The Power of Networking and Self-Focus

Recently I had the flattering opportunity to present my HR philosophies at DisruptHRcle.  It really is an honor to be nominated… to speak… alongside accomplished colleagues.  In case you have not heard of it, DisruptHR is a series of events across the country where we (as HR professionals) share ideas and discuss points of view. As a speaker, we were charged with conducting a five minute presentation that has “social or professional value with the specific goal to help move organizations forward successfully.”

I’m a fast talker so five minutes shouldn’t have been that difficult.  And to ensure that it stays at five minutes, slides are forwarded automatically.  Everyone there remarked that the event was one of the most energetic, engaging and educational events any of us had ever attended.   The group plans another in early 2015 – I highly recommend checking it out!

In the spirit of keeping up the pace, let’s dive straight into a few of the points from my talk.

The key to working smarter?  Focus on you.  We’ve all heard the expression, take care of yourself first so that you’re able to help others.  Most of us are overworked professionally with high demands in our home-life making a healthy work-life balance a struggle if not an all-out battle.

Find your mojo. For every reader, every professional, there are wonderful books, blogs and online publications that will speak to you. Connect, read, and listen to re-discover your mojo.  Don’t just seek for that which motivates you, look to be inspired, downright driven to deploy your inner passion.  Some of my personal favorite positive thought leaders are found in online publications and blogs like HR Examiner, Drive Thru HR, Fistful of Talent, Symbolist and HR Ringleader.  And what’s really cool about these thought leaders is that they recommend their own favorites.

Read, network and brainstorm with fellow disruptors and colleagues, and not just about HR but all business walks of life to understand the complete landscape – everyone can teach you something.  Ask questions, look for information, and research things you don’t know.  If time is the issue, follow fellow disruptors on DisruptHR.co and other groups where the talks are 5-10 minutes from those who respect the precious commodity of time and utilize social media in the way it was intended.  There are fantastic, inspirational messages out there.  Why not start the day off by being inspired?   Start your day with your cup of coffee, diet Mountain Dew or whatever gets you going in the morning and watch a session or read a blog.  Oh, and these message are not just for HR, but for everyone who wants to make a difference in their selves personally and professionally.

Find what speaks to you and be inspired by it.  Feed your own energy and share it.  Trust me, it’s infectious and addicting once you start to imagine a world where you can be yourselves, share your passion, contribute and feel valued, be happy and have fun at work again!