2014 New Year's Resolutions for the HR Professional
Carol Brickner, GPHTB
Celebrating the New Year is a big event for people around the world and has been for many centuries. Did you know that the earliest recorded celebrations in honor of the New Year date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon? That's a lot of partying!
In all seriousness, recognizing the New Year varies by culture, country and person. One of the more common ways known to bring in the New Year is by creating resolutions in the hopes of attaining personal and professional goals. Some people are serious about writing resolutions and some people continue on into the next year with nary a consideration for change.
However, there may be a number of you who simply don't take time (or have the time!) to create your resolution list for 2014. While we can't help you out on the personal front (we'll leave the personal endeavors up to you), the following are a few resolutions you should consider having at the top of your list:
1.
(Re)Build your personal brand - Get your Linked in profile updated for goodness sake! Your brand serves to reinforce you and your professional expertise. Don't let it languish. Refresh!
2. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! - Yes, it requires taking time away from the work/life balance equation but it is an essential investment (it might cost a few dollars if you're buying lunch or coffee), but networking to build your professional brand and personal self-worth is well worth the investment of your time. Attend 6 networking events in 2014.
3. Create a presence on social media -Blog, Tweet, Comment! (See #1 Resolution and #2 Resolutions.) Social media is the new communication platform and it's here to stay!
4. Be Bold - Have a conversation with your CEO (if you have not already done so.) Discuss your perspective of the business - best of all, provide a data point that he/she may not know.
5. Attend 12 LWHRA luncheons to network, receive HRCI certification credit and to develop yourself professionally - With over 1300 members, the LWHRA offers the most variety of professional development opportunities to launch and complete your 2014 professional resolutions.As a SHRM member, your LWRHA membership is free. Spread the word to colleagues about our organization.
Mark Twain, famous American author, stated, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
If you'd like to add to this list of resolutions, perhaps inspire other members, go to the LWHRA group on Linkedin or Facebook and add your resolution!
Happy New Year Everyone!
