Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Recharged and Ready for Action

While many of my friends and colleagues have been hitting the SHRM11 Conference, I've been taking a break from it all in two cool (as in chilly) Northeast cities for the last week.  It's been a great time away, but I'll admit that I'm ready to get back into my routine.  Not a routine in a mundane way; but rather my new routine.  My HR world is rocking right now.


It's All Social
I've been blessed with several speaking opportunities this Spring, Summer and Fall.  Additionally, as the world of recruitment changes almost daily, my team is fired up about launching several new approaches to raising awareness about our organization.  We're finalizing our strategy right now that will include several social media tools in an integrated way to not only  build brand awareness, but that also integrates seamlessly with our extensive marketing efforts.  Can't wait until go-live!

Team Communication
The last new twist to my HR world comes from my friend and colleague Trish McFarlane who recommended developing an internal web site to facilitate internal communication with my HR team only.  We launched our google sites web site several weeks ago and it's been a hit so far.  What a concept, use technology to improve communication.  Genius!

How About You
What are you doing to push yourself to improve?  Are you comfortable that others are discussing HR strategy; or, do you need to get in the game?  Is your website enough to drive traffic to your job postings; or is it time to create a buzz about your company?  I am hungry to learn as much as I can.  What about you?


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.




pic courtesy of Squidoo

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Work/Life Balance...or Not

I'm on a vacation of sorts.  I'm away from the office until the middle of next week, but it doesn't completely feel that way.  I've already been on the phone, scheduled meetings, hammered through a bunch of emails, and texted back and forth with my team.  One might think I haven't really gotten away from it all yet.  


It Comes With the Territory
Now you could say that because I'm in a job that has a fair amount of responsibility it is just normal.  I am not a punch-the-clock type guy...nor do I want to be.  I've had the privilege of being in leadership positions for many years, and working while being away is not anything unique anymore...it's normal. It may be the same for you. What once seemed like an intrusion is now something I appreciate...the organization relies on me to come through regardless of where I happen to be at the time.  I like that.

My Employees Don't Have My Job

The potential problem with this  scenario is in my hands.  While I may be expected to be available 24/7, my employees are not.  They don't have my job, and they shouldn't feel as if they should be ready to jump in at a moment's notice.  I have to make sure I don't treat them as if they are at my beck and call.  They're not.  


How About You
Do you have a love/hate relationship with your scope of responsibility?  Being available doesn't mean you don't have balance in your life.  But it does mean you may have to redefine how you manage that balance.  What about your team?  Do you expect them to be available as much as you are?  How do you find that elusive balance?


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.




pic courtesy of ceohomebusiness