My SHRM Family at VLS

My time as State Director for Illinois is wrapping up.  I have a lot of emotions about this.  I expressed some of them in an earlier post, as the Illinois State Conference opened up.  Now as we near year’s end it is time for the SHRM Leaders annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C.  I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to attend this event since 2007, missing a couple years along the way.  

Nonetheless, I have attended a number of times and particularly enjoy it.  Why one might ask. Attending the SHRM VLS for long-time volunteer leaders is like getting together with family that you only see occasionally.   This is my second family.  I have a wonderful family and I love them all deeply, AND I love my SHRM Family too.

In my post about wrapping up the Illinois State Conference I referenced the event in song, by calling out the Eagles song “It’s Your World Now”.   On my trip out to DC I listened to another song by Eagles member and great all-around musician Joe Walsh.   Joe wrote a song called “Family”.  There are a bunch of lines that reminded me of all my SHRM friends and my relationship with so many of them.

  

Here is the youtube version of that recording.

I've been alone most of my life
I've never known what it was like
To end up somewhere and not have to pack
To be among friends I know have my back

But now I'm here where I belong
I've finally found a wife and a home
And a family that matters, means more to me
Than anything I have ever believed

And when we are gathered together
Tell me how blessed can somebody be

Give thanks, break bread, say grace, bow heads
For all of this love that surrounds me
We laugh, we cry, stand together that's why
It's all being part of a family

Tried it before, never felt right
I never dreamed that someday I might
Be part of something bigger than me
It makes me feel humble, finally I see

All that we have is each other
And that's all that I'll ever need

So, thanks SHRM for all the great memories, from all the leadership/VLS events from Crystal City to the JB Marriot to the Gaylord, and thanks to all the SHRM staff who over the years have always made this an awesome event.

And to all of my SHRMie volunteer buddies that I have met over the years, I so value your friendship, your love of our profession, your passion for everything that you do and for being there for me whenever I call on you. 

I hope to see those of you who are attending and share a moment, and to those that aren’t here, you know who you are and how I feel about all of you.

-Dave Ryan State Director of Illinois SHRM

Musings from An Outgoing State Director

Dave & Donna Mucking it up.

Today, the 17^th Annual Illinois SHRM Conference begins with a pre-conference session and a board meeting, late afternoon.  I am excited to attend. I am stoked to see all of my HR friends from around the country  world. I can’t wait to hear Steve Browne and Cy Wakeman speak.  I get to visit with my friend and presenter Renee Robson (Yeah, she is from down under – they do HR there to.)   I get to present a session with my HR Speaking partner Donna Rogers.  

I get to hold a meeting with all the wonderful volunteers who have supported me for the last year and nine months.  This is great! But at the end of the meeting, on Sunday and then again on Tuesday, I will likely be wrought with emotion, as you see my time as State Director is nearly done.   I have talked with many folks who have left this role both in Illinois and other states and they all experience this; the separation anxiety – the thought of leaving.

Then there are all the things I didn’t get done, one could call them failures or just lofty goals.

Next, I think of all of the people and organizations that I have got to touch in this role and it has been a gift.

Dave & Connie at ILSHRM

I am sad my time is coming to close, it has been a true pleasure to get to serve in this role.

To my predecessor Connie Wolgemuth, you are such a wonderful leader, and smart woman I could not have asked for anyone better in preparing me for the role.  You are awesome!

To my successor Becky Krueger, I am so proud of you in all that you have done to date, all that you continue to do and all of the successes you will have as the incoming State Director. You are awesome and I can't wait to see where you take ILSHRM.

My wife Sheila and Becky riding in the back 

of the disco lit Uber in Miami

And to Becky’s successor good luck, you have a marvelous mentor who will prepare you well for upcoming role.

For all of my life I have been an Eagles fan. One of their last recordings was Out of Eden. There was a song on album titled “It’s Your World Now.”  It is a beautiful song written and sung by founding band member Glen Frey.  In the song Glen talks about how his time is over, sadly that came all too soon.  The lyrics speak to me as to anyone who is “moving on” so I will leave you with them – and if you haven’t heard the song go listen to it.

Dave, Steve and John at VLS … a long time ago.

