Culture of Convenience

"The differentiator is the execution."

It's funny about corporate cultures, norms, and expectations. They differ so dramatically in every organization. I'm going through a period of incredible change and learning...new company, new role, new industry, new city, new, new, new.

Change Is The Best Thing Ever

Part of that change process is not only keeping an open mind as I learn the "rules" and get immersed in the incredible vibe at my new company, but also to learn the expectations and nuances of the clients we support. It's a good thing that I get such a rush from change, otherwise I'm sure I would lose my mind trying to adjust to so many new things in my life  (read here --> literally everything!)

Stay Focused

"Reality Check --> Part of learning lots of new things is to stay focused on one thing...execute your strategy better than anyone else."

I'll be honest with you, my "new world" is so damn exciting, and the people I have the privilege to work with have welcomed me so graciously that I can't quite believe that I get paid to do this work.

But I do...

...and with that comes an expectation (and a belief on my part) that my organization needs to perform at the absolute highest level possible in the industry...

...and that means I have to lead at the highest level too.

How About You

What's your plan? Are you pushing yourself and your organization to be the absolute best; or is it more convenient to just plod along and make excuses? 

In my hectic world of change I've decided being the best is the only thing that really matters.

You can be the best in your world too...if you want it badly enough. Go get it.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Creeping Death

Some people are not afraid to try new things...to "go for it" both in their work and personal lives. They are the ones everyone else typically watches in wonder as they make bold moves, take risks...and shockingly...make a difference.

I'm Too Busy To Try New Things
How many times have you heard the word "busy" in the last week? Heck, how many times have I said it? Answer --> too many! Effective immediately, let's drop that word from our vocabulary. "Busy" becomes our crutch...and that instills a negative mindset for us all.

Too often we allow ourselves, our colleagues, and our corporate cultures to become complacent. We accept work, and effort, and ideas that used to be pretty good. But in reality they simply are no longer effective or current. 

A creeping culture death moves into our world. We may not even realize that it is happening until we see someone else making a difference. Then we wonder....why am I still stuck in this place? 

Stop living in the past...it's time for something more.

Life is about being great. Are you with me?

I'm Scared To Look Dumb If I Try New Things
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. No one looks dumb trying new things. No one looks foolish putting forth effort. The truth is that those that are too scared to try are secretly jealous of those that step up and go for it.

You can go for it too.

Challenge yourself, and those around you to fight the creeping death. Consider the team of people around you each day. All of that experience, energy, and commitment is not being fully realized. You have an opportunity to inspire them to elevate their game. 

How About You
It's time to find your voice. Speak out, and do not allow the creeping death to find a home in your organization. You are the one that will make the difference. That's why you're there.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Cool Has A Name - Victorio Milian #timsackettday

Sometimes you meet someone and it sticks with you. It leaves an impression that you can't shake...and candidly when you meet someone that cool you don't want to forget.

It happened to me five years ago at HRevolution in Atlanta. I had a chance to meet Victorio Milian. I had been watching Victorio's blogging work from afar; and as a new blogger at the time I was so impressed with what he was doing. 

I still am.

Victorio, Me, and Dave Ryan at HRevolution

But it was more than that with Victorio. At lunch I was lucky enough to sit with him...and listen. Yes, I'm a big talker, but it was all about listening and learning from him. His passion for his work, his enthusiasm to lead and contribute differently. And of course, his love of New York City.

A couple of years ago I tried to convince him to come to Florida and explore job options in the sunshine state. Gracious as always, he turned me down and told me he couldn't uproot the family he loves or ever leave "his" city.

Do you see what I mean? Victorio is simply that cool.

Take the time to get to know this year's #timsackettday honoree. You won't regret it...and you'll learn more than you ever expected.

Rising

I'm lucky. I know it too. Sure hard work and taking risks significantly increases your chances of being lucky...but I know I'm just lucky anyway.

Pressure
It didn't always feel that way. There were periods of time when the future was so unclear I thought I would never get through the fog. The pressures of working in the modern world just seemed to grow and grow...

- new technology
- new ways to work
- new leadership expectations
- new employee problems
- new beginnings

...and the list goes on.

Do Something
One of the most effective strategies I discovered as I was wandering through the fog, unsure and doubting myself, was this...

Do something. 

We can always freeze up and question ourselves about our own competencies, our ability to lead, or whether we are "really cut out for this or not."

