International Women's Day - Today, March 8th

AHRMA's Diversity and Inclusion Committee is in the midst of planning and implementing our initiatives for 2013. One of our ideas is to survey AHRMA's membership to discover how their companies celebrate the various national holidays, national ____month, and other celebrations occurring each month of the year.*

To kick off this initiative, Monica Verma (AHRMA's CoVP of Diversity and Inclusion) has submitted the following excerpt from her company, Sodexo, as they celebrate International Women's Day!

First celebrated in 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day honoring the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In honor of IWD, Sodexo is launching a new website dedicated to profiling women’s perspectives on Quality of Life.  Please visit www.womensinsight.sodexo.com to discover the insights of Sodexo employees, partners and clients from around the world on Quality of Life.

  You can also read more on IWD here: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/


*How does your company celebrate the various national holidays, national ____month, and other celebrations throughout the year? We want to know! Please share with us how your company celebrates (no minimum or maximum length, just your own words), at vpdiversity@austinhumanresource.org. Send pictures, links, videos, a written summary - anything goes.

We look forward to hearing from you, and we are excited for what the year will bring!

Your AHRMA Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Groundhog Job Shadow Day

By Julia Menegay, Chair of the School2Work subcommittee of the Workforce Readiness Committee

One of the focuses of AHRMA’s Workforce Readiness Committee is to connect K-12 students with businesses and provide opportunities for these students to learn about the business world.  The WFR Committee partners with Communities in Schools (CIS) and promotes the mentoring program, as well as other CIS projects. 

One recent project, Groundhog Job Shadow Day, is an example of what students can learn when they have the opportunity to interact with employers.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day is held every year around February 2 and is an opportunity for students to visit businesses and learn about different industries and careers.  This year AHRMA helped recruit businesses to participate.

One business, Alliance Abroad Group, hosted four high school students and both the students and the employees had a lot of fun.  Ana Marisa Militano, who coordinated the day for the company, shared these comments from an employee:

"It was such a fun time!! We had 4 young ladies, 1 senior, 2 juniors and a sophomore. They met with the various teams and were very dialed into the conversations asking questions and participating. The lunch was a lot of fun as they got a chance to mingle with the employees and ask questions about travel, college and how we got to AAG. One especially funny time was when we were talking to them about the benefits of working for AAG and jokingly one of the ladies said “oh let me guess you have a gym too” everyone laughed and said yes! It was really funny. At the end of the day, I got a few minutes to speak with the ladies and their chaperones one on one and let them know from a hiring/recruiting standpoint how important education is and staying in school. I pointed out that everyone in the room with them at lunch had gone to college and applied themselves and through that they reaped the benefits of working for AAG. I also tied in how important and “why” they have to be in class at a certain time, follow rules at school, listening to their teachers (because we all have bosses!!!) and the importance of excellent grammar, spelling and public speaking in any work environment. They all seemed dialed in and held eye contact while we were chatting. Overall, it was a lot of fun, we were able to showcase our business and it was especially neat having 4 ladies there and seeing their faces when we told them that we have a female CEO, almost all the managers are female and we have a majority female staff. It definitely seemed to resonate with them."

We’re so glad that we could help make connections and contribute to the success of this project.  If your business can help with work-based learning opportunities for students, or if you’re interested in becoming involved with the WFR Committee please let us know.  We can help connect you for mentoring and other CIS projects, and we often have requests for speakers for career days in the schools.  

For more information, contact vpworkforcereadiness@austinhumanresource.org.

2013 is Your Year to Lead Strong

Juanita Baldwin, PHR
AHRMA 2013 President

___________________

Leading the Human Resources function in 2013 is no small fete.  We know it requires considerable personal skills/ traits including planning, organization, perseverance, risk-taking, creativity, a compelling vision, and a passion for learning.   Increasingly, we “dance as fast as we can” to juggle competing demands and, often, end up multi-tasking badly.  While I sometimes attribute this dilemma to being “protein-deficient” (more on this topic in a future article), I value having “just-in-time” access to information, people, and resources.  

2013 is AHRMA’s year to LEAD Strong.  Our goal is to bring you topics, speakers, and professional development opportunities that will inspire you and strengthen your ability to lead your team, organization, profession, and your community.  If you missed our last two monthly programs, we missed you!  In December 2012, Coach Jody Conradt and two of her star players spoke on the leadership lessons learned both on and off the court.  In January, we hosted a panel of business leaders including Heather McKissick, Jeff Evins, Dave Porter, Regina Rogoff, and Kevin Johns, who provided insights into emerging economic trends and the related challenges which may impact our workplace.

On February 28, we are proud to host our Annual Legislative Action Day to keep you informed on what’s happening with the 83^rd Legislature and the latest developments in employment law.  The Honorable State Representative Mark Strama is our featured speaker for this not-to-be-missed program. 