A perfect day, the sun is sinking low
As evening falls, the gentle breezes blow
The time we shared went by so fast
Just like a dream, we knew it couldn't last
But I'd do it all again
If I could, somehow
But I must be leaving soon
It's your world now

[Chorus]
It's your world now
My race is run
I'm moving on
Like the setting sun
No sad goodbyes
No tears allowed
You'll be alright
It's your world now

[Verse 2]
Even when we are apart
You'll always be in my heart
When dark clouds appear in the sky
Remember true love never dies
But first a kiss, one glass of wine
Just one more dance while there's still time
My one last wish, someday, you'll see
How hard I tried and how much you meant to me

Find me at the conference I am the guy, off in the distance, who will be bawling uncontrollably on Sunday and again on Tuesday.  

Two last thought... John Jorgenson (the Godfatha of ILSHRM) thanks for getting me involved with this organization.  And Lori Maher-McCombs thank you for joining our team and doing what you do, oh so well!

--Dave Ryan ISC State Director

Something About Mary

It is thrilling to be a part of the SHRM18 social media team.  As a group, we are given access to just about everything going on with SHRM and the Annual Conference. SHRM also provides us space and tools so that we can produce content and information to help promote SHRM and the event.  I think we do a good job (except for picking up after ourselves in the Bloggers Lounge).

For the bloggers, Mary Kaylor is our main point of contact with SHRM.  Officially Mary, is the Manager of Public Affairs for SHRM.  She is the producer of #NextChat, managing editor of the SHRM blog and is involved with most aspects of social media and many other communication efforts at SHRM.  Mary has been with SHRM Public Affairs since 2008, so she has been doing this for a long time.  I reached out to Mary and told her that I wanted to write a piece about her because I thought it was important that the folks who consume our content know who is behind it and helps to make it happen.

In an effort to give Mary some credit for doing a great job with what she does I asked her if I could write a piece about her and post it on the SHRM blog.  At first, she was hesitant and did not want me to do so, but I persevered.  Mary caved and agreed.  We had attempted to carve out 10 to 15 minutes where I could interview her and ask questions about her role.

The interview did not go as planned. It happened on Saturday as the SHRM Annual Conference was getting underway. Mary had done a presentation earlier in the day I tried to catch her after that but there was no time, there. So, we then decided to try to do this in the Blogger’s Lounge, before she had to speak with some folks at SHRM India.

We sat down, and I asked some cursory questions about her role.  As the conversation began, a couple bloggers dropped by to get their credentials. She quickly helped them and came back.  We picked up again for at least two to three minutes, and in walked more people.

Mary being interrupted by Mike Habermanm and Brad Galin.

After a bit we tried to start again, and got derailed – again.  Mary suggested that I send her some questions via email.  Well that didn’t work for me because I wanted to get something posted about Mary and her role during the conference.  I wanted to communicate the way that she manages over 60 bloggers from around the world and all the content we generate at the Annual Conference. What she does is amazing, and I wanted her to know that we recognize that and appreciate it.

So, this is how the post is going to go.  Mary is consumed with the event and it shows in how her days go.  I know, I speak for all the Blogger when I say that we love Mary and appreciate all that she does for us and for all SHRM members.

If you want to know a little bit more, about her role you can check out this post from last year written by fellow blogger Mark Fogel.

ILSHRM Bloggers at SHRM18

 With the SHRM 18 Annual Conference being in “our” backyard, a couple of ILSHRM’s finest have been asked to participate in the SHRM 18 Blog Squad as part of the social media effort promoting the conference leading up to and during the event, those being Dave Ryan, the current ILSHRM State Director and John Jorgensen, a past State Director.

Dave Ryan

John Jorgensen

As part of the effort to introduce them to the folks who do not know them (believe it or not there are a few), Mike VanderVort, a long time social media presence and a friend of ILSHRM, had both on his Drive Thru HR blog talk radio show to discuss their involvement with the Blog Squad and SHRM in general.  This would be a good place to let those who missed them catch up via the links shown below.  In addition, there is also a link to a Facebook post each did to introduce themselves to the other Blog Squad members……

Here's Dave Ryan, aka @DavetheHRCzar on Twitter.  His DTHR interview is found here and his Facebook post:

Next is John Jorgensen, aka @jkjhr on Twitter.  His DTHR interview is here and his Facebook post:  

Please follow both of us on Twitter for our reports during the conference and on the SHRM Blog Posts leading up to the conference.  If you are going to be at SHRM 18, track us down.  It will be worth your while!

