StrengthsFinder, Me and SHRM

I don't do conferences. This is not a belief, a position, or a rallying cry. It just is what it is. I attended a SHRM Annual Conference a few years back and enjoyed it but when I look at my days to decide how to spend my time, conferences (huge HR conferences) don't make it to the top of my list.

Checking out StrenghtsFinder 2.0, I discover I have a relator theme and, in simple terms, that means I am pulled toward people I already know. I can buy that. I am more of a one-on-one kind of a girl, groups of 11,000 make me antsy, and I simply don't like people telling me how to do what I already know how to do. Reconcile that with 10 years in the military - ha!

I don't have time for slick.

So, when I said I don't do conferences, that was only partially correct. There are conferences I do hope to attend like HR Technology Conference, BlogHer '11 and anything to do with women and leadership to learn more about these areas. It's not the same for HR. I know HR and don't want to spend my time listening to speakers who repackage what I know (albeit in an engaging, poised, and entertaining way) and redeliver that back me. It's not about the speakers, it's about me and where I find value. 

I like to think, I am fascinated by ideas (courtesy of themes of intellection and ideation) and have visions of grandeur. StrengthsFinder 2.0 describes the two as "exercising the 'muscles' of your brain and stretching them in multiple directions" and making connections, or discovering "a new perspective on familiar challenges," respectively. This is exhilarating to me. Not exhilarating like the first Airborne jump out of a perfectly good aircraft . . . but you get my drift.

I have all the time in the world to noodle.

Give me a cup of coffee, comfy couch, and group of colleagues with a question to ponder like whether or not HR can be trusted, the intersection of personal and HR credibility, or why HR pros can't successfully carry a "conference high" back into their organizations to impact change and I am hooked.

Hook, line and sinker.

Comments

[Frank Roche]

Excellent article, Lisa. I'm with you on conferences...I want to learn things...I don't need to hear about the same old thing.

Nicely done.

[Shennee]

Lisa- Love your blog and enjoy your writing. Well said. I like your perspective.
Shennee

[RMSmithJr.SPHR]

I went to SHRM national half a dozen years ago when it was in pre-katrina New Orleans. Hot, muggy and as crowded as a three-day long NASCAR race - which take only an afternoon or evening. I was taking a break from attending the Maine HR Convention.

Never again. I have gone to the Maine HR Convention 8 or 9 of the last 10 - 11 years of being in civilian HR. It is like going to a yearly family and fun reunion. Some of the folks I see only this once a year, but over the years, we look forward to our shared moments together. Not to mention the fabulous conference. Smaller, friendlier and reliably on the beautiful coast of Maine. There is no other place to be.

Try it sometime!

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Robert, you may be onto something - a state by state tour of the state conferences!

[Laurel]

I have Relator, Ideation, and Intellection in my top five too...
I agree with you

[Wally Bock]

I used to hate conferences, Lisa. Unless I'm the speaker, I prefer one-on-one and small groups. Besides, I don't learn well in situations where everyone faces in the same direction and we all watch and listen to the same person. Now my conference strategy is more like this.

I watch for conferences in areas that matter to me. They almost always have a way to get the content, either on the net or by purchasing CDs.

I do attend conferences in fields I know nothing about. It's great cross-fertilization.

I also attend conferences where I know lots of people. I don't attend sessions, though. I hang out in the halls and lobby bar and chat with people. I set up times to chat with other people.

Works for me.

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Frank, so . . .when will we see a KnowHR gathering?

Shennee, you are my cheerleader and I so appreciate you!

Laurel, what venues have you come across that float your boat?

Wally, thank you for thr validation - in the crazy world of confernces, I thought I was the odd-man out. At least I won't be alone!

[Kimberly Roden]

Love this post, Lisa! I agree with you as well -- I would really enjoy smaller meetings with my peers talking about the so many "gray" areas of working with people as related to HR -- getting varied points of view and perspectives. It's very stimulating. I have never walked away from a massive conference with a spring in my step. You really put that nicely!

[Laurel]

Hi Lisa,
My top 5 are: Input, Relator, Ideation, Intellection and Maximizer.

I love getting to know people one-on-one, understanding what makes them tick, and then being able to help them develop in areas they are passionate about.
I recently have started work in HR (officially, but I was doing a lot of HR in my previous roles.) It is very rewarding to use my research skills to help people, and business, develop in effective and meaningful ways.

Other venues that float my boat:
Coffee shops, they are the best venue for non-threatening one-on-ones with people you haven't met before.
University, Input, Ideation, and Intellection were killer strengths for a Philosophy major.
And despite loving to dance I'd far rather hang out with friends at a Pub than go out to a Club.

So, would you rather read the books highlighted in a conference? Do you pick up on one or two points at a conference, and then go hang out in the lobby like Wally? That's my style. With Ideation and Intellection what are your favourite modes of getting new information and ideas?

-Laurel