Cold Sweat

You're asked a question in a big meeting and your mind goes blank.

You completely forgot to follow up on an issue and the information is due in 5 minutes.

You realize you are in over your head with an assignment and have no idea where to turn...paralysis sets in...and your credibility begins to evaporate.

Keep Breathing
Now before you do something rash like quit your job because you don't think you'll be popular anymore and won't have any 'friends' at work consider these points:

- you're not going to die because you've hit a rough patch

- you actually can do the work if you remove some of that self-talk clutter from your mind and start attacking the issue one little step at a time

- you can reach out to your colleagues for help...that's what real colleagues do...they help each other

Now Focus
Once the wave of anxiety has washed over you...and you've decided that your entire career is over and there is no hope for you professionally...

...get your head back on straight and start building your plan.

What needs to be addressed immediately? Write it down. Map out the deadlines and the resources you'll need to get there. 

Who can help you? Who also has a vested interest in this issue being executed successfully?

Find those people. Talk with them. Write everything down.

Breath Again
Think about how your mind has shifted. You have now documented a preliminary action plan, have connected with important internal resources to get the necessary results, and most importantly, are now back in charge.

This can not be overstated. Your mood will change. Your confidence level will change. And, by the way, the results will change dramatically from where you started.

Breath.
Focus.
Execute.

How About You
Is it going to be hard sometimes? Yes. Is it going to be embarrassing sometimes? Yes. Is it going to be worth it? Absolutely.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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I Walked Alone Into a Fight

Community - a unified body of individuals

Team - a group of people with a full set of complimentary skills

Network - an association of individuals with common interests providing mutual assistance

Friends - one attached to another by affection or esteem

Colleagues - a fellow worker or professional

Family - all the descendants of a common ancestor

So Much, But...
We have lots of words that represent the resources available to us in life, and these resources come in various forms. 

Ranging from close family relationships, to our loosely defined networks (think 3rd level on LinkedIn) it would appear that we have an endless amount of support just waiting to be tapped when times get tough.

Untrue.

While we do have extensive connections across many places, platforms and people; we fail to appreciate one of the most obvious facts of our journeys. 

We ultimately travel alone.

Not Bad News...
Now before you click out of this post and move on, consider the following...

...there is a reason communities, teams, networks, friends, colleagues and families are in our lives

...there is a reason, that despite feeling alone, we actually are not alone at all

Are you with me?

When you feel the pressure of your corporate life dragging you down.
When you feel like your career has stalled.
When you feel like the personal stress and strain are too much to bear.
When you fee like it is all just...too much.

Remember that although we technically travel alone, we have been provided with an amazing group of fellow travelers to share our journey.

What do you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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inspiration

Answer My Fall

So much of our online personas are filled with "exciting" projects, "beautiful" locations, and "fantastic" people.

...and those are just my updates!

Real Life is Different
All kidding aside, those posts that we share actually are exciting, and beautiful and filled with fantastic people. It's what we don't post sometimes that impacts our lives far more than what we are willing to share.

I'm Good at Falling
As I grow...ahem...a bit older, it is clear that stumbling, and candidly falling flat is part of  how I roll. You might falter once in a while too.

How About You
How do you get through it? What are the strategies you use to not let a fall define you? Who are the people that you rely on...who you know will simply come along, pick you up, and push back out into the world?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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No Shame this Season

"When I look back upon my life,
it's always with a sense of shame.
I've always been the one to blame."

Happy Holidays?
One of the most exciting times of the year is kicking off right now...the hectic, joyous, family-oriented and festive stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. I love it...even though I know I can't see everyone that is important to me, it is still a great time of year. Plus, I will make sure I connect with those that are too far away for me to see in person.

But not everyone in our personal and professional networks will experience the holidays in this way. The burden of life's struggles, the challenge of broken relationships, the disappointment of a stalled career...can all build up to a very different view of "the best time of year."

We have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

Happier Holidays!
There is no simple solution to "help" our friends and colleagues. One thing is clear to me though, doing nothing adds no value. 

Here's a short, and admittedly woefully inadequate list of options available to us this year that might...if nothing else...bring a moment of caring front and center for those in need.

