I Used To Rule the World

I was raised in an environment with a heavy focus on leadership that included my parent's roles, their expectations for me, and numerous examples of how to handle situations as they came up in real life. I didn't know any other path for me growing up.

Then I Grew Up
Landing my first formal leadership job at twenty-seven was exciting. I had been groomed for this moment, right? I was ready! Ah, youth. Yes, on one hand I was ready from the standpoint that I really wanted that opportunity. I worked hard to get that position, and dove in with both feet. But I hadn't actually managed any employees before that time.

That presented me with a whole new set of challenges...er...opportunities. Yes, opportunities!

My Ideas!
I had wonderful ideas back in those days. I had a vision that I just knew would work. Combine that vision with my decisions and strategies and I was confident everything would turn out just fine.

Then things didn't turn out just fine.

Oh...It's a "We" Thing

It's amazing what a little experience and a big slice of humble pie can do for one's career. What started as an enthusiastic and fairly narrow perspective has turned into a much more open-minded (at least some of the time!) view of how work actually gets done.

Building teams that feel empowered to take risks, contribute their ideas, and most importantly to feel comfortable telling me when I'm making mistakes is a much more productive way to go through life.

How About You

Are you so focused on "you" that you're not involving those around you? Are you following my early lead and can not figure out why your plans aren't working? Maybe you'll eventually realize what I did...that I was in my own way all along.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Blogophenia

Almost two years ago I decided to take a risk. I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting myself into; and to be honest, I was a bit scared of making myself look (even more) goofy than I do already.

But I went for it anyway.

So Many Blogs
At first the concept of getting into blogging seemed a bit overwhelming. Not only would I be putting myself out there (that's making a huge assumption that anyone would actually be reading anything I wrote - you get the point); but there are so many great blogs on so many topics that I was quite sure I would simply be lost in the crowd.

But I went for it anyway.

So Little Time
Next hurdle...finding the time to write. This part has actually turned out to be the easiest of all the challenges...here's why:

"Once you realize how powerful blogging can be just for you and no one else, you make the time to write. Ideas pop into your head at all times of the day and night, and you find yourself keeping track of every one because it might just turn into a post."

So even as I continued to be concerned about time constraints I captured every idea for future use (thank you iPhone notes app.)

I just kept going for it.

How About You
Sometimes I stir the pot, add to an ongoing dialogue, raise a little hell,  or spark a reaction in others. But mostly I blog for me. There's room for you too. Are you ready to go for it?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Encouragement Before Engagement

The human resources community seems to be obsessed with employee engagement. I count myself among this group. I want the people who work for my organization to feel connected, to believe in the mission, and to demonstrate that commitment in their work. There are all sorts of tools to help me measure, assess, and dig deeper into the mysterious world of employee engagement as well. 

As I step back and take a look at this whole process it sounds like I want an awful lot from the employees, doesn't it? Maybe you want all of this too. I think I may have put engagement first, when in reality engagement is only a result, nothing more.

Encouragement First

How many of us have appreciated an encouraging word or gesture over the years? Maybe it was when we were struggling with a project and a coworker or supervisor supported us through a frustrating time. Maybe it was when you were dealing with a difficult employee and a colleague helped you see the end point versus getting caught up in the moment. Or maybe it was when you were huffing and puffing trying to finish your first race and a random bystander shouted out your race number and told you to stay strong.

Whatever the source, encouragement is effective. No argument there.

Negativity Kills
The arch enemy of encouragement is negativity. This menacing attribute is toxic in just about every circumstance. Wherever it rears it's ugly head, negativity is a killer at work or home. The impact on morale, productivity, creativity and yes engagement, is simply not tolerable.

How About You
Today you'll decide if you're going to be an encourager, or if you're going to be the one that wallows in a world of negativity. Make the right choice, and you might just end up with a group of employees that are actually engaged.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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I'm Hiring...Can You Recruit?

I'm in one of those bittersweet moments as a leader. One of my team members is transitioning back into a clinical role to provide care for some of our most fragile patients. I'm thrilled for her, and more importantly, for our patients who are going to benefit from her expertise as a Pediatric Nurse.