- John Jorgensen Past State Director ILSHRM

Workflex For All from SHRM

I have been in the HR game for a while now, and I am seeing big changes in what it takes to recruit and keep employees that are the type you want to hang around.  Study upon study have shown that one thing employees now desire from their employers is a fair amount of time off, without having their attendance being questioned.  However, what is a fair amount?

Many governmental agencies have tried to address this.  This has led to is a patchwork of legislation and laws governing the workplace.  There are state laws in some states, county laws and city laws defining what it is that employers MUST provide.   Now, it can be quite a challenge for multi-state employers to navigate the patchwork of laws in different cities, counties and states.   It also leaves other employer wondering when the “hammer” is going to fall on them and they will be required to provide a certain level of time-off, regardless of what they are currently offering.

All of SHRM's State Director's supporting #Workflex.

So where is this going? The Society of Human Resources Management has been working on a solution for several years now, and it is now bill in the House of Representatives – House Resolution 4219  aka HR 4219 (isn’t it ironic “HR” is in the name of the bill).

I have skin in the game on this bill. At some point in the process I attended a listening session on this matter. In the discussion, I was heartened to understand that my employer offers what is deemed to be a “fair” amount of time off as defined by the bill. This is no longer my opinion only, it is from an objective measure, that says we are a good place to work and provide a reasonable amount of time off for our staff.

Now what does the bill do?  It allows employers to opt-in to a program, that says if you offer an amount of time off that is equal to of greater than defined in the legislation, that employer will then be exempted from all the other laws governing time off for employers.  Your company or organization DOES NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE.   Employers, who choose to do so, would opt in to exempt their organization from other laws. 

I suspect moving forward it would also be a way to communicate to prospective employees that they can have an expectation of a “reasonable amount” of time off is they chose to work for your organization.  I am sure some marketing genius with come up with a catchy tag line like… Don’t be vexed with your employer join us for Workflex.

At this point there has been a phenomenal amount of effort in turning this idea into legislation then getting it sponsored (Mimi Walters  CA – R) and introduced.  But there is a lot more work to be done by working HR pros. We are the people that are going to be affected by legislation like this, day in and day out.

This is a call to action to go read the bill.  Then if you, and/or your employer feel like you can support this SHRM needs your help. This bill needs emails, letters, calls, visits to district office, Capitol Hill visits to our legislators where we must tell them how this bill will help our organizations and that you request their support for HR 4219.

Please contact your State Council Legislative Chairs and tell them that you support this measure and you want to help them turn this “HR” into law. 

If you want more on this I suggest you read another blog post on the matter written by my friend Sharly Lauby at her blogsite The HR Bartender.

-Dave Ryan ISC State Director

Volunteer Leadership Opportunities at ILSHRM!

2017 has been a full and busy year for ILSHRM. From our Legislative conference in April all the way through to the State Conference at the end of September our Board has been working hard throughout the year to keep HR practitioners in Illinois abreast of all the changes that this year has brought. As with any business, it is often the busiest and most tumultuous times that teach you valuable lessons in both organization and leadership. It is through that that we are excited to announce that we are growing our board and have new volunteer leadership opportunities!

We know, you have a busy schedule, but we want to encourage you to make time and get involved with ILSHRM. Not only does volunteering and professional involvement helps strengthen your skills, build your professional portfolio and create new professional relationships – it’s also fun and extremely rewarding.

By volunteering your time, experience and expertise, you can give back to the human resources industry while growing and supporting your own business and career. Effect change, gain leadership experience, grown your network, receive professional and personal recognition. Get involved today!

ILSHRM is currently looking to fill the following volunteer leadership positions:

Governmental Affairs Director  - Working in close cooperation with the SHRM Government Affairs Team, this individual will monitor and evaluate, on a continuing basis, pending federal, state, and local legislative, regulatory, and legal activities that may have an impact on the management of human resources. From there, communicate SHRM legislative affairs policies and goals to SHRM chapters and members within the state. 

Workforce Readiness Director – This position monitors and evaluates state and local activities concerning workforce readiness issues, and works with chapter workforce readiness advocates to plan and encourage chapter involvement and activities impacting the workforce readiness arena.

