Rituals

There is comfort in rituals. At least for me it's true. To be clear, rituals are not habits or routines. They are much more powerful. I gain confidence from practicing rituals, and for others they can be sacred. Both situations apply in my case.

Listening
One of my newest rituals is to listen.

Quietly. 
Alone. 
Letting my thoughts wander and flow. 

I have a strong faith, and listening has become an extension of my prayer life. Surprisingly, it has opened my mind and level of awareness far more than I anticipated. 

I'm accustomed to controlling my thoughts, emotions and expressions of faith. However, practicing listening has introduced a level of freedom that is...well...powerful.

If I consider my mind to be my ally, then the wandering and random thoughts suddenly feel different. Are they messages to guide me? Are they unresolved issues I need to address? 

Maybe new ideas that have been pushed to the back of the line as I control my thoughts, finally have an opportunity to be heard?

Listening is good.

How About You
What is one of the rituals that you not only embrace, but have come to rely on to help you find your way?  What value does it bring? 

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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It's A Secret

Sometimes strange things happen when people are promoted to leadership. They don't turn into creatures of the night or anything cool like that; but they do seem to suddenly feel empowered to hoard information.

Yes, this sounds absolutely ridiculous.
Yes, this builds zero trust.
Yes, this still happens all the time.

They Won't Understand
Early in my career I learned of an executive who "coached" his leaders to edit information that was shared in hospital-wide leadership team meetings. I wondered why anyone would withhold important information....the answer..."the employees won't fully understand..."

Eventually I inherited that same team...

...and shared every bit of information that was rolled out in those leadership meetings.

The Power and the Glory
Let's peel back the layers here. What exactly happens when leaders hoard information? Is it an ego thing? Perhaps a power play? 

How is it that on one hand we rely on our employees to literally handle our business...and in the same moment, not trust them enough to get an update on what is happening, might be happening, or isn't going to happen?

Are we so much smarter than the rest of the team simply because we have a fancy job title?

How About You
Who are the leaders in your organization that are so stuck on their own greatness that they have completely missed the point of being a leader?

Share everything you can as quickly as you can. 100% of the time. You'll be amazed at the trust, credibility and loyalty you create.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Never A "Right Time"

I work with many leaders, and most of them are cautious. So, cautious in fact, they proclaim that they “wait until the right time” to make certain moves when it comes to recruitment and starting to build their employer brand as if it were a good thing!

Please don’t take this personally, but the right time was five years ago.

TIMING IS NOT YOUR MASTER

It’s an odd obsession…or excuse…to allow time to dictate whether we do our jobs or not. Sure, the answer is always the battle of negotiating some perceived internal political storm. But, why is human resources and talent acquisition always on the defensive?

Perhaps the time has come for us to take the talent shortages directly to those political opponents and call them out?

- They’ve held the organization back through their failed attempts to hang on to outdated strategies.

- They’ve failed the organization by not understanding and using current technologies to their fullest to attract the best and brightest talent.

- Based on these outdated attempts to cling to power, it is now human resources’ obligation to drive change as quickly as possible before the competition completely outmaneuvers the company.

BE YOUR MASTER

The data, complaints and noise that is constantly directed at human resources is no longer acceptable. These are not HR’s failures. 

They represent a culture of arrogance that wishes for everything to be perfect, yet is not willing to do anything differently.

HR is ready, willing and able to step up and lead the way. And it is now time to seize control to ensure the work actually gets done.

HOW ABOUT YOU

Tough talk? Maybe. But, how many more meetings would you like to attend where HR gets criticized…again? The same goes for me...none.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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HR Reflections: Learning to Lead

Crawling

It was all about that first opportunity...and learning what I didn't know. 

Laws, compliance, rules, policies, structure, control, process...that was good HR.

Then it was about managing...and learning what I didn't know. 

People, behavior, expectations, deadlines, accountability, communication...that was good HR.

Walking

Next it was about complex organizations...and learning what I didn't know. 

Corporate values and politics, the business of healthcare, governance, bizarre third party behavior, national perspectives...that was good HR.

Running

Later is was about thinking beyond my organization and industry...and learning what I didn't know. 

The digital world, social media, employer branding, national strategies that go far beyond traditional ideas...that was good HR.

Leading

Today it's about one thing: courage...and I'm still learning.

I no longer have time to focus much energy on those that are so caught up in their own stuff that they suck time and energy out of those around them. 

