Monday, November 1, 2010

BLOGGING HAS SHOCKED ME

I recently met a new colleague who is bright, successful, has strong credentials, and is in a high impact HR leadership role.  She is engaging and pleasant to interact with on a variety of issues.  Curiously enough, she is not interested in networking, joining any groups (virtual or otherwise) and basically does not want to connect with anyone unless required to do so in her job.

Can we actually choose to do that anymore? 

THAT’S NOT ME

Perhaps the reason I found her approach so peculiar is that it is the exact opposite of my own.  Discovering the power of social media, connecting with amazing people from across the globe, and even starting my own blog has energized me in my HR practice.  How is it possible someone would choose to shut out the world when it has so much to offer?

CHECK THE MIRROR FIRST

As I’ve struggled with how to reconcile this in my mind, I thought back to the words Quint Studer spoke during one of his sessions I attended:

“Whenever I have an issue with someone, I first look in the mirror to understand how I am impacting the situation before I start blaming the other person for being wrong.”

  
 

Who am I to say her style is wrong?  Simply because the world offers so much for us both professionally and personally using social media does not mean it is right for everyone.  Am I judging her?  Ouch.

BLOG POWER

Starting my own blog has allowed me; no it has forced me, to re-evaluate my own leadership style.  What I originally thought would be brief articles for others, has quickly turned into a personal accountability exercise.  Quite frankly I’m shocked at how quickly that transition occurred (read -> immediately!).

HOW ABOUT YOU

Are you considering blogging?  Is it too scary to even consider; or, are you almost there and just need a nudge? NUDGE!  There are lots of resources, including Project Social with Victorio Milian and Ben Eubanks.  There are also many terrific blogs to read - check out my list of great links to help you get started.  If I gave it a try, certainly you can too, right?

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pic courtesy of cloudsofheaven.org

11 comments:

  1. Some people make the world go round, others watcht the world go by; it just depends on whihc camp you want to be in. Good post Jay - keep cranking it out.

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  2. Many thanks for the encouragement. I feel fortunate to have so many resources willing to help out.

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  3. Jay - great post and you have perfectly captured some of the same ideas I had when I decided to (finally?) start my own blog a few months ago. I thrive on the vibrant ideas, new/differing approaches, and resources I find in the networked/social media HR community. I cannot imagine improving myself or my organization without continuing to expand my exposure to others.

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  4. Thanks Robin. Although I've only been at it a short time, the perspective, challenges, and energy it brings is fantastic. Thanks for the support!

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  5. Jay - I am enjoying your blog and, like you, am one to embrace networking and learning from others. Although I haven't taken the leap yet, once my MBA class work ends, I hope to add my voice to the rich on-going conversation in the HR blogosphere!

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  6. Jay-
    Thanks, I agree with you, though almost reluctantly. I think that some of us interact enough with people IRL everyday, that extending that energy into the online world almost seems overwhelming. But I can't imagine not doing it once I started.

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  7. Bradley and Tim...thanks for your comments. I look forward to connecting with you both as we move forward!

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  8. Jay:

    Great posts on your blog; I enjoy reading them. It is very interesting how publishing your own thoughts causes a level of reflection beyond the ordinary day-to-day motions. As a SM newbie, I too am amazed by the power of the connections that I am making with some great people all over the country, and beyond.

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  9. Thanks William. I'm axious to hear about your experiences with Project Social. Keep me posted!

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  10. I recently took part on a blogger panel at the HR Technology Conference and one message I gave was to write for YOURSELF. It's therapeutic and in the process, you will help influence others. Welcome to the blogosphere Jay.

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  11. You certainly hit the nail on the head Trisha. This process really is about writing for yourself in many ways (and I don't mean selfishly). Thanks for the "welcome!"

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