State Conference Director - Elect - Serves as a member of the state council responsible for managing all activities related to running the annual ILSHRM state conference.

SHRM Foundation Director - Educate, promote, and represent the interests of the SHRM Foundation and its activities to the chapter membership.

Certification Director - Promotes SHRM certification activities for the state council, SHRM affiliated chapters and their members.

Why Volunteer?

·         To become a stronger more diversely skilled professional

·         Build your knowledge and credibility as an HR practitioner

·         Develop your network and build on professional/business opportunities

·         Foster relationships with HR thought leaders

·         Be a part of the development and advancement of the HR Profession 

The Pilgrimage to #SHRMVLS

I haven’t gone back and counted, but I would bet that I have written at least 10 of these posts, “Headed to SHRM VLS.”

One might ask why do you keep coming back?  I guess the short answer is because I can. The event is a wonderful event for the fully engaged or want to be fully engaged SHRMies.  The conference is attended by chapter presidents, state directors and many of the other key chapter and state council board members.  In short, we come together and drink the SHRM Kool-Aid. 

For the long-timers, now it is like a family reunion or any other get together of those friends that only get to see one another once a year or so.

There will be many newbies, i.e. first timers in town for the event as well.  So, for the rest of us, it is our charge to get them as jacked up about this stuff as the old-timers are.

Early Thursday morning the event starts with trip to Capitol Hill. It is typically comprised of  400+ of the faithful going to The Hill and representing SHRM and the nearly 300,000 HR pros that make up the organization. I have made this trip numerous times, and I will tell you that it feels very empowering.  If you attend the event this year and did not go. next year, plan to do so.  As a SHRM board member you need to do this at least once.

Hank Jackson and me at #SHRM17

Back to the hotel for the opening event after The Hill visit, and it will be a special day. We will hear from SHRM CEO Hank Jackson for the last time.  Hank is retiring.  He will be missed. In my opinion he has done a stellar job leading the organization through good times and bad.  If we could I would like to dedicate Friday 11/17 to thank Hank.  So, if you tweet and you use the #SHRMVLS tag, on Friday also include the hashtag #ThanksHank as a show of support and thanks.  Hank is a quiet modest fellow and does not want much fanfare but at least us tweeters can salute our outgoing CEO.

So as the old guy leaves we are going to meet the “new guy” Johnny Taylor.  He is not new to SHRM or HR.  He has been the chairman of the board in the mid-2000s.  I was around then, and I can tell you he is a charming, witty, engaging leader. I will be most interested to hear from him and his plans for the organization.

Friday and Saturday are meetings and SHRM business. Enjoy this. This is the purpose of the whole event.

Other thoughts on the event.

·       Learn

·       Network connect with as many people as you can

·       Immerse yourself in the event

·       Share

·       Sleep as little as possible

·       Smile

And if you haven’t met my friend Steve Browne (SHRM Board Member and Pizza guy from Ohio) seek him out.  Steve always says he wants to meet EVERYONE at any event he attends.  He is not kidding.

-Dave Ryan Director ILSHRM

Day One of #ilSHRM17 is in the Books!

Well here we are. Day one of ilSHRM17 is officially in the books and we are all better for it. I will be the first to admit, I did not know what to expect today. It’s been 6 years since I’ve come to the conference as an attendee…  With fresh eyes and a new viewpoint I got to experience a day unlike any of the others in my past 6 years working on the ilSHRM board. If I had to classify today in one word – The only one that does it justice is IMPACTFUL.

Opening Keynote speaker, Mallory Weggemann was amazing; the perfect combination of personal story and professional guidance. Her story of perseverance and strength alone is inspiring enough to be noteworthy. Combine that with her subtlety interwoven message of what it takes to become a leader left the room not just in awe of her as a person, but also motivated to take her messages and apply them as quickly as possible. Her anecdotes and message applies to all areas of our lives and who can argue with such sage words as: “You” are only as good as the people you surround yourself with – it’s always about community,” “the only thing that can paralyze me is fear,” and my personal favorite: “the moments and circumstances in our lives don’t define us – our choices and actions define us. All of this before 10 am, so you can bet every session after was seen in a different light, with a different lens – and absolutely – a new perspective.