- call them
- connect via social media
- send a note (yes, an old school hand-written note)
- give a public shout out to let others know how special they are to you
- invite them to spend time with you
- encourage others to reach out to them
- purchase a small gift to show them you care

How About You
"So I look back upon my life,
forever with a sense of shame.
I've always been the one to blame."

Lets not have this be the mantra for those in our world this holidays season.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Biggest Networking Truth Revealed

No, this isn’t a trick title. 

No, this isn’t another boring networking post.

Yes, your network is lame and it’s your fault.

Still with me?

But I’m A Successful Professional

Sure you are. So are the people who lose their jobs every day because their company hit a rough patch or their industry was outmaneuvered, or you simply are so stuck on yourself that you don’t think you need a network because you're successful.

Seriously?

If I had a dollar for everyone who has ever suddenly connected with me on Linkedin when they found themselves unemployed and now wanted to start networking I could retire. Well, maybe not retire, but you get the point.

The old line about looking yourself up on the Internet to ‘check to make sure your character hasn’t been hacked’ is actually a desperate cry for you to begin networking. A quick google search is the proof you need to show just how invisible you are.

Yes, invisible. 

I’m Hiring, But I Can’t See You

Consider this scenario…I have a job to fill and twenty-five seasoned professionals apply for the position. 

They are all great people, have strong interpersonal skills and similar experience. 

I can close my eyes and pick any one of them and win. 

They are clones…they have no individual identify…they are simply duplicates that can do the job.

Harsh? Maybe. True? You tell me.

However, if one of them has invested in their network, connected with people (maybe even me or you at some point), or heaven help us established a personal brand, guess which one is going to get the job?  

Instantly. 

How About You

Your ego is the biggest truth about networking. It gets in the way, clouds your thinking, and convinces you that you’re better than you are. (Mine sure as heck did!) Your ego is in the way of you building the network you need. Networks are not luxuries..they are requirements...they take work to develop both online and in person.

They’re worth it.

They matter.

They will help you...

…but only if you’re willing to do the hard work to build one.

Get over yourself, reach out, connect, pick up the phone and get started.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Campfires and Bonfires

I love new ideas that push me and my team. Sometimes the ideas don't work out so well; and other times they are more successful than expected. What is exciting for me though is that we're taking the risks. 

It's as if we have our own little campfires that sometimes grow a little bigger, and sometimes they don't have enough fuel and they die out.

Your Campfires
What new ideas, approaches, or strategies have you been thinking about? You and I may share the same vision. In the world of work we will each end up building our own little campfire and hope they start to burn. 

The problem with campfires is they are small, are a combination of luck, good weather, plenty of kindling, and hopefully a patient fire-starter. There are many factors that can put our campfires out before they have a chance to grow.

Our Bonfires
Imagine an environment where our small campfires are joined together? 

Suddenly the level of energy jumps, and the blaze is roaring. Imagine that same level of energy in our work? 

One of the most powerful ways to build our collective bonfires is to connect with each other. 


That may sound obvious, but consider how effective you've been in the past when you worked with someone else on a problem, team, or project.

Stepping outside your comfort zone to ask for help, get others opinions, and share your knowledge and expertise (yes, you have expertise) can create a  powerful result.

How About You
What are you going to do to move past your little campfire and build your ideas into a blazing success? Isn't it time to reach out, be humble, and add your insight to make a difference? You can do it.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Headbanger

As you look at your task list or calendar each day, what goes through your mind? What emotion hits first? Does your competitive side see a challenge; or, does your heart race as you realize it will be nearly impossible to accomplish all of those items in one day? 

DERAILERS

Lately I've been wondering how that first rush of emotion impacts our mindset at work. Is it possible that our style leaves us susceptible to a first impression that will be a derailer on our outlook for two, six, or even twelve hours?

If so, what strategies do you use to counter this load of negativity? Banging your head against the wall may be tempting at this point, but I recommend head-banging for something very different. 

FIND YOUR RHYTHM

I have three approaches for dealing with work, personal, and often times in-my-head stress that can derail me and put me into a bit of a tailspin. These won't work for everyone, but in my world they have made all the difference.

1. Reach out to my network

This may feel a bit awkward, particularly if you're not calling to "talk shop." We can all slip into the "work is stressful can you believe what she said in the office" discussion. I'm talking about opening up...being vulnerable...and letting your network actually offer some perspective.

It's powerful. It's important. It works for me.

