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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.

Earlier this spring, someone asked me why they should pursue an SPHR or PHR certification. I was busy and my initial response simply paraphrased what is found on the HR Certification Institute website:

HR certification sets you apart from your peers; improves your opportunities for career advancement; increases your confidence; and in a world of ‘budget cuts’, makes you more valuable to the organization in which you work.  

The half-smile and head nod told me I wasn’t getting through.  I was going to have to get personal, so I continued to explain:

In a constantly evolving HR world, you certify to ensure you have the knowledge needed to be an HR professional in today’s market.  When you receive your PHR or SPHR certification, you have shown that you can apply that knowledge to be an HR professional in the 21^st century!  

Another nod and this one came with a “cool”.  I had their attention!  I continued:

Making the commitment to pursue certification offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself and more fully expand your knowledge of the HR profession.  When you receive that certification, you’ve shown you take your professional development seriously enough to invest hours and hours of study and class time to prepare yourself to sit for the exam. Knowing you have to recertify every three years, you are making a career long commitment to the human resource profession. 

When you participate in a Big Bend SHRM Certification Study Group, whether you take and pass the exam or not, you gain a comprehensive knowledge of HR that will allow you to better perform your job.  Additionally, you will get to know other HR professionals who will study with you, share experiences and support you throughout the process.  You will make friends who will celebrate with you when you pass the exam or commiserate with you should you fail.  You will have professional connections with whom you can network and use as resources. 

“Awesome!” they responded.   Yes it is.

If you would like to learn more about PHR and SPHR certifications, information can be found at www.hrci.org.