HRevolution: My 90 Day Follow Up

Since co-founding HRevolution last summer with Ben Eubanks, many things have developed.  And, after HRevolution 1 in November 2009 and HRevolution 2 in May 2010, my focus has been to hold myself accountable to doing my part to further the human resources profession.  This is no easy feat because it’s a bit like trying to boil the ocean.  I have these grand visions of the HR professional of the future and what that will look like.  And, what I learned at both HRevolutions was that it takes small, consistent steps to get there.  Earlier today, I read a great post by my friend John Nykolaiszyn(@CigarSPHR) about what he has been doing to promote advances in the profession since HRevolution 2.  That post inspired me to take a look in the rear view mirror to see if I am staying on track with changing HR as a practitioner from the inside out and giving back to the HR community.

• Following HRevolution 1, I took a new job at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  This alone has been a great source of joy for me because both the HR team and the hospital are interested in the evolving role of HR.  There is not a day that goes by that our HR team does not focus on how HR can be more strategic in day-to-day operations and interactions.  We also focus on technology and how social media tools can enhance the HR experience.  I’ve been sharing many tips, tricks, and tools with the team and it’s been well received.
• Collaborated on two e-books:
  • Do Amazing Things with Chris Ferdinandi, which gives short, actionable ideas on how you can become a better HR professional
  • HR 101 with Victorio Milian (aka Creative Chaos Consultant) which is a great tool for any HR professional.  It outlines key learning principles in areas such as Finance, Statistics, Internal Communications, and more.
• Writing on my blog 5 days/ week and using it to promote other professionals who are furthering HR.
• Attended six conferences since HRevolution 1 so that I can evangelize about HR, blogging, social media, and the future of HR.  Will attend and/or speak at another five this year.  The real difference is that I am branching out to non-HR conferences as well in order to learn more and network with professionals in other industries so that I can bring that learning back to HR.
• Started the Women of HR site with Lisa Rosendahl and Shauna Moerke.  This site has been a great source of collaboration for me.  We are thrilled to see so many men and women coming together to share stories and information. We’re now on Twitter, LinkedIn groups, and FaceBook too.
• Re-joined SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) in an effort to become more involved in the association that has the most HR professionals as members.  In addition, I am actively working with the IL SHRM Board of Directors to impact HR in my home state of Illinois.  More to come on this endeavor as I hope to take this to a new level in late 2010/ early 2011.
• Was a guest on the HR Happy Hour Radio show HRevolution 2010 episode, Women of HR episode, and Live from Gettysburg episode.  I was also a guest on the DriveThur HR Radio Show HRevolution episode.  The intent is to bring people who are not involved in social media into the fold by demonstrating the multiple ways you can use social media to collaborate.
• Participated in a USA Today interview with Anita Bruzzese about social media.
• Joined the St. Louis Social Media Club and have attended several networking events.  This allows me to meet professionals from other industries with whom I can teach and learn from regarding social media.
• Currently consulting several individuals on how to use social media in their businesses.

With each new project I take on, it is with the mindset that it needs to somehow impact people in Human Resources as we evolve HR.  It was encouraging to read what John has accomplished.  How about you?  Have you been reaching out to others who may not use social media?  Have you been successful in taking steps that will further our profession?  Tell me about it in the comments.