What that means however, is that I need to hire a social media savvy recruiter to join my team. Yes, a social media savvy recruiter...not someone who "doesn't get" twitter and believes sharing information on facebook will "get you in trouble." If you feel that way, please save us both the time and look for an old school personnel gig.

Check out the new HR page to learn more about my organization, the amazing Tampa Bay area, and how we've completely integrated social into Human Resources.

I'd love to hire an HR pro who has their SPHR or PHR, understands hospital-based healthcare, and isn't afraid to take risks. Going for it in your HR practice means much more to me than telling me you've placed 1,000 ads in the Sunday paper. We don't do the Sunday paper here.

We work in Florida, so recognizing Spanish (let alone speaking it) would be a plus; but is not required.

At my organization we save children's lives everyday who otherwise wouldn't live.  Tell me what other company is doing something more important?  That's right, there isn't one.

If you feel you are a good fit to join our team, check out the position, and get in touch with Clare to learn more.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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The Real Me

Game face.
Professional boundaries.
Opening up.
My "A" game.
Giving of myself.
Driven.
Focused.
Blah, blah, blah.

Sharing is Caring
I'm not type of person who keeps too many things inside. When I'm passionate about something it just spills out. It may be my work, it may be my family, or it may be my hobbies. But sooner or later, if it gets me fired up, those around me are going to hear about it. Since we all spend so many hours at our jobs, the people around me in the workplace definitely hear about it all...and then some.

But should they?

Professional Is Best...Right?
I've long espoused that we must maintain a level of professionalism in the workplace, particularly for those of us fortunate enough to be in leadership roles. Here's my dilemma: being professional all the time in no way comes close to the real me. Is that bad? I'm not sure. I do know it's real, so maybe I'm on to something.

Too Much Personal Is Bad...Right?

I've also thought for a long time that being a bit more fun and personal with those around me is the best strategy in just about every situation. Showing some personality, kidding around to alleviate the stress of the moment, and generally being a more upbeat member of the team just feels more natural to me. 

But should I be this way at work?

Finding The Balance

Jason Seiden has written some great material on the concept of profersonal relationships. I encourage you to check out his perspective on this issue. Putting all of these issues into practice however, changes the nature of our relationships with those around us. One way of finding our way on this journey could be, as Charlie Judy recently suggested, to develop our own Personal Board of Directors. It's an intriguing concept, and I'd love to hear if any of you have implemented this approach. I haven't taken that plunge...yet.

How About You
Do you think it's okay to share who you really are? Or, is it just simply safer to have a permanent game-face on that never comes off? I like to embrace my passions fully, which usually means my team at work hears a lot about social media, HR, and hockey. Can I go a bit farther and share my musical passions as well? Hmmm, maybe I should wait until I'm fully vested first?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




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I Fall to Pieces

Pride is the ultimate double-edged sword. It helps us stay strong in the face of adversity, and it sends us right to the bottom of the pit when we cling too tightly. What an odd combination.

One moment we rejoice at the end of a long project that launches successfully. Another moment has us so stubborn that we can not even see even the most obvious choices in front of us.

The Delicate Dance

I have a difficult time balancing the edges of the pride sword. I've relied on pride as a source of strength to take risks in my HR practice: for strategies I've implemented; new approaches I've tried; and, as a firm belief as I've driven issues to a successful end point.

Sometimes all of that comes together and pride is a good thing. Sometimes.

Falling On The Sword

When I lose my "pride balance" I fall down. Not literally of course, but I fall nonetheless. Falling hurts. It hurts how I feel about myself, how I feel about the quality of my work, and how I believe I am perceived by others.

Oh how quickly I'm able to move from success to failure...

How About You
How do you balance pride's good and bad edges? Have you mastered the trick to wielding this odd emotion; or, like me do you fall to pieces every once in a while?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Just Like Me

Why can't everyone look like me, sound like me, think like me, act like me, dream like me, talk like me, work like me, lead like me, worship like me, celebrate like me, argue like me, agree like me, and just be like me?

Simple. Because the world isn't made up of a bunch of people named "me." The world is made up of billions of different people, but they all have one thing in common.

They're all people. Just like you and me.

How About You

Try embracing the differences in people. It's a lot easier than hating.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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