TRU EVENTS launches its first US Unconference April 19-20 in WI. The Unconference trend-it’s all the rage! What is an unconference? An unconference is a facilitated participant-driven face-to-face conference around a theme or purpose, says Kaliya, author of The Unconference Blog. The unstructured sessions, the encouragement of open dialogue and debate, and the intensity of meeting with like-minded people is invigorating. Bill Boorman, and Geoff Webb co-founders of the Tru Events bring this international sensation to the United States.
I am delighted to lead a track at TRU USA about Compassionate HR, and the importance of steward leadership. As Gerry Crispin said, world class recruiters are not just people who are good at their jobs. They are professionals who are doing great things in their community. What I’ve learned since I launched my blogtalkradio program is that people who are engaged in volunteerism be it through their industry, or by participating in global humanitarian efforts, experience a huge emotional paycheck. I believe there is a causal relationship between corporate supported humanitarian efforts, and employee retention, attraction, motivation and recognition. In future posts, I will share research that supports my claim.
I’ve been waving the flag of steward leadership, and this was validated when I attended the ERE Expo in San Diego last week.
In future posts, I will chronicle the companies and individuals who spoke about their humanitarian efforts. Corporate responsibility is not just a buzz word. It’s compassion in action.
As a part of my presentation at TRU USA, I will share detailed accounts about the inspiring experiences of the companies, and people who are doing spectacular things in their communities. Whether your volunteer efforts are local, or global, every act of kindness counts.
How do we empower our workforce? Help them to feel apart of something bigger than themselves. It doesn’t cost a dime to organize a day of volunteering at your local soup kitchen, shelter, or unemployment office. As human resource professionals, each of us can do our part.
Just say yes to service, you’ll be glad you did.
Please consider coming to TRU USA. The unconference planners are willing to offer you a $100.00 discount. Use this code (BILL01) when making your reservation.
Please share what your company is doing to rally your employees behind volunteer efforts in your community.
margo,
Good to have you on board. #TruUSA is a ttotal unconference. That means 3 rules:
1; No Presentation
2: No Powerpoint
The atendees set the agenda and you provoke the conversation. We run 3 tracks at a time so attendees can dip in as they wish.
It’s challenging but its a great learning experience for the track leaders.
Be an ambassador,
Bill
That’s what make unconferences so cool. I’m looking forward to it Mr. Boorman
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Hi Margo, as you think about steward leadership, I hope you will consider nonprofits, social services and other cause-oriented organizations whose entire reason for existence, whose mission, is to serve. Most of us, from front line staff to CEO, could easily be making twice as much elsewhere–or more–but we’ve chosen to give our lives to service in exchange for the intangible benefits of knowing we are making a difference every day. This is volunteerism of another kind, if you think about it.
Thanks for being the voice of compassionate HR!
I truly agree. It is through giving of our time, and our hearts that we are freed of self centered motivation. For years, I worked in the not for profit sector. I was the Membership Director of the Cincinnati Zoo. I was also the Membership Manager of the Dayton Art Institute. I served as a loaned executive from The Dayton Area American Red Cross. In addition I was the Membership Director of the local Public Television Station (years ago before I went into HR/OD). However, when I was paid for my service, I did not feel the joy that I now feel as a volunteer. Frankly, it felt like hard work, and it was. I got tired of it all after a while. Since I transitioned in to HRD/OD/Recruiting, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I deeply believe in leading through compassionate action. It makes us better people, and it strengthens organization. This is an integral part of my belief system. When I attended the ERE Expo, I was inspired to learn that global companies share my sentiment. Each of us has a gift. Each human being has a unique gift that they, and only they can offer humanity. We are so much bigger than ourselves, yet each of us can give of ourselves, and in so doing make the world a better place. Krista, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. The focus of Compassionate HR is to highlight people in our industry who do incredible things for their community, At the same time, there are many human resource professionals who work for the social service agencies you mentioned. I would like to interview them for my show. Great idea.