Mallory wasn’t our only stellar session though…  There was something for everyone here today. And that is a hard won accomplishment to be sure! Tomorrow, when you see our Conference Director Renee Hanning, and Lori Maher McCombs – ilSHRM’s Executive Director and Conference Planner let them know what a phenomenal job they did! Not to mention how easy they made it look!

With that I’ll leave you with where we started today. Mallory’s Top 10 Pointers

1.  Let the past be the past, cherish the memories, learn from the adversities, but in no way live in it. Move toward the future and allow yourself to simply let go.
2. Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in the future that you lose sight of the present. Allow yourself to have dreams, goals and ambition, but don’t let them keep you from enjoying the here and now. The journey along the way is what makes the end goal so special, so enjoy it!
3. When you get overwhelmed remember, baby steps. Life is a series of baby steps. Just like you cannot recite the alphabet without everything in between A-Z, life is the same, and each baby step is a part of the journey so embrace them.
4. Remember in any situation, it isn’t the circumstances that define us; it is how we react to them that define us.
5. No matter how hard it gets remember that it can always be worse. Take the time you need to grieve, but then move forward and remember to be thankful for what you do have.
6. Love. Love yourself, find love in the things that you are passionate about, and love another. The accomplishments in life are gratifying, but what do they mean if you don’t have anyone to share them with? Don’t allow life to wedge itself between you and your loved ones.
7. Believe in yourself and allow yourself to hold onto the innocence of your childhood. Remember that time that we all believed we could be anything and do everything? Don’t let life wear that away, hold onto it and allow yourself to believe that anything is possible.
8. Give back, as a citizen of the world it is a duty we all have to give back, it is not only a good deed, but it also teaches you a lot about yourself and life in general.
9. Allow yourself to continue to learn. Whether it is a new hobby, learning something new at work, or simply learning something new about a loved one. Always continue to learn more about yourself, the people around you, and the world you live in.
10. Most of all… Live life with passion, heart, free of fear, hate and judgement. Be courageous, and know that in any given moment you can make a difference and you can change the world.

Don't forget to check out Dueling Pianos tonight and we'll see you tomorrow!!

Julie Rischmiller

Marketing & Communications Director

ILSHRM Looking for a New D & I Director

We’re hiring!  Yep at Illinois SHRM we have an opening.  Let me tell you a bit about the job.  It pays nothing and there are no hard dollar employee benefits.  We will ask that you perform at very high level bringing the latest thinking and creativity to a difficult job.   Sometimes it involves long hours. Still interested?

Here is the deal; we are the Illinois State Council (ILSHRM) of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). We do have an opening on our board of directors currently. We are looking for a Director of Diversity and Inclusion.  The position has been open since April of 2016.   Our board has been going through some consolidation due to changes in our business model.  But as we move ahead it has become apparent that this is an important position and needs to be filled.

Historically at ILSHRM, the way that open positions have been filled is through recommendations from current board members, or friends of those board members recommending their friends.  While that has worked in the past, it has not brought the level of inclusion to where it needs to be.  Said another way, when I look around the room at a board meeting, we all kind of look the same.   I understand that D & I means a lot more than race today. It includes religion, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, size, body types and with our organization it includes geography.  Thus, we will try to do better!

So being the Human Resources pros that we are, and knowing what we know, we are going to shake it up a bit.  We are going to recruit for a Director of Diversity and Inclusion.  Yes, we are going to post this opening on our website and ask for people to apply for this position. We also will ask all our Chapter Presidents to make this opening known to their chapter members who might be interested in sharing of themselves. And lest we not forget any of our AT-LARGE SHRM MEMBERS… that would be you 8000+ SHRM members in Illinois that are not currently affiliated with a chapter, you are welcome to become part of our organization as well.

Another change we are making is this. We are going to have a person on the board whose job it is to recommend to the board, qualified candidates to fill these positions.  The job title for this person is still somewhat in limbo, but things in place include, Succession Planner, HR Director, Talent and Acquisition Pro. We’re not sure where that is going to end up but these are some of the things in play.

We do have a job description for the position (because we are HR Pros) but being a member of a SHRM State Council involves a lot more that performing your singular board duties.  Check out some of the other content we have put out over the years on YouTube or Facebook, and if you think you would be a good fit within our board please apply.

 

If you have any questions about the State Council and our activities please contact me Dave Ryan via email and I will do my best to get back with you in a timely fashion.

