Are you bringing an HR Business Partner?

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Bring an HR Business Partner!

For the past 7 years, I worked as an HR business partner, both internally and externally, though have never worked directly in an HR department. Within my previous organization, JobsInNH, I worked closely with HR to develop and deliver training programs, employee surveys, and employee incentive programs in addition to recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. During that time, I worked externally with organizations to help them build employment branding and recruitment marketing strategies as well as develop staffing programs to build more cross-functional and inter-departmental aptitudes (and therefore engagement) within their personnel.

During this time, I was also fortunate enough to be a member of SHRM, and have been a regular member at various times at the local HR associations in Portland, ME, Manchester and Concord, NH, Worcester, MA, and now am with the Greater Monadnock SHRM chapter. In addition to my participation in the SHRM meetings, I also regularly attended trade association and chamber of commerce meetings.

Over the years, it has become blindingly clear that there is often a major disconnect between the HR and non-HR management within organizations. At it's best, an HR office can help organizations increase productivity, decrease turnover, increase skills and knowledge, prevent law suits, and provide a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace. It is my distinct belief that HR has the ability to affect more areas of a business than any other single department. So why the disconnect?

I guess to answer that I would need to amend that last statement. It is my distinct belief that HR has the ability to affect more areas of a business than any other single department, provided there is support from the top and buy in from the other departments. This is where breakdowns often begin. I wonder how many of us attended an HR conference last year, and came back to our offices energized and motivated, bringing a new idea with us that we believed would positively impact our company. And how many of us were able to successfully implement those new ideas? I hope it was more than a few, but I am certain that it was not the majority.

This year, which will likely be my last on the Board for the Granite State HR Conference, I am urging Human Resource professionals to do whatever it takes to bring along a business partner to your annual HR conference, no matter where you are. I've included a couple of the program write-ups below as examples, and as you'll see, there is truly valuable content available for anyone who runs a business or manages people. Fundamentally, EVERY manager in an organization works with human resources every day and can benefit from the skills and knowledge shared at these annual events.

Peter Hughes
Strategic Planning for Operational Transformation
This dynamic and highly interactive session will bring focus and insight into the fundamental planning strategies and behaviors operational and HR professionals can use to create a new dimension of success within their organizations. You will leave with a deeper understanding of the Positive Change Transformational Planning Model and how this planning model can create a sustainable level of operational success within your operating departments. This session is designed for operational and HR managers who want to make a strategic difference by transforming their functions and departments into higher performing organizations. Call it strategic planning or transformational leadership, this workshop is about creating a state of operational excellence through strategies and behaviors that any leader can use and any HR partner can help drive through the organization.

Annabel Beerel

New Realities: Responding to the Critical Signals of Change
New realities arrive at the doorstep everyday. Some are very challenging, while others are quite manageable. Whatever the circumstance, organizations must adapt to the change. The ability to identify and respond to change is a hallmark of effective leadership. Reality never disappears, even when people ignore it or create a pseudo environment they find more palatable. Now more than ever, managers and HR professionals need to hone the skills necessary to identify and adapt to new realities in the workplace. Participants in this session will learn about the importance of reading new realities, the reasons why people defer reality or create ones of their own making, and the skills needed to mobilize others to respond to the changing circumstances of our time.

Margaret Morford
Workplace Trends: Survival Secrets for the Next Decade
The workforce of the future looks dramatically different than today. Employee demographics, attitudes, and needs are evolving as fast as technological innovation can support. For managers and HR professionals, this requires a radical shift in the way you conduct business and manage talent. You need to prepare now for the seismic shifts coming soon, so you are not caught unaware and so your organization remains viable into the future. Management expert Margaret Morford will discuss the dramatic changes in store for the HR profession, some of which are happening right now and some of which are still in their infancy. The practical advice offered in this presentation will teach you what to do today to prepare for the workplace of tomorrow.
You can see the full schedule of workshops by clicking here.

This year, bring a business partner to your annual HR conference, and bring back an ally. You'll be glad you did.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

See our Ad in the NH Business Review April 9!

Click to see a larger view of this image

HRCI Strategic Credits Approved for GSHR Conference!