2. Workout like a beast

Okay, I realize not everyone is into getting fit. That's okay...life is about choices. For me I need to workout to stay sane. I'm not embellishing here. Exercise has become such an important part of my mental health that I can not go more than a day without it.

It's powerful. It's important. It works for me.

3. Find the music that brings me peace of mind and play it every day 

I don't know too many folks who do not enjoy music. Check out the #HRMusicshare hashtag and you'll find all sorts of people sharing the music that is helping them get through the day. My personal tastes are at the fast and heavy end of the musical spectrum. So what?

It's powerful. It's important. It works for me. 

HOW ABOUT YOU

How do you react when the day ahead looks like a train coming straight for you? Do you give up before you even get started...accepting failure as part of the routine? Or, do you make an intentional decision to do something that works for you?

Rock on friends!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Influencer? Not Me.

There is a part of leadership that I've never quite gotten used to. It's not the scope of responsibility, or high stress, or working through conflicts. These issues are quite demanding, but they don't surprise me. I'm supposed to deal with those things, and I have to figure out a way to do it effectively (read here --> thank you to my network for being there when I need you!)

The real surprise for me...yes, still, after all these years...is my influence.

Get Over Yourself, Right?
I have to admit, I find the label of influencer at best to sound very odd, and sometimes a bit overwhelming at worst. Did I set out to achieve some sort of influencer status? No. Is there now pressure to be an effective influencer? I think so...at least it feels that way sometimes. 

"For leaders, influence is good. It's powerful. It's a way to motivate, inspire, change cultures, and make a difference. We're supposed to influence others around us."

So why does it still feel a little awkward to be labeled an influencer when I know it is part of who I am supposed to be?

I Now Know The Answer
Feedback is a powerful tool, particularly if the one receiving the feedback is willing to actually listen and accept. For me, the listening part is usually pretty easy (even if it's not what I want to hear); but the accepting part is an entirely different story.

Part of my development as a leader is to accept and embrace the idea that I have influence in my organization (and maybe a little bit beyond my company too.) Guess what? You do too!

There is a responsibility that comes with that, at least the way I see it, and I'm learning to accept that as well. 

While it may seem like the role of influencer comes naturally to some people, for me that's not the case. Being high energy, and aspiring to be an influencer are not necessarily automatic.

But I'm learning to leverage those two pieces...and am getting more comfortable each day.

How About You
Do you realize how much of an influencer you are to those around you...to your organization...to those watching your leadership from hundreds of miles away? It's happening for all of us who have decided that leadership means a lot more than a job title and a nice office. It means embracing the role of influencer, and all of the possibilities that come with it. Now I'm fired up for what's next!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Gratitude

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

  
I'm wrapping up one of the most hectic years of my professional life. The cliche that "change is constant" took on a whole new meaning for me as I experienced nothing but change after change after change. You probably did too...that seems to be the new normal. 


People
What strikes me at this time of year when we all seem to soften our hearts a bit and reflect; is that despite the challenges, stresses, and abundance of drama that found its way to me, I continue to be surrounded by good people who do really good work.

Quite honestly, I could only accomplish a fraction of the work that needs to get done without them. They are not distracted by the noise around them, or the crisis-of-the-moment, or any of the myriad fires that seem to pop up each day. They are steady and professional and effective.

That is a blessing few leaders ever get to experience, and I am grateful.

Network
Another significant part of my life that has come through over and over again this year is my network that stretches far beyond the walls of my company. Having an extensive network that you never connect with in a meaningful way isn't really a network at all. 

However, when that extra step is taken to move beyond a connection or a follow and those connections become phone calls, long discussions, or face to face meetings, only then can the real power of a network be realized. My network has been steady and professional and supportive.

That is a blessing few people get to experience, and I am grateful.

How About You
As you reflect on your work life at this time of year what comes to mind? Is it your task list, or projects, or never ending Inbox? Or, is there something else that deserves your time and attention?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


 
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The HR Skills Gap

I really love human resources work. You should too. What other profession deals with the most challenging human behavior? Who else is expected to have a global view every day while still managing the details of workforce planning, new technologies, staffing shortages, endless regulations, and still be ridiculously positive every step of the way?

Human Resources, that's who.