Those leaders have failed. They won't recover, and we don't have time for them.

There is simply too much ahead that must be accomplished. Maybe if I can be courageous enough, I can help make it happen.

How About You

Ignore the noise. Be courageous instead.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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"Manti Armstrong, SPHR"

All in the name of performance.

The abuse of power, authority, influence, decision-making, manipulation and the law. Who goes to such extremes to chase an unattainable goal of being a top performer in their field? What kind of professional can end careers and tweak the interpretation of the law so things work out just the way they want them to? Who has this crazy ability in our organizations?

Oh...that's right...human resources does.

Power

One of the realities of my role is that I've never quite come to grips with the authority I have as a human resources leader. Employees call me "sir" (which I usually respond with "please call me Jay.")

Others who I don't recognize thank me for changes to our benefit plans that have helped their families.

Sometimes people just turn and watch as I walk past as if I was the good behavior police wandering through their department.

Fortunately the negative examples are the exceptions not the rule. I've worked hard to be as personable and real as I can be so our team members will feel comfortable asking me questions, challenging me on issues, or sometimes just talking hockey.

I work hard, just like you do...ultimately we do it all in the name of performance.

Getting Caught Up In Yourself

Let's face it, human resources roles are relatively high profile in many organizations. Sometimes that is a good thing (hopefully!); but candidly sometimes we are stuck with the "hatchet" moniker that can be difficult to distance ourselves from.

We are forced to strike a balance between having a lot of authority and influence, while simultaneously ensuring we do not abuse that power.

Balance can be tough, particularly if we justify our behavior all in the name of performance.

How About You

Typically the HR leadership team doesn't head down the path of performance enhancing drugs, fake girlfriends, malicious lawsuits, chasing fame, notoriety, money and the Heisman Trophy all while hurting friends, colleagues, teammates and the public at large along the way.

But hey...if it's done all in the name of performance...

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Pick Your Battles

I like to stay on top of things. My Inbox, task list, projects, new ideas, and the list goes on. Life just seems to go more smoothly for me if everything goes according to my plans and exactly on my schedule. Yes, that's just how I like it.

Then I wake up, realize my little dream is over, and go to work.

In Control...Really?
One of the painful lessons I've learned over the years...err, continue to learn...is that I simply can not control, manage, react to, and effectively address all of the issues in my world all by myself. It's impossible. However, since I have a bit of an "I-can-do-anything" complex I still catch myself trying.

Note to self => you're not as good as you think you are.

Less Control Means Better Results

As my professional life gets more and more complex, I find myself appreciating the talent around me more than ever. Members of the team provide not only expertise and enthusiasm for the work, but also bring a different perspective that ensures items aren't missed.

One of the pitfalls of getting wrapped up in "my world" is that my biases on how work should get done get in the way of other solutions. Embracing the differences and allowing the team to run with those different ideas is usually the best option.

I need to remember that more than I normally do.

How About You
Are you an HR control-freak? Are you so focused on managing every little issue that you've morphed into having a superiority complex and don't even know it? We can't control everything; nor should we! We need to pick our battles or risk losing not only the credibility of our teams...but also the results we're so fired up to achieve in the first place.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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I Am Eternal...I Am Supreme

I love observing human behavior. In particular, I love observing human leadership behavior. There are so many different approaches used to get the job done. Some are focused on the work exclusively, some are oriented toward relationships, and others are focused on their own power. When organizational changes are added to the mix, a power struggle of sorts often follows. In those instances you should be ready for collateral corporate damage.

Serve Them All

One of the challenges I face in my HR practice is, whether or not I agree with the approaches of the various leaders I've worked with over the years, they all deserve my support.

That doesn't mean I don't spend countless hours coaching, guiding, and in some cases being very frank about what exactly needs to be said and done in certain situations. But they are my customers, and I'm here to help get to the best possible outcome in every employee situation.

Damage
The stakes get higher when those leadership behaviors that I can influence and guide to a more effective outcome are so blinded by a lust for power that it doesn't matter what anyone says or does. The focus on consolidating power and control, particularly during a period of organizational change that is focused on including others can be quite damaging.  

