HR Optimist

It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating the 2nd day of the New Year already. 2011 flew by and every year it seems to go faster (insert a big sigh here).

Typically this is the time where we look back and reflect on where we are in life; what we accomplished, what we didn’t accomplish and (shudder) sometimes we allow our old friend “regret” to wander into our path and knock us off balance, kicking our self-esteem into the proverbial toilet. The other day my horoscope said “what if the failure that you’re afraid of becomes the best thing that’s ever happened to you?” Hmmmm…I think I’m going to carry this with me throughout 2012 and beyond.

NO REGRETS.

So instead of making some lame resolutions that we may not keep anyway, let’s take a look at what we did accomplish and celebrate those today. Don’t give much thought to it; just throw out the first 4 things that come to mind. For me it looks something like this:

1. Early last year I attended a local HR event that probably changed my life to a certain degree. Hearing the HR Director from NASA speak at that meeting opened my eyes to how cool space can be and how wonderful the “space geeks” community is. I witnessed the final space shuttle – STS-135 launch from the causeway (about as close as you can get unless you’re a VIP) and then was honored to be selected to attend the #NASATweetup for the MSL launch. At this event (held during the Thanksgiving holiday), I met Bill Nye “the Science Guy”, astronauts and saw Will.i.am speak about his passion for pushing kids to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields of research. I instantly became a part of the #NASATweetup alumni – a passionate group of folks who welcome you with open arms and allow you to be as nerdy as you want (space “tweeps” wouldn’t laugh at the “Rover Xing” sign on my car). Highlights of this event include: the Atlas 5 rocket launch from about 3 ½ miles away, the tour of the launch pad the day before – standing 4 feet from the fence (or else), a tour inside the VAB where space shuttle Endeavour is being spruced up for her retirement and last but not least #occupycrackerbarrel. Don’t ask.
2. I attended HRevolution in April, and though I didn’t make as many connections as I had hoped, it was a great event that took me out of my comfort zone big time since I really didn’t know many of the attendees. I am looking forward to possibly attending this year’s event and doing a better job of making more friends.
3. In addition to growing my consulting business and having the privilege of helping some wonderful organizations recruit top talent; I managed to land a part-time job which allows me to help people who have been transitioned out of their organizations. Many of these folks have not had to conduct a job search for years, so it’s an honor (and a thrill) when we discuss social media tools they can leverage and they get inspired. Lesson learned from behind the scenes: if you care about your brand, and about your employees (yes even the ones you need to fire), you will provide outplacement service.
4. I will serve as District Director for HR Florida for one more year, and was on cloud nine when I recently learned that the executive committee “unanimously” voted for me to be a part of the communications team.

So what were your accomplishments in 2011? In looking back at my top 4, it wasn’t about the money I made, the things that I bought or the exotic places I’d been to – it was more about how I challenged myself, where I felt accepted unconditionally, or what I could do to help someone else.

That’s my idea of a successful year – how about you?

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