-Dave Ryan Director Illinois State Council of SHRM

SHRM Regional Council Business Meeting

This is the conference hotel, and no we don't have access to any boats.

I first learned as a  young man that I enjoyed traveling. Going places I had never been, seeing things that I had read about, learning how people in different areas lived, what they ate... all of it, I found this to be very stimulating. As I grow older, I have maintained this love of travel and experiencing new things. Today though, most time I find not only am I doing all of the things I listed above but most times my travel has a purpose, one other than simply entertaining myself.


Today finds me in San Diego, CA at the SHRM Regional Council Business Meeting, or as I have designated it on twitter #SHRMBiz.  This is an annual gathering of the State Directors, the State Director-Elects, MAC Reps and typically another key state council member.   This year the Workforce Readiness Directors have been invited to attend.  Without a doubt SHRM will be putting forth an effort that is going to move the ball forward in this area.  We will learn more from today's meeting, but my inside information tells me it is going to have to do with hiring vets - a most worthwhile cause!


Including the SHRM Staff there are probably less than 200 people on-site for the meeing, which makes this a small meeting by SHRM standards. For me this has been one of the great things about the meeting - the size.  The relatively low number of attendees allows for some great networking opportunities, where state council peers can meet one and other and really connect.


In the previous meetings I have attended I have got to know my peers and learned from them. Everyone is willing to share and support one and other.  This leads to phone calls, emails, text messages and even other face to face meet-up - and ultimately into lifetime friendships. That makes it a pretty sweet deal.


So that's what we're doing here ar #SHRMBiz.  I have been challenged by #HR Zealot (and SHRM Board Member) Steve Browne, to light up the tweet stream while we are here, so we will do our best to do so.


Dave Ryan State Director of Illinois SHRM

Tiffany Kuehl in the house at ILSHRM Lead

This is the second blog post about our upcoming ILSHRM Leadership meeting which will be in Naperville this year.  I am excited (and frightened) to attend this year. I am excited because I know the event will be epic I am frightened because I am now the director and this whole deal rests on my shoulders.  I guess I need to get over it and revel in the comfort of being uncomfortable.

Tiffany pictured with Steve Browne (sort of) Steve is much taller.

In my previous post I talked about and introduced a good friend of mine who will be speaking at the event.  Today’s post is about our second speaker, another great friend of mine and the Director of Minnesota SHRM, Tiffany Miller Kuehl.    Tiffany too is an early adopter of social media and has been in the HR/Recruiting space for many years (although she only looks like she is 27 to me).

One of the things that I bring to the job of State Director is a vast network of connection so I have decided to call upon some of these people to help me out as the director.  Tiffany is one of those people. I have participated at a number of events with her and we share a passion for this conference thing and and the SHRM thing as well.

Tiffany brings a much different look at the world and things than does Steve Browne.  Tiffany is a working mother, a wife, a daughter, a blogger, a huge Minnesota Twins fan, a baseball coach and a volunteer, some of which must track with many of the folks who will be attending our event. 

Tiffany is going to talk about volunteerism and share her insight into the matter. This will speak to everyone who is attendance because if you are at our Illinois SHRM Leadership conference; we gottcha!

Tiffany will be with us most of the day on Monday, I would encourage you to connect with her prior to the event and then meet her IRL (in real life) as we say in social media.

Tiffany on Linked In    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanykuehl

Tiffany on Twitter https://twitter.com/TiffanyKuehl

Tiffany on Instagram http://instagram.com/tiffanykuehl

Tiffany on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=tiffany%20miller%20kuehl                                                                                                         

SHRM Blog https://blog.shrm.org/author/886

PIC Blogger http://www.performanceicreate.com/author/tkuehl/

Last year on Tiffany’s birthday a good friend of mine Chris Fields created TK Day.  This is a short video I put together for her on her birthday.

Be sure to check out her presentation at this year's conference, you won't be disappointed.

- Dave Ryan Illinois SHRM State Director

Meet Steve Browne at ILSHRMLead

If you know me at all, you probably know that I enjoy writing content and putting it on the internet.  I hope that some people read what I have to say, at least now and then. But I enjoy the writing part even more when it is about something or someone that I really like. Today’s post is about my good friend (and a friend to most everyone who works in HR in North America) Steve Browne.