"Nearly all people can stand adversity, but if you want to test a person's character, give them power."
- Abraham Lincoln 

How About You
How do you react when leaders who perceive their power is slipping away start lashing out, becoming more emotional, or focus too strongly on their own importance? Is there a safe way HR can help; or are these folks already past the point of no return?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




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Regrets Have No Value

Ouch.  Really?  No value?  That’s right, none.  How many of us can change anything in our past?  Anyone?  Can we learn from the past?  Sure we can, I do on a regular basis.  Do I sit around wallowing in self-pity because I didn’t always make the right choice or that I wasn’t picked first in gym class?  No…that would be lame, and I hate it when I’m lame.

Regrets Are Like Excuses

Now before you think I’ve morphed into some sort of insensitive lout, please keep this in mind.  I am a bit of a control freak (and I mean that in the most positive way of course.)  So if regrets fall into the category of things I can not control, then I have no interest in spending any time on them.  I’m into learning, getting better, and taking action.  Unfortunately for many people in the workplace, regrets are used as an excuse to whine about their lot in life.

Listening to the daily meeting of Whiners International has absolutely no appeal to me.

All Regrets Aren’t Bad

Perhaps a touch of sadness occasionally is connected to a regret:  not clearing the air with someone, sadness over a harsh word spoken, or embarrassment from a previous time in your life.  Here’s the twist that many people miss – you can still do something about those issues.  It almost always starts with this step:  swallow your pride and talk to the other person.  If they’ve gone on ahead, take a few quiet moments and tell them anyway…they’ll hear you.

How About You

Are you a charter member of the self-pity club?  If so, you’re not only annoying the hell out of everyone around you; but, you’re also doing a major disservice to your health.  Take the first step and reach out to someone for help.  And then dump those regrets for good.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pic courtesy of mississippigarden

Keep Pushing the Wheel

Have you ever felt like you're working and working and working but you aren't seeing any results?  Do your days blend together in a way that makes it difficult for you to see an end point any time soon?  Are you falling into the "grass-is-greener" trap?  Before you become too frustrated, or worse yet leave your job on a quest to "find yourself" (the 60s are long gone) take a moment and consider a few things.

Life Isn't Perfect
I like to be organized...on top of things...in control.  Well, as you might expect that hasn't worked out so well for me.  Can any of us really expect things to go our way all the time?  Of course we now know that isn't possible, but many of our colleagues still get frustrated when plans fall apart, the business cycle seems to be stuck in a low point, and we generally start to feel like it must be better somewhere else.  What so many people miss, and what I missed for so long, is that these low points are helping us in so many unexpected ways that we don't realize what is happening.

Get Stronger

Going through difficult circumstances, even so challenging as to make us consider radical moves in our career need to be appreciated.  They need to be embraced for what they bring in terms of strengthening our resolve, building our commitment, and not simply defaulting to a cut-and-run mentality.  How many times have you worked hard, sometimes for months or years, and eventually realized what you had accomplished.  Can't think of an example?  How about landing the job you're in right now.  Did you graduate from school and automatically get your job because you're a "natural born leader?"  Work hard, endure the hassles, and get stronger.

How About You
Are you willing to keep pushing through the difficult times; or, is it easier to stop working and head over to that field down the street?  I heard the grass is very green there.

Keep pushing the wheel friends...do not give up.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic courtesy of ncnelink

I'm Out of Control

So this weekend I'm going through a unique experience.  I'm not the one in control. I'm not the one making the decisions, or allocating resources, or directing the action.  And I don't like it.  I'm supposed to be the calm one who others look to during stormy times and keeps the team together.  I'm the one who takes the point and clears the way.


Who Has the Power
But not this weekend.  I have to simply take what is handed out.  And that's just what most of our employees have to do every day at work.  Think about that...every single day.  


Having to wait for bits of information...keeping a close eye on everything in the hopes of gaining a better understanding of the"rules," and simply wondering in general are all taking a toll.  And I'm only on Day 2 of this process.

I have been fortunate to serve others in a leadership role for many years now.  I've grown accustomed to having a certain level of authority.  But I'm just like everyone else here this weekend.  For the record, feeling helpless does not sit well with me.  I wonder how it feels to those who work for us?  I wonder if I provide enough timely information to my team?  Do I show my confidence in them so they can break away from a sense of helplessness and unleash their talents?  What culture have I created?


How About You
What are you doing to make sure your employees do not feel helpless?  Is hoarding information a strength for you?  Do you trust your team?  Do you have confidence in them?  I'm guessing that if you don't feel good about them, they probably don't feel good about you either.  Are you in "control?"


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.






pic courtesy of Life Skills Authorities