have an understanding of the organization and its mission, vision, and values?  Just as those in Congress seem disconnected from everyday life in the US, many HR professionals do not have a critical understanding of the business they are in.

So, are you going to accomplish something more than your Congressional representative this month?  Remember, they are on recess during the month of August.  While some will work hard during this break, many will not.  Here is your chance to leap ahead and be valuable and worthy of reelection!

Photo Credit – The Fiscal Times

Hail to the Chief

That said, what if we all had a song or anthem that was played when we entered the room?  What would it be and why?  Music is powerful at conveying emotion and can provide a boost to mood or set the tone for an upcoming meeting or event.    As one who enjoys ALMOST all genres of music, I appreciate how it can help people express feelings, settle down after a long day, or get psyched for an upcoming event.  I know I have my differing mood music that I listen to and I hope that you do as well.

• Enjoying IU basketball being among the nation’s elite programs (Go Hoosiers!)
• Celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the 1st date with a beautiful young woman who would become my wife!
• Watching my kids play their respective sports (volleyball and lacrosse)
• Finishing my MBA(!!!!!)
• Speaking at the Louisiana SHRM Conference (which will allow me get to see so many of my great HR/social media friends!)
• Getting to read lots of non-school related books again (recommendations?)
• Turning 40 (hey, it beats the alternative)
• Attending my first SHRM National Conference (in Chicago, which is one of my favorite places to go!)
• Being part of the team for HR Indiana (August 28-30^th)

And those are just the things I know about right now!  There will certainly be more highlights so bring on a great year!  Happy New Year to all of you and may you all feel as fortunate as I do.

I am fortunate to know several same-sex couples who are raising families and who exemplify so many good traits. In fact, those that I know are fantastic role models for doing the right things for their own children and those who cannot advocate strongly for themselves. At the same time, there are those in “traditional marriages” who are miserable in their lives and have no business raising children. I see other marriages between a man and a woman that are different than the one I have in terms of how spouses treat each other and divide responsibilities yet that has no effect on my relationship with my wife (who truly is my better half!) and how we choose to live and raise our children.

It is often those labeled politically “conservative” that push for issues like the one that passed in North Carolina while at the same time admonishing government for interfering in people’s lives. This is a contradiction that I’ve never understood. Allowing people to be equal in their unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness is a foundational principle of our country. Realize that differences are needed for innovation and innovation is needed for growth. As a society, we can become more inclusive and better able to face the great challenges the world faces when we ensure that every citizen is considered a full and essential part of who we are. Every marriage is different, even “traditional” ones between a man and a woman. Given the divorce rate (41 percent of first marriages end in divorce), perhaps traditional is not something everyone should strive for. To me, I like the idea that I can be happy with my life and that the same type of happiness can be had by others even when it is different than my own.