I am writing about Steve because those of us who are involved in SHRM in Illinois are going to have an opportunity to visit with Steve again at this year’s Illinois Leadership Conference.  Steve joined us in 2015, and is coming back for what will probably be a standing bi-annual standing invitation.

Today’s post is written for those who are not in Steve’s tribe, although the rest of you are welcome to read through and see what I have to say about Steve.

In putting together this piece I was quite surprised to find content mentioning Steve from as early as 2006 out here on the interwebs.   Steve has been an early adopter on all social platforms on the internet and has been at the forefront of Human Resources matters everywhere.   Not only is Steve involved, he is making a difference.  Through all of his work and involvement Steve has been elected to a seat on the Board of Directors for the Society of Human Resources Management. 

While he has made himself kind of a big deal, you would not think so to be around him.  Steve is one of the most outgoing people that I know, who is game for just about anything. 

We rarely talk about this but, like so many of us Steve is a hard working HR guy working in the trenches of HR pretty much everyday.  Steve work for a Pizzeria Chain in the Cincinnati area called LaRosa's.  Don’t be fooled this is a pretty good size operation and is iconic within about 250 miles of Cincy.

As a family man Steve has done pretty well.  He has a lovely wife Deb, and two children in college.  So he has done pretty well in this part of his life too!

So we are going to have Steve speak to all of the leaders of Illinois SHRM, and enlighten us a bit about HR and how we can be better at what we do. That is what Steve is all about.  As I mentioned earliar I did quite a bit of searching or “creeping” on the net to really get a feel for Steve.  So without a lot of fanfare, I going to share a little bit more of Steve with you  - so if you have a chance to meet Steve and see what he has to say you won’t want to pass this up at #ILSHRMLead.

Find Steve on the web...

SHRM Board https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/pages/brownebio.aspx

Steve’s Linked In Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveb5

Steve’s Blog Site – Everyday People http://sbrownehr.com/

Steve on Twitter https://twitter.com/sbrownehr

Steve on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/steve.browne.186

Here is Steve opening up OHSHRM in 2011

Here is Steve at the 2012 SHRM VLS Meeting

Here is Steve talking about membership at the 2015 Illinois Leadership Meeting.

There is a little bit about Steve Browne. Hope to see you at ILSHRMLead!

- Dave Ryan ISC Director

SHRM VLS Day Two

It’s day two of the SHRM Volunteer Leader Summit (#SHRMVLS). Yesterday was a good day.  We had 300+ HR pros visit Capitol Hill and talk with our elected officials.  A big thanks to Mike Aitken and the Legislative Affairs Team. This event came off without a flaw, and always does so kudos to the team. Later in the day we heard from SHRM CEO Hank Jackson on the state of the society.  The condensed version of his remarks would be… all is well.

I agree with Hank, at least from where I sit in my SHRM Volunteer role. There is one thing however, that I continue to be concerned about.   As I look around the room at the event I do not see a lot of young faces.  To be clear, a young face would 35 or under. So based upon my completely unscientific analysis I think we as volunteer leaders need to do more to engage and welcome younger people and get them involved in board positions and then groom them for chapter president and state director positions.

You will notice I have refrained from using the “M” word about these folks.  I don’t like the labels because we then associate that with a whole bunch of stereotypical views about them. Google “SHRM” and “Millennials” and you will see what I am talking about.

So what do we do about this? I do not have the pat answers, but I know this; doing something is better than doing nothing. So try something – anything.  My chapter has had a couple after-(drinks) and engaged a couple young folks to reach out to their peers and give them a personal invitation.  Last year at our state council leadership meeting we had a panel discussion with some articulate young folks and gave them an opportunity to tell us (the old people) what is wrong with us and then do some Q & A to help create a dialogue.  As the planning for next year is coming around, we are contemplating doing some 10 minute TED Talks having the younger folks speak to our leaders and tell us how we can better engage them and their peers.

Many of us deal with this in our day jobs and we call it succession planning.  I am suggesting this, all of us as SHRM volunteer leaders need to add this to our collective list of things to do; engage and recruit millennials to our boards.   And just like an effective affirmative action plan, you have to work at this, you have to reach out, and do some things that might fail or that may be uncomfortable. 

Just like Hank told us yesterday, HR has “lead the change.”