Behind the scenes, your AHRMA Board of Directors is excited about embarking on a year filled with challenges and opportunities that are stretching us as leaders and strengthening us as a team.  I’m reminded of the wisdom of Albert Einstein, who observed, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”  Whether it’s knowledge or imagination, you seek, we would be honored to have you join us at an upcoming program.  We’re saving a seat at the AHRMA table for you.  

All the Best,

Juanita Baldwin, PHR

AHRMA 2013 President

WE Are Austin HR.  LEAD Strong.

LEADing Strong in 2013

LEADing Strong in 2013:

HR and Business Resources to Help You Launch into the New Year

Uncertainty in an ever changing environment affects the way you do business, meet the needs of stakeholders, and support your employees.  As strategic Human Resources professionals, anticipating future trends is critical to staying ahead of the game and executing effectively.   Uncover the trends that can impact your organization in 2013 and learn what you can do to prepare now. 

Be a part of the Austin Human Resource Management Association's (AHRMA) dynamic economic and business forecast discussion.  Our panel of distinguished economic and business experts will discuss the state of the local and regional economy and its impact on the Central Texas business community in 2013. Find out what you can expect from the fiscal cliff deal, new legislation, recruitment and hiring, human resources, health care and more. 

Our Distinguished Panel of Austin Leaders:

• Heather McKissick - CEO, Leadership Austin (Moderator)
• Jeff Evins - VP and COO, Evins Personnel Consultants
• Dave Porter - Senior VP, Economic Development, Austin   Chamber of Commerce
• Kevin Johns - Director Economic Growth and Redevelopment, City of Austin
• Regina Rogoff - Chief Executive Officer, People’s Community Clinic

“In today's business environments, economic and business forecasting are strategic elements in effectively sustaining productivity, growth and employee engagement,” says Juanita Baldwin, PHR, President, Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA).  “Our panel of dynamic business and community leaders will share their unique insights for achieving organizational success in a climate of uncertainty.”

Pull up a seat and join our discussion on the state of our local and regional economy on THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Be a part of AHRMA’s explosive 2013 initiatives as we “LEAD Strong!”

To register or for more information, please visit www.austinhumanresource.org

For more information

Contact:  Wendy Chance, Co-Vice President of Marketing Public Relations

512-454-9561  VPMarketingpr@austinhumanresource.org

2013-Get Ready, Get Set, Set Goals!

Article courtesy of Rebecca "Becky" Sandifer, PhD, ACC, SPHR
AHRMA Past President, Marketing and PR Committee 2013

We made it past the Mayan calendar prophecy so I thought it was a good time to start planning for 2013. Losing weight, starting a business, and getting financially prepared for retirement are all top of the list goals but what I really want to achieve is to be happy in the moment with where I am in life. I recently read Creating Your Best Life, The Ultimate Life List Guide, by Caroline Adams Miller and Dr. Michael Frisch. The bottom line is that happy people are successful.  Interestingly, the major criteria to enter into that blissful state was  goal setting.  Successful, happy people set goals.  No big news there but successful, happy people find ways to achieve their goals as well.

 I found two positive psychology terms in 2012 that stuck with me.  From The Ultimate List Guide, the term positive prime is about surrounding yourself with constant reminders to “prime” you to reach your goals.  For example, I just received a positive prime in the mail.  I ordered a vanity plate with the words, I Coach as I recently completed my executive coaching certification program.  Every time I get in my car, I see my positive prime reminding me of my coaching goals. 

The other positive psychology term was flow from Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's.  Flow means that state of being when you are so absorbed in a task that you barely notice the passage of time.  I think that’s when your passion and your work have merged.

Both of these concepts are behaviorally focused.  It’s not enough to sit and reflect about your goals but it’s the doing that matters.  Have you seen the updated SHRM Competency model?  The model provides a roadmap to being a successful HR professional.  The first page of the competency presentation introduced the concept of Knowledge + Behavior = Success. 

It struck me immediately that again knowing without doing doesn’t equal success so we have to plan for both.  As adult learners, most of us enjoy learning when there is a doing component.  As I begin to plan my 2013 goals, I have to find ways to change behaviors.  What positive primes can I create and include that will support my goals?  Take a look at the new HR competency models and see where you want to make some changes.  Work on the knowledge first and then identify what behaviors need to be incorporated for success so you can find your flow.  I’m looking forward to a successful 2013 and feeling good about it.  Happy goal setting for 2013.

 Competency Model SHRM url: http://www.shrm.org/hrcompetencies/pages/model.aspx

Seeking A Handful Of HR Experts

by Angela Loëb, 2012 AHRMA VP Career Development

If you've mastered any particular area in the field of HR, we want to know about it! That's because the AHRMA mentoring program is currently seeking a handful of HR experts to pair up with less experienced HR practitioners.

Here's your chance to give back to the HR profession and make a big difference in someone's life. Share your knowledge and expertise with someone who will appreciate what you offer.  

Feeling the tug to say yes, but still not sure if it's right for you to become a mentor? That means you probably still have some questions, such as...

