Focus...must have focus

Well, obviously my blogging spree during #MOSHRM ended almost as quickly and randomly as it began.

That's the problem with being a professor, you have a serious gear-up of energy and resources twice, maybe three times, a year and then it takes a while to recover...and regain focus!

I just got back from #TNSHRM and while the sessions were great, I got the most out of finally meeting and sharing some ideas with Lyn Hoyt (@designtwit). Again, I need to reiterate how much I suck for bailing on the TNSHRM Tweetup, SORRY LYN!!!!!

Anyway (yes refocusing is often an issue).....we were sharing stories of about social media, it's impact on our lives work, and others perceptions of it. And she finally looked at me and asked why I wasn't blogging more about what I do in the class and my views.....because I obviously have plenty of them!

So, I'm going to make a conscious effort to reengage with HREgghead, if for no other reason than to journal my successes and failures.

Hopefully I can offer some inspiration and ideas, or give others an opportunity to laugh at my mistakes!

We'll see how it goes......stay tuned!

- Heather

Thinking about education and technology.....

Summer is officially over (at least it is for me). Fall classes start in 2 weeks, which leads me to the most pressing question of the term.

No, it's not office hours, how many tests to give, or how many students I have.......it's what to do about cell phone (or ipod or tablet or laptop) use in the classroom.

In the past, I've always said that if I catch you playing on your phone, it's mine for the rest of the class. I'm starting to rethink that. Honestly, I'm not going to stop them from texting, facebooking or playing words with friends, so why stress myself trying?

Instead, I'm looking for ways to turn their divided attention and quick thumbs in my favor. At the #MOSHRM11 conference last week, one of my favorite presentations used "clickers" to poll the audience throughout the presentation. As an educator, I love that. It engages the audience, its entertaining, and it prevents presenters from turning into Charlie Brown's teacher:

Unfortunately, the presenters felt the need to remind the audience 4 or 5 times (in 1 hour) to make sure to leave the clickers behind.....apparently they had "legs" and walked away previously.

So, while I love the idea, I didn't want to be responsible for handing out and collecting clickers each class, if I could even get them (read: tight university budgets and expensive technology).

While playing with my own new tablet (the Samsung Galaxy Tab for anyone who is interested),  I found a free classroom "clicker" service from Socrative.com (@socrative). Basically, there is the teacher system and the mobile system....students can go to a mobile website and take what ever quiz, exit questions, etc I want. Plus, I can put results in real time on the presentation screen.

I'm going to try it this semester....if it bombs, at least I didn't spend any of my (or the university's) money. If it works.....then let the cell phone games begin!

- Heather

#MOSHRM11 Day 2

Here's my meager attempt to relive day 2 of the MO SHRM conference at Tan-Tar-A for you....

1. It's still HOT!! Not as hot as Tuesday, but pretty damn hot none the less.
2. The vendors are diverse and giving away multiple ipads. Yes, I will blatantly plug your organization if you give me an ipad...... :)

Now to the important stuff....

1. I wasn't nearly as scared about the profession as I was on Tuesday. Maybe it's because Wednesday's topics were more mainstream, but I didn't see the push-back I saw at @WilliamTincup's social media session on Tuesday.
2. For practitioners, this conference offers multiple, solid sessions that provide good information and advice. Multiple legal updates (as expected), but also sessions on appropriate use of technology, compensation, etc. As a practitioner turned academic, I'm getting more from networking than the majority of the sessions....but that doesn't surprise me either.
3. Finally, my scare of the day.....beware of statistics! If anyone tells you that X process results in 100% improvement, higher scores, etc., don't believe it! I don't care if it's delayed gratification, introduction of technology or giving people free beer......stats can be manipulated, and the old saying "if it sounds to good to be true...." most definitely needs to be considered.

I'm still tweeting about the conference today and tomorrow using #moshrm11. Would love to hear your thoughts!

- Heather

Live from #MOSHRM11

Ok, so maybe it took a little longer to get back in the saddle than I thought!

Anyway, I'm attending the Missouri State SHRM Conference this week in Tan-Tar-A, and while the conference officially begins today, William Tincup (@williamtincup) had a great preconference yesterday on social media and HR. Here's what has scared me so far....

1. There is a serious disconnect between HR and social media. Yes, I know we read about it all the time, but it's different when it hits you in the face. In a room of 50-ish people, less than 5 of us were on Twitter, with about half on Facebook....of those, most were of the "keep my private life private" variety. Don't even get me started on 4-square! The impression I got from the room was that they were more afraid of social media than anything else. YET, they definitely weren't afraid to fire an employee due to their social media activities.

2. A whole lot of people thought it was ok to block social media sites on work computers....even in an organization that "values transparency." When confronted with the idea that Gen Y (and Gen X for that matter) would quit in such a restrictive environment, the "oh well, they're replaceable" attitude was frightening.

