Archive for the ‘HR Certification’ Category

I live just a few minutes away from one grandson and 1000 miles from the other.    Fortunately, I am able to spend time with each of them every week. When I have mentioned this to friends, the first thing they ask is, “how?”  The answer is simple:  A computer and a webcam allow us to overcome the distance and see our grandson, Lorenzo, as he has begun to walk, run and say words. We visit with Lorenzo and his parents for an hour or so every weekend. Lorenzo gets excited when we first can be seen on the computer screen and greets us enthusiastically. After everyone says hello, he proceeds with his play while we talk with his mom. A few minutes later, he will come back to the computer and wave, dance to music, laugh and wander off again. He blows us kisses and waves goodbye when the conversation is ending. In that hour, the relationship with his grandparents deepens and grows.

The same routine is followed with his paternal grandparents in Italy, though this conversation is in Italian. He responds – plays – dances and blows kisses. At 15 months, this little boy is connected across the globe! It is comfortable and commonplace for him in a way that would not have been possible a few years ago. 

It should be no surprise that HR is expanding into a global focus!  HR has changed; this millennium has seen the profession developing across borders and cultures. The dramatic changes that have occurred in the global landscape and economy have resulted in a world that is more connected than ever before.  Historical and geographical divisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant and our jobs in HR are becoming even more challenging.  A new world is dawning and we need to be ready.

I am not sure how Lorenzo’s generation will be referenced. Will Gen Z come after Gen Y?  Whatever they might be called, I see a generation for which technology is commonplace, diversity is the norm, and relationships regularly transcend geographical borders. It will be an exciting world, not just for Lorenzo, but for us all.

Get ready – study for the GPHR!  Visit www.hrci.org for details.

I collect political memorabilia.  This interest began when I was around 8 years old and found a large William McKinley commemorative coin while playing in my grandmother’s backyard.  At that age, I’d not studied American history and knew nothing of our 25^th president.  The coin included a little information about the President on it which prompted me to learn more on my next weekly visit to the library.

My collection is primarily made up of campaign pins, each telling a story of a time in the history of our country. Some pins have pictures of the candidates; others have just a name such as “Roosevelt”; others add “vote for” to the candidate’s name.  Some of the pins describe the candidate.  Former Florida Congressman, Claude Pepper, was “A Man for all Ages”.  Jesse Jackson’s 1988 short lived presidential campaign pin describes him as “A Great Man with a Great Vision.” All are unique and all have stories behind them.  

A concept captured on several different campaign pins from the 2008 election is different.  It does not describe the candidate; instead, it reaches out to the voters.  The election is over, but it still speaks to us and especially those of us in Human Resources when it declares “Be the Change”.

What a powerful statement! As HR has moved away from a transactional focus into a transformational role, we have become the change agents for our organizations!  We understand that change is constant, but we also know how intimidating and difficult it is for many employees.  As change agents, we can help our employees do more than just accept change.  We can enable them to reach out and eagerly embrace it. 

We do that by showing a personal commitment and presenting a positive attitude toward the change. We set the example and “walk the walk”.  Change must begin with us!  We are responsible for communicating information about impending changes and ensuring the support of management.  We understand the need to involve people in the process and educate employees.  As change agents, we anticipate resistance and identify ways to deal with it ahead of time. 

HR professionals understand the concept of “Be the Change”.  It is more than a political slogan; it is our calling and our mission.

If you would like to learn more about being a Change Agent, consider signing up for HR Certification review sessions like Big Bend SHRM’s  fall PHR/SPHR certification sessions.

When the “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” was released by Jan & Dean in 1964, I loved the song and enjoyed it even more as I visualized my own grandmother trading in her ‘56 Plymouth and cruising Jacksonville in a Dodge convertible sports car. The possibility of ever being my grandmother’s age did not occur to me. 

Flash forward to 2009:  I’m a grandmother now. I own a convertible and love to drive with the top down. Last week, I was driving home one evening down a canopy road and singing along with the radio “Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go!” I suddenly stopped singing. “Oh no – That’s me! I don’t feel old.  Do I look old? Do others think I’m old?”

It might have been the clear night and spring breeze, but I recovered before I arrived home. Yes, I am a member of the baby boomer generation, but people in my age group are not old; some of us are not even mature.  Rather, we are seasoned.  Seasoned is defined as: Skilled or knowledgeable through long practice; Rendered competent through trial and experience; and as it would not be Gumbo without it… Seasoning is the process of imparting or improving the flavor of food.

Baby boomers are seasoned members of the workforce who are redefining what it is like to be an older worker in the 21^st century.  The technological changes of the past 20 years have challenged us to continue learning and have helped us be more creative and innovative.  Many of us are literally reinventing ourselves to stay abreast in our current profession.  Others are the victims of downsizing and layoffs, going back to school or taking certification programs to embark on second careers.  As Director of Certification for the Big Bend Society for Human Resource Management, I have had the opportunity to get to know many people who are preparing for HR Certification to improve in their current jobs or prepare for new careers.  These are people who are focusing – not on retirement – but on following a passion.  They know that knowledge is best when shared and enjoy helping others in the classes.  

As you look at your employees for new projects or review applicants for a vacant position, don’t overlook the seasoning. It might be just what you need to spice up your organization.