Is SHRM Helping You?

If you know me, you know I try to read everything I can get my hands on, and bring you the most interesting, the most insightful and the most relevant.   My clients are entrepreneurs, hiring executives and HR professionals who mostly work for small to midsize companies here in the DC metropolitan area. 

I write a monthly newsletter as well as this blog, so I’m always on the prowl for interesting material you might find useful, challenging or just fun - something worth talking about. 

Hey HR pros, you know what I almost never read?  Stuff from our professional association – The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  It just never seems relevant to the issues I work on.  Has that been your experience?

In a BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) Jessica Lee wrote “You Can Live Without SHRM, Trust Me… ” and then proceeded to name where she gets her information – naming many of the sources of information I value most…none of them SHRM.  (Read the post and see for yourself)

I still like going to the meetings, hearing the speakers and networking, but for professional development, I need better reading material.  So how do you stay current?  What are you reading lately?  (Besides this blog)

Nonprofit Governance Made Easy

I had the pleasure of catching up with Keith Greene today.   Everyone knows him as the phenominally successful VP of Member Relations at SHRM, but now he’s doing some really interesting work at Boardsource – the mecca of information about nonprofit governance.

I wish I knew of Boardsource back when I was serving on 3 different nonprofit boards – they have an astonishing array of resources for boardmembers, from “10 Smart Things Your Board Can Do Now” to “Fearless Fundraising” to “Taming the Troublesome Board Member.”   Individual membership is only $99/year and the publications are practical, useful and dirt cheap. 

Dont’ know Keith yet?  He is speaking at the January 28th dinner meeting of NOVA SHRM on Emerging Trends in HR.  He’s always informative and entertaining; come join me there!

How to Make the Most of the Economy Right Now

Bob Corlett

Come join me on February 18th when I talk to the Montgomery County Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (MC-SHRM).

The topic is “Recruiting in a Recession:  How to make the Most of the Washington Economy Right Now.”  We’ll be talking about what recruting strategies are working best right now and how employers can best take advantage of the current job market conditions.   Since I am the speaker, naturally we’ll be talking about  my favorite topics including:

• Trade-in Time – How you can trade in your mediocre people for better people.
• The Great Talent Migration – Highly qualified people are moving to Washington DC because of our strong job market- so get ‘em while they last.
• Hiring for Performance - How can you raise the bar on  performance expectations with your new hires?
• What the CEO Wants from HR – what kind of conversations should HR be having with senior management right now?

Registration is only $20 for non-members.  Bring me your toughest recruiting challenge, but leave those rotten tomatoes at home - no hecklers please!

What the CEO Wants From HR

I just got back from moderating a panel discussion for the Human Resource Association of the National Capital Area. The topic was “What CEOs Want from HR.” I love joining the local SHRM chapters, and used to be on the Board of HRA-NCA, but honestly, it’s been a while since I made it to a meeting. Lately, I’ve spent alot more time in CEO circles.

One issue that keeps emerging from my CEO forums is that entreprenuers and company CEOs put their jobs or their income on the line all the time.