Balance is Hard
The list above is not a joke. Those of us who practice human resources for a living understand all too well how incredibly difficult the world of work has become today. We don't serve in roles where we provide our expertise but don't have the responsibility to execute. Quite the contrary. We have to integrate all that we know, learn, and in some cases pay for, and then execute. Oh yes, and that is on top of our full day.

Part of that elusive balance for me comes in the form of apps like this and this.

Staying Current is Harder
One of the opportunities HR professionals have today is to stay current. Too many times I hear of HR teams that are mired in transactional work (and thinking) which only serves to drag us farther behind.

When I meet with, connect, or interact with other HR pros inside and outside the US, I sense a tremendous amount of pride in not only the work they are doing, but in the organizations they're working for as well. That's powerful! 

It seems to me there must be someway to connect these HR practitioners in a way that allows them to feel comfortable taking risks, trying new tools, and by all means getting active on the various social channels that have become the new way HR operates (or should operate!)

How About You
There is a team ready and willing to help, but there is a shared responsibility with getting over that skills gap. If you're going to be current you have to take the first step...and so many others, including me, will be there to help you once you decide to go for it. 

Are you ready to jump that gap?

I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.



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I Wanna Be Somebody

I've been thinking a lot about professional responsibility lately. In particular, my responsibility to give back to those who are up and coming in the world of business (any business.) Yes, I work closely with the team that reports to me, but I'm not necessarily thinking about HR.

What? More Work?
One of the common...uh, I mean, my misperceptions about giving back is that I'm too busy. Really? Were the people that helped me out sitting around with their feet up? Of course not. The reason they made an impression on me was that they were productive, professional, and yes - busy. Hmmm.

Figuring This Out
Whether it's a formal mentor/mentee relationship, providing support to a new manager, or even connecting with a graduate student, the burden is not nearly what you or I might think. As the world of work continues to change so dramatically, it is incumbent upon us to help new and aspiring leaders understand this new world.

Networking Works Two Ways

Networking is a word that gets plenty of buzz lately, primarily because the methods used to effectively network have evolved so much with the introduction of social tools.

Connecting with a potential mentee, and candidly discussing how to use social tools to network is not only a great discussion topic; but it also helps those of us who are very good at having birthdays to appreciate a younger person's view on this topic as well.

How About You

Are you helping any one out right now? Maybe a new leader in your organization or student in your community could use your guidance? Or, perhaps you're just too busy doing all the things your mentor used to do between sessions with you.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Bang Your Head

I need a quick show of hands....how many of you have ever been frustrated at work? Okay, everyone.  Good.

Another question...how many of you have done something constructive about it? Not so many hands still raised this time? How come?

Blessing and a Curse
One of the blessings of working in a Human Resources leadership role, regardless of the level in your organization, is you never have two days in a row that are the same. The human drama (and melodrama) keep coming at us in many different forms...the challenges of keeping our businesses viable...and the never ending legal and regulatory landscape make for fascinating work.

One of the curses of working in a Human Resources leadership role, regardless of the level in your organization, is you never have two days in a row that are the same. That same list I just reviewed can also drive us all a bit crazy. 

You Hold the Key
So what does the dedicated, but tired and overworked human resources pro do when they are frustrated and ready to bang their head against the wall? First, don't hit the wall with your head. Second, just get started => do something. None of us can work through all of our difficulties at one time, but if we take a step forward to react to them, we will slowly begin to take more control. That sense of control (I don't mean control-freak here) is comforting because it means we are managing our work on our terms.

How About You

You also have a secret weapon in your battle with frustration...your network. Leverage your contacts and reach out. They are going through the same challenges you are; and once you connect with them you will both benefit from the discussion. I know it works...I've wanted to bang my head too.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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155 Birthday Candles

Today marks the 155th post and one year anniversary of NoExcusesHR.  Unbelievable.  Let me say how very blessed I am to have received so much support and encouragement over the last twelve months.  Blogging has allowed me to expand my network and connect with some of the brightest minds in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.  That's why it's time for you to get started.  Today.  What began as a crazy idea has turned into a tremendous personal outlet on many levels.
 

Blogging Matters.  It touches people.  It makes people think.  And it helps you hold yourself accountable.  At least it does for me.

Which is why you need to add your voice.  Don't let a year go by only to look back and wonder what might have happened if you had started.  There are plenty of people willing to help, starting with me.  Think about it...

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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