I think that's it for now......follow conference happenings on twitter #moshrm11.

- Heather

Back in the Saddle

I've just not be inspired lately. I've lurked on Twitter and Facebook, and ignored HR Egghead completely. That doesn't even count the slacking that's been going on in all other aspects of my work! :)

However, my first summer class started last week, and all of the sudden I'm re-energized. There is just something about interacting with students that gets my creative juices going again.

Unfortunately, now I feel guilty and overwhelmed for being such a slacker for month. I know this happens, I just am amazed with myself that I continue to let it happen.

So...thanks for sticking around and checking in during my hiatus! Look for some (hopefully) interesting things in the next couple of weeks!

- Heather

Perspective

We had horrible storms last night....at one point we were covered by 2 tornado warnings at once and had to hide in the basement for nearly an hour. Listening to the winds blow tends to give you some time to think about your perspectives on things...family, friends, work, the list goes on.

I'm currently dealing with a huge case of hurt feelings. Yes, I'm a strong-willed 30-something women, but my feelings still get hurt. Most of the time I hide it well, but this is just one of those times it's nearly impossible to hide. To protect the innocent, I will not go into details...but I've been nursing this for over 24 hours, and despite the peptalks from my dearest husband, it took talking to one of my dear friends to help put things in perspective.

Sh!t happens in life, and sometimes those you love hurt your feelings. It doesn't mean they love you any less, and they are probably just as hurt by the situation by you are. So you've got two options.....stew on it and let it fester (i.e., the last 24 hours) or accept what has happened, forgive and move on. So do it! Choose to make yourself happy and forgive...then forget. Don't let the bad feelings fester, they will slowly destroy you.

Thank you Sarah, for making me see the truth in the situation.....I appreciate it more than you know!

- Heather

Hurdles

(Recreated from text messages)


I'm riding in the car with my biggest fan as we drive to Knoxville so I can defend my dissertation. We are 5.5 hours into what should be a less than 6 hr drive, but since it has stormed the WHOLE way, we've got at least another hour to go. The storm is ironic...its the last hurdle standing between me and my career goal. By this time tomorrow, I'll be Dr. McMillan...and trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my spare time. While I'm thrilled to be putting this chapter to bed, its still a bittersweet moment for me. I imagine I'll be at loose ends fh my spare time. While I'm thrilled to be putting this chapter to bed, its still a bittersweet moment for me. I imagine I'll be at loose ends for a while...but I'm beyond excited to see what the next chapter brings!

Eustress vs. Distress and my crazy life!

The next 8 days will be some of the busiest, and most important of my life. I can mark my true red letter days on one hand.....March 21, 1998 (my wedding), April 1, 2004 (the birth of my son) and April 5, 2011 (the final defense of my dissertation).

Ergo, the "get your geek on" title to tonight's post. I have been researching stress, as manifested in work/life conflict, for the last 5 years, and I'm finally at the point where all the effort is rewarded. If you want to hear more than you ever wanted to know about stress, coping and life satisfaction....I'm your go-to girl. I don't worry so much about the defense, I know my 191 page book like the back of my hand.....it's everything else that feels like its falling apart.

I don't know what it is about the first couple of weeks of April, but for the last 4 years, something major is always going on. Last year we were closing on our mortgage, the year before moving, the year before that moving....not to mention the yearly celebration of the his highness' birth!

I usually thrive on stress (I'm truly a eustress kind of girl), but there comes a point that no matter how well you deal, it's just overwhelming and causes you to shut down. I just hope that I can hold it together over the next 8 days.......

Oh yeah, did I mention that for my son's birthday this coming weekend, we're having guests??? Just imagine, my parents, my husband's parents, and 2 more dogs will be spending 3 days in my house.....add that to the 2 adults, 1 7-yr-old, 1 beagle, and 2 cats already here. Talk about a strain on coping (and bathroom) resources!

I've researched and published on stress and coping, and I hope that I'm able to convert my geek to practical application....any suggestions?????

Thanks for letting me vent! Hopefully things will be back to normal soon!

- Heather

What inspires you?

I'm ashamed that after such a short time with the blog, I've already gone a week without a post. My problem was purely inspiration. I had multiple ideas during the week, just nothing that made me run for the keyboard.

I'm inspired by many things....my husband, my child, my family. But what gets me going in his arena has to be the interactions I have with my students. And they were on spring break last week......bye bye inspiration! Now don't get me wrong, I was just as ready for a break as they were, but after a couple days, I really started to miss them...and felt my own productivity waning.

Yes, I'm exceptionally blessed in my job. I love what I do, and I draw personal and professional inspiration from it. I also realize that not everyone gets inspired by their job, particularly in the recent economy when the "any job is a good job" mentality has been so prevalent.

I'm not naive enough to say, "hey go quit your job and find one that inspires you" - my Type A, ESTJ personality kicks in and renders that comment completely nuts and I get a laugh just reading that line.

