Highlights from SHRM 2012
The biggest human resource show, held in Atlanta, wrapped up last week. Here are some of the most talked about topics from SHRM 2012:
The New Generational Paradigm
Malcolm Gladwell spoke last week on Millennials ushering in a new social paradigm. Using Occupy Wall Street and the Civil Rights Movement as examples, Gladwell explained that Millennials prefer using networks — peers, Wikipedia, and social media — while Baby Boomers prefer hierarchies — a strong leader, disciplined organization, and guiding ideology — in life and work. Although these models are very different, Gladwell proposes that when you bring the best of both together — think Apple — it can be very powerful. The challenge will be for management to embrace the value in networks while reminding Millennials that hierarchies are just as important. Read more here.
It’s All About The Benefits
Healthcare has been a hot topic from the recent ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to the importance of HCAHPS scores in Medicare and Medicaid funding (more). It was no different at SHRM who released their latest Employee Benefits Research Report a few days before the conference (view the full survey here). Companies are increasing benefits and programs that encourage employee health and wellness, which makes sense. Healthier employees equal happier employees, fewer sick days, and improved productivity. Not only should we be concerned with employee health but also the overall health of the organization. Patrick Lencioni said that every business leader should be asking, “How healthy is our organization?” Organizations should be looking at the five areas of dysfunction: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Lencioni argues that healthy organizations have a competitive edge, are successful, and leaders in their respective industries. To learn more about healthy organizations, click here.
Making Your People A Priority
Jim Collins, who has spent many years studying what makes a company great, believes that focusing on the right people is how companies succeed. Collins’ says, “The ability to pick the right people, to make disciplined people decisions, and to make sure all key seats are filled with the right people is how you build a great organization.” For Collins it starts with a Level 5 leader — think Steve Jobs — who channels their drive, ego, and ambition into a purpose that is not all about them. Level 5 leaders understand that no one person can make a great company, it takes a team of the right people in the right roles. Read more here.
The Buzz on Social Media
Social media continued to garner attention. SHRM upped the ante with the Hive, a social media hub, for HR professionals to learn about social media, best practices, see demos, and network. Laurie Ruettimann, Cynical Girl blogger and former HR Manager, spent time in the Hive answering Social Media questions. You can check out the video here. SHRM also had a 4-hour workshop on the basics of social media to encourage HR representatives to start using it. The workshop was lead by Carrie Corbin and Jessica Miller-Merrell and their presentation can be downloaded here.
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