SHRM Blog

Over the past year, I have been researching how companies are approaching wellness as we dive head first in the age of mobile. I’ve even written about it here.

We’ve heard for years that the definition to insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” and we do this with employee wellness initiatives. We want to be known as the best companies to work for and we say we are on the cutting edge in offering wellness to our employees, yet we continue doing the same thing over and over, year after...

Imagine yourself in a sandwich shop and you’re at the register.  The employee behind the counter has just asked for your order.  The conversation goes as follows:

You:  “I’d like a turkey on wheat with lettuce and tomato only.” 

Employee: “Do you want mayonnaise or mustard on that?”

You:  “No, just lettuce and tomato.”

Employee:  “What kind of cheese would you like?”

You:  “I don’t want cheese.  I only want lettuce and tomato.”

Employee:  “It comes with cheese, though.  Are you sure you don’t want cheese?”

This scenario happens to me on...

Here’s how:

1. Stop fixing.

If your passion for excellence and success drives you to constantly fix people, stop it. Problem centered fixers invite self-protective restraint in others.

2. Compassion wins.

The pursuit of personal gain and glory doesn’t inspire; it threatens. Inspiration occurs when others believe you genuinely put them before yourself.

3. Share frailties.

The frailties you’re working through inspire others to work through theirs. Avoid whining. Focus on hope, progress, and benefit.

4. Leverage weaknesses.

Your weaknesses are inspirational opportunities, especially if you’re loved. For example, acknowledging your...

I am just back from the SXSW Interactive Conference where I spent time with tens of thousands of geeks, nerds, dorks, and techie wizards. Not everyone at the conference was a Gen Y hipster — although it felt that way. I was tremendously fortunate to meet amazing men and women of all ages who had impressive resumes and interesting stories.

The one unifying theme? Everyone in attendance was passionate about technology, mobile devices and digital media.

It was a fun scene. I couldn’t help but think that the next great leader in Human Resources might be found...