You are cut out for your job. You can make a difference. You can realize the vision you have in your head. But you must take a step forward. One step is all it takes to regain your confidence, momentum, and energy.

How About You
If you're feeling the pressure more than ever remember that action is the antidote. You've already thought about these issues long enough, it's time for movement. You can do it....even if you don't believe that you are up to the task. Go for it today. Who knows, you might end up feeling just as lucky as I do.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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I Was Me But Now He's Gone

I've known exactly how my career was going to play out for many years. Very early on my decisions about jobs, organizations, and geographic locations were calculated and thoughtful and intentional. Every move was part of a larger plan, and that plan was moving along according to my schedule.

Until now..

Careers Are So (Un)Predictable
As many of you know I have been in executive HR roles in hospitals for many years. I love the work that is done there, the mission of the organizations, and the feeling at the end of the day that my work actually contributes to the world in some small way.

How many of us can say that every single day?

Something unexpected happened over the last five years though, and it caught me off guard. The world changed. Suddenly HR, talent acquisition, marketing, brand, culture and social media were so integrated that I could no longer do my job effectively unless I built them into my leadership practice.

So I changed too.

Two Passions = New World
Once I understood the power of linking these strategies to the world of talent acquisition and communication, I realized the lens I held on to for so long was now out of focus. My old way of viewing the world just did not apply anymore.

I knew I had more than just a passion to lead HR teams at healthcare organizations. I also had a passion for helping organizations move into the world of contemporary HR practice. 

There are so many bright HR minds out there...yet so many of them are resistant to leveraging their experience in the modern world.

I want to be a part of their change too.

How About You
How is your career plan working out? Have you "stuck to your guns" and avoided making any drastic changes? Is so, why? Have you not watched the world change at a supersonic pace the last five years? It's time to put aside your traditional approaches and leverage your talent and experience in the modern world.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Bow To Your Master

Master - One who has control over something or someone.

You're Not the Boss of Me
I don't know about you, but I am very comfortable convincing myself that I am in charge of my life. I wouldn't use the term control freak, but I should. You should too. 

Don't kid yourself...we work hard, we focus on doing what's right, and are sure that if things were done the way we believe they should be done, all would be right with the world.

You know I'm right.

The challenges we face each day are based on the messages we receive. Expectations from bosses, colleagues, employees, partners, friends, society...and the most difficult...ourselves...impact how we think about the world and our place in it.

Who really makes the decisions in our lives?

Many Masters
Perhaps we need to accept the fact that we don't really have the control we so passionately strive to achieve? Maybe the world does rule us...not the other way around? We all have our unique list of responsibilities, desires, hopes, and pressures that push our days (and minds) to the edge.

I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.

Not all of these masters in our world are bad, but they sure do seem to complicate things, don't you think?

How About You
We have many influencers in our lives. Most of them are there to support and connect with us in a variety of ways. Sure, there are always going to be those dark voices that tell us to conform, or follow the rules every time regardless of whether or not those rules make sense.

Here's the great part of the story. You only have one master...you. Don't let the other pressures, people and expectations of the world get in your way. Forge your own path, and make the difference you know you can make.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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No Flexing = No Respect for HR

"HR needs to be more strategic."
"HR won't get any respect unless they focus on more strategic issues."
"HR shouldn't focus on the details...we need to be a strategic partner to the rest of the business."

Calling all HR leaders!

If you are not able to flex between strategic thinking and executing at the tactical level you add no value. Yes, I said it. You add no value whatsoever.

No Grease for the Squeaky Wheel
It seems the last 20 years of complaining about being strategic players has moved HR farther away from being strategic.

You heard me correctly. 

We've spent so much time avoiding executing on strategy and instead spent all of our time talking about it.

Harsh? Maybe. Accurate? Yes.

Roll Your Sleeves Up, Build Your Credibility
Before you all get upset with me, calm down and consider these questions:

Who makes sure strategic plans actually get implemented?
Who takes the lead to ensure the goals get accomplished?
Who understands the systems and processes and their impact on workflow?
Who is actually taking responsibility to fully execute the plan?

If you're delegating these tasks without staying connected...you're delegating yourself out of a job.

How About You
Are you so caught up in the world of "HR Leader-speak" that you've forgotten that there is also "HR-get-the-work-done" too? Dive into a project today. Get your hands dirty. Role model for your teams that you are not above it all. It will make a bigger difference than you realize.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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