Do I have sufficient expertise?
Chances are if you've been in HR for a while, you've gained some sort of special expertise. Some unique area where you really shine. Maybe you're really good at employee relations, talent management or employee engagement. Maybe you're a rock star in the area of performance management. Or maybe you love the strategic side of HR, having a firm understanding of how to do business needs analyses and how to read a financial report.

You don't have to have a complete mastery of the HR profession to be a great mentor for someone who is eager to know what you have learned so far.  

Ask anyone who's been a mentor, and they'll tell you how rewarding and affirming it is to be able to share expertise. To be able to say, "Here's what I wish I had known when I was just starting out." Then there's the sense of pride when you see your mentee thriving as they grow and move forward on the path.

Do I have the time to do this?
Actually, that’s entirely up to you. You set the parameters on how much time you and your mentee will spend working together. You both will agree on how frequently you get together, and it's up to you to determine how you will meet. Naturally, you can schedule in-person meetings if you'd like, but with today's technology tools, you don't even have to meet in person to make a great connection with each other. You can schedule phone conversations at mutually-convenient times and use free video conferencing tools like Skype and Google + Hangout to make it more face-to-face. Such tools can definitely save you from spending time driving and dealing with traffic.

AHRMA has developed helpful guidelines that will help you create a structure that works best for your time and level of commitment. You can rely on these guidelines to create and maintain healthy boundaries in your mentoring relationship.

What do I gain by being someone's mentor?
Besides the good feelings you get from being appreciated, giving back to the HR profession and making a big difference in someone's life, you will:
- Gain valuable contacts with other HR professionals that enhance your own career.
- Gain friendships that continue well beyond program completion.
- Demonstrate and/or develop your leadership abilities.
- Learn something during the process... about the HR profession... and about yourself.

The bottom line is that you make a small investment in time and energy, yet you receive big rewards emotionally, socially and professionally.

Are you still hesitant... do you still have further questions? If so, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Mentoring Committee leader, Ingrid Ross. She is happy to talk with you personally about the program and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

However, if you’re reading this, and it is resonating with you… and if you’re ready to step up your own career to the next level… don't delay! 

Get in touch with Ingrid today to let her know your interest in becoming a mentor. Your expertise is needed, and we look forward to seeing what great things you will do in 2013!

Please contact Ingrid Ross at mentor@austinhumanresource.org.

Stepping Stones: HR Community in Action!

by Renee Polk, current Stepping Stones participant 10/19/12

Imagine this. . .

You leave home before the sun rises and travel to a hotel in central Austin for an ongoing leadership class.  You exchange warm greetings with others, quickly grab a continental breakfast and locate an empty seat.  You strike up a conversation at your table, anxious to share how you implemented a takeaway at your workplace from the last class.  You overhear participants at another table exchanging contact information to discuss a shared HR issue in their respective workplaces.  As the room fills, you settle in to begin a 4-hour shared strategic learning journey with an experienced facilitator and robust discussions.  Welcome to the Stepping Stones community!

Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership is a 2009 Pinnacle Award-winning program created by the Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA) leadership to establish a pipeline for AHRMA’s Board of Directors, provide professional development from best-in-class subject matter experts, and enhance workplace engagement and strategic partnership of program participants.

However, Stepping Stones is much more to me and my fellow 2012 participants.  It is a community.

So, I asked my fellow participants if they would answer a few questions to give everyone an inside view of this year’s program.  Here’s what they said. . .

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO APPLY TO THE STEPPING STONES PROGRAM?

“I wanted to advance my career to the executive level, and I felt that developing leadership skills was exactly what I needed to get started.”

“I was encouraged to apply for the program by my mentor.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST BENEFIT YOU HAVE RECEIVED EITHER PERSONALLY AND/OR PROFESSIONALLY FROM PARTICIPATING IN STEPPING STONES?

“I really have appreciated the insights gained from the DiSC training.  This has helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and how other people might be thinking.”

“I found the Credible Activist session particularly helpful to me in my efforts to make HR more visible to the other executives.”

“I have enjoyed putting my networking skills to work, and understanding the approach from the various participants with different viewpoints.”

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO TAKE BACK TO YOUR WORKPLACE FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN STEPPING STONES?

“Honestly, I have been able to take something back from every session.  They are all so relevant and very well presented.”

“Having this leadership training has given me more confidence to raise and advocate for HR issues within my company.”

“I was able to utilize the Credible Activist materials with the rest of the HR team.”

WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND STEPPING STONES TO OTHERS?

“This is an incredible opportunity to learn from experts in the HR field, and the information is presented in a personal way so that you can apply it to your own situation.”

“It’s a great way to learn how others have handled a similar situation.  There have been great discussions because of the differing viewpoints and approaches taken in various situations.”

WHAT OTHER COMMENTS AND/OR OBSERVATIONS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT STEPPING STONES?

“This is an amazing opportunity that you should not pass up.  It looks like a big time commitment, but the experience is so rewarding that you really don’t mind being out of the office because you bring so much back.”