When was the last time you attended a conference? A workshop? A networking event? Any type of human resources development program? If you can’t remember then you need to get out more.
Where
Organizations like the Northeastern Regional HR Association (www.NEHRA.com) and Strategic HR (www.strategichrus.com) and the Boston Facilitators Roundtable (www.bostonfacilitators.org) and the Human Resources Leadership Forum (www.HRLF.org) are excellent connection machines if you’re in the New England area. Disrupt HR (www.disrupthr.com) and Achieve Engagement (achieveengagement.org) are national and make you feel like a super hip HR pro with their TED-talk formats and jazzy environments.
Why
Join these organizations. Go to these conferences. Connect with your HR colleagues. Search for human resources development programs. Find an HR mentor. The future of HR is becoming more strategic, more business-oriented, more sophisticated and it requires an investment in your development. Furthering your career requires stretching beyond traditional HR and into not only your organization’s industry but others’ industries. As access to information, distribution and globalization becomes faster and more ubiquitous, our talent acquisition, management, engagement and development will change just as fast. This requires intellect, insight, courage and inspiration. Get it by hanging with others reaching for the same high bars.
How
The idea of networking can strike fear in the hearts of even the most seasoned HR Pros. Small talk, chit chat, awkward silences….UGH. But ya gatta do it. So buy a book, take a class, find a coach and get it done! See you out there!
Everything you need to become everything you want