I have seen many posts over the last 2 years directed toward HR professionals to “download this guide to reinvest in corporate wellness” or “join this webinar to learn strategies on retaining your top talent” or the ever popular white paper on “how to create more resiliency in your workplace”. The list goes on and on and on. Where is the webinar, group, white paper on how to support the HR professionals who are “fixing” the corporate people issues?
When I left the corporate world in August, I thought FOR SURE that I was done with the land of Human Resources. I was burnt out and at the time, I partially blamed the industry. Maybe, it was the many years of being in an emotionally-charged space that caused me to want to run away…maybe it was just a plain, tough industry….or maybe, simply, I wanted a change. Whatever the reason, with some needed time and space to reflect and after many, many conversations with people in my network… I came to eventually realize that HR remains the space that I love and where my heart is.
What I love most, is the opportunity. I believe HR is a field of practice that has the BEST opportunity to make an exponentially, positive impact both on people and business. There is so much potential to create enormous success in people’s lives and help businesses thrive...now more than ever!
I have realized that I don’t need to run from this industry, but instead I choose to evolve beyond practicing directly in the field to supporting those that do, using a coaching approach!
I have had 20+ years in this field and I know the pains and glory. I have seen and experienced so much and I can offer all of that back to those who need a place to lean now. This industry is very under-supported. It is an industry that does not get the credit it deserves. The work is difficult, often highly emotional and usually requires immediate reaction. The training is adequate at best, while most of the learning comes from valuable experience and figuring it out on your own. If you are lucky, you will have leaders, mentors, coaches or others in your network to help guide you through.
For many, HR is a very lonely space. You can’t be ‘friends’ with your co-workers because you never know when you may have to discipline or even terminate them in the future, and you always have to ensure you are impartial. You can’t lean on other leaders outside of the department because you need to be the place where they lean.
And, if you are the most senior HR person, then you are really isolated. You have to be the champion to your HR team (if you are lucky enough to have one), to the senior leadership team, and often stand for the culture of the organization. Where do you get to lean? Where do you get support? You certainly can't lean on anyone inside your organization, so you have to look outside…and your family or friends don't really understand. Maybe you’ll find a great networking group. Or you’ll have a coach or mentor. The point is, this role…the senior HR person, is one of the loneliest positions in any organization.
So, with all of this in mind, I am going to try something and we’ll see if this takes off!
I am going to create two groups: 1) for HR executives, or those in the most senior HR role in their organization, and; 2) for HR Generalists/Specialists. The groups will be small (10 people max) with a purpose for both of these groups to:
· Have a safe, confidential place to share real stories, real challenges and real pain-points
· Build strong relationships outside of your organization and learn that you are not alone
· Share solutions and exchange ideas
· Learn, grow, and have some fun.
The agendas will be driven by the group members, so we are dealing with just-in-time topics and providing support in real time. Some potential topics could be around building boundaries in this hybrid world, getting your voice heard, influencing others, personal branding, increasing confidence. I will poll the members to ensure we are addressing the most relevant topics for the group.
If you have a desire to be intentional and create more space to:
· take care of yourself by interacting with others at a similar level,
· giving and receiving support,
· building authentic relationships with like-minded people and
· prioritizing a support system for yourself;
then this group might be exactly what you are looking for. If you want to learn more, email or message me by clicking the button below and I will share all the info you need.
It is time to give back to yourself and lift each other up so that you can continue tr best self to your team and your organization.