However, I do encourage you to find SOMETHING to inspire you. Family, Hobbies, Volunteer....just do something! You'll be happier and more productive in all aspects of your life from the boost that you get.

So again, I ask, what inspires you???

- Heather

Customer service that rocked! What we can learn from Bryan at Staples...

So how many times have you gone to the store to browse around, and get form-tackled by the sales associate begging to help you? Normally, I try to run and hide.....mainly because I don't want to be harassed by strangers trying to up-sell me.

This morning I did my monthly Staples run (I have a strange affinity for office supplies, but that's a whole different post). My 5 year-old scanner has been acting up, so I decided to gaze longingly at the scanners before I actually picked up what I needed.....and then the dreaded attack came!

Bryan comes up and asks if I need anything, and for some odd reason I decided to ask him about the difference between a couple of $100 price-point machines. After talking for a couple of minutes, he asked me to wait, then came back and asked me if I minded floor models. After saying no, he presented me with a $300 machine that had been close-out priced to $38.

After I picked my jaw off the floor that he would actually help me save some money, Bryan then took the machine and ran a full diagnostic on it to make sure everything worked. It worked great, he packed it up and then asked if he could carry it to the car.......in the rain.

Normally I fuss about customer service fails.....but this experience is one everyone could learn, no matter what the job. HR is as much customer service (to the employee, to the C-Suite, to the organization) as any job that interacts with the traditional "outside" customer. We all have our days, but the important thing is to remember how we expect, not just prefer, to be treated.....and treat others the same way. Also, don't hold back on the praise....I told Bryan that I hoped the "Social Media Gurus" at Staples would pick up my positive tweets and blog post about him!

- Heather

Do as I say, not as I do.....

After spending the last couple of weeks ranting to my Acquiring & Compensating Talent class about the importance of managing your web identity, it was time to finally take care of my own.....and what I found scared me.

Google search.....check, nothing out of the ordinary there. Reviewing my website....AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!

I've had the same black and red (aka Southeast's colors) website for almost 3 years. But that wasn't the worst. The worst was the resume from 2008, the bio from 2008, and God-forbid, the picture from 2008 in the shiny olive green shirt.

Yes, I said shiny shirt........

I'm pleased to say I've spent the last 2 days attempting to correct this horrible excuse for a website. And I'm nearly done. It now has clean lines, a twitter feed, and splashes of hot pink.....what more do I need?

- Heather

Why Charlie Sheen Actually Matters Now....

Twitter has been wild this afternoon with the news that Charlie Sheen has sued Warner Brothers and Chuck Lorre for $100 million for breach of contract (http://bit.ly/e7zTlq) for firing him from Two and a Half Men.

Up until now, I (like most of the world) have basically treated this whole thing like a car wreck....you know you shouldn't watch, but you just can't help yourself. However, this lawsuit brings a whole new focus on the situation.

What alot of media outlets are not reporting, but is of primary importance to HR, is that Sheen is claiming that he was fired because he's disabled (in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act). While TMZ is not my "go-to" news source, they did obtain a copy of the filing (http://tmz.vo.llnwd.net/o28/newsdesk/tmz_documents/0310_sheen.pdf), where points 77-79 detail that Sheen was fired because Warner Brothers accused him of having "physical and mental disabilities" and they "refused to reasonably accommodate Mr. Sheen" and "instead terminated Mr. Sheen's employment agreement."

The ADA Amendment Act of 2008 defines a disabled individual (among other causes) as being regarded as having an impairment. Additionally, major depression, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and schizophrenia are automatic impairments that would be considered as disabilities.

By the letter of the law, Warner Brothers (and CBS) made a huge mistake when they referenced Sheen's "condition" as the reason for cancelling the season, and ultimately firing him.

While I expect the matter to be settled outside of court, it does pose a serious question for HR....not the least of which being "Can a comment, no matter how innocuous at the time, come back and lay the groundwork for an ADA suit?" Not to mention the fear that all those employees we secretly think are crazy can now sue us because we think that way!


- Heather

There's a first time for everything.....

I've been thinking about writing a blog for more than a year. Not that my voice alone will change the world, but if I make a few people think, then that's good for me too!

I'm currently an HR professor at Southeast Missouri State University, specializing in practitioner development and work/life. I realized a few years ago that I worked in corporate because I had to pay the bills, but I taught at night because I loved it....so after many anxious conversations with my dearest husband, I took the plunge and enrolled in a PhD program.

I feel like I bring a unique perspective to the classroom, I was a comp and benefits coordinator for 3 years, an HR director for 3 years, and worked in the welfare system to help recipients find jobs for a year. This experience gives me a lot of background to draw on in the classroom!

More importantly than what I do, is who I am....a Mom and a wife. My husband and son are my world, and everything I do is for their benefit.

Hope you enjoy reading my thoughts......I'd love to hear from you!