Hello and Happy Tuesday from the 2010 Granite State HR Conference Committee ! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here- HRCI Credits have been approved! Click here to download the brochure to see the full schedule of workshops and HRCI credits. Since we sent this brochure to the printer, however, 3 MORE SESSIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR STRATEGIC HRCI CREDITS. With proper planning, you can earn 6 credits -all STRATEGIC! (Session information below)

Don’t wait, Register Today! Register by March 31, 2010 and be entered in a drawing for a FREE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION!!! Yes, FREE!!! if you have already registered, you are automatically entered in the drawing!! The 12th Annual GSHR Conference, The Evolution of HR: Driving Change into the Future, will provide you with the business intelligence and professional knowledge to support your development as an HR Professional. Whether you’re new to HR, or a seasoned pro, you’ll find workshops to help you and your organization take the next step to progressing as a leader in human capital management.
http://gshrconference.org

The three workshops that have been approved for Strategic HRCI Credits since the brochure was published are:


KEYNOTE: Workplace Trends: Survival Secrets for the Next Decade
Margaret Morford

Approved 1.25 STRATEGIC credits

EARLY BIRD SESSION: The Secret Language of Business: Workplace Politics, Power and Influence … What They Don’t Teach You

Margaret Morford
Approved 1.25 STRATEGIC credits

Global HR Strategies for a Flatter World
Steven Miranda
Approved 1.25 STRATEGIC credits


Why should you register now??
  • Save $30 - early bird registration by April 15th is $195. After April 15th, pay $225
  • Each session has seating limitations - be sure to attend the session YOU want to attend
  • Register by March 31, 2010 and be entered in a drawing for a FREE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION!!! Yes, FREE!!! if you have already registered, you are automatically entered in the drawing!!
Visit our website at http://gshrconference.org right now to register.
Attention Sponsors: there are limited sponsorship and booths still available.
Visit our website at http://gshrconference.org/sponsors.php for detailed information. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Margaret Morford to Keynote 12th Annual Granite State HR Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Margaret Morford, industry heavyweight, will be delivering the keynote address at the 12th annual Granite State Human Resource Conference: The Evolution of HR. Morford is a former employment law attorney, has served as VP of HR for large organizations, and is a highly regarded HR Trainer through her consulting firm, The HR Edge.

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 04, 2010 – The Evolution of HR - 12th Annual Granite State Human Resources Conference, Tuesday May 11, 2010
http://gshrconference.org  

Registration is now open for the 2010 Granite State HR Conference!

The all volunteer board for the 2010 Granite State HR Conference and their collaborative partner, the HR State Council of NH, are proud to present The Evolution of HR, the 12th Annual Granite State HR Conference.  From Personnel Management to Employee Relations to Human Resource Management, the world of HR has evolved and adapted through the years to meet the needs of organizations.  Whether you're new to HR or a seasoned HR Executive, the 2010 Conference will provide you with a day full or information, education, and networking to keep you on the cutting edge of this ever-changing field.  As you'll see from the conference schedule, this year's event has attracted top level, experienced HR thought leaders to help you help your company grow.  

We are very proud to announce that Margaret Morford will present our Keynote Address, Workplace Trends: Survival Secrets for the Next Decade.  Morford, a nationally recognized leader in HR training, transitioned from employment law attorney to VP of HR during her illustrious career, and has agreed to present a second seminar topic at the Early Bird session!  

Find out more about Margaret Morford and the rest of our top-level speakers at the GSHRC Speakers page! http://gshrconference.org/speakers.php  

Don’t Miss
•   Keynote Speaker Margaret Morford’s secrets for HR survival over the next decade.
•   Panel of New Hampshire HR VPs discussing how to move into the role of VP
•   Hands on strategic planning session designed for HR professionals.
•   Dynamic exhibitors from all around New Hampshire and New England.
•   A 50/50 raffle to benefit the SHRM Foundation and the NHRA Scholarship fund.
•   Networking, Networking, Networking!

Registration is now open.  Last year's event attracted record attendance, and we're expecting an even better turnout this year.  Sign up now to make sure you don't miss the HR event of the year!
http://gshrconference.org
 
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The Granite State Human Resources Conference Committee is supported by and comprised of members from Human Resource Associations throughout New Hampshire. These associations are considered our 'collaborating partners' in creating and delivering this statewide conference dedicated to the professional growth of HR professionals.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Why go to the Granite State HR Conference?

I was asked by the GSHRC to blog about why this conference is worth attending – for me. So here are my thoughts on that subject... Besides getting out of the office on what is hopefully a nice warm and sunny day, attending the Granite State HR Conference has always been valuable to me (been going for the last 7 years). There are so many things that just get your engine running and reinvigorate you to go back to your organization and do great things. How about last years’ keynote speaker, Bert Jacobs from “life is good”? How fun and funny was that! His message of optimism was so valuable and encouraging especially in these hard economic times. Not to mention a few lucky people got autographed Frisbees! For me, the best part of the conference has always been the breakout sessions and the opportunity to keep up with what is going on in HR in our region and the U.S. There are so many take-a-ways, and I always manage to meet at least 1 new HR colleague that I can share thoughts and ideas with. This is especially good for me as I don’t seem to get to many HRA/SHRM meetings throughout the year. Yes, I don’t get out much! This is 1 event I wouldn’t miss – besides it being fun and educational, I feel that I owe it to my organization to stay on top of HR trends and this is a great way get a leg up on that!