HR: a Community of Practice!

A new blogger, Benjamin McCall from ReThinkHR.org is writing from an OD perspective, and looking to get some traffic over on his site.   He presents a great post directly my requested theme of “Community”.  Check out the post, and then go check out Ben’s new site!

“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.”

- Henrik Ibsen

There are so many buzz words that we come across on a daily basis. They are listed on easels within conference room walls. Talked about in meetings and tucked within policy manuals and handbooks. These terms that add no further value to our day have been spewed out of the mouths of management and then repeated by us to employees who have no idea or an understanding of the intent or meaning behind them. Phrases and terms like: strategy, cohesiveness, synergy, value-proposition, supply chain, 360 evaluations, branding, and even “reduction in force.” The list goes on.

From Drop Box

These words are packed into day long training sessions that often do not engage, infuse innovation, collaboration nor do they invite us to build or hold conversations. Just hearing the word “change management” often breaks down the relationship that you have tried so hard to build. I don’t think people truly appreciate what HR does for a company. Often times we find ourselves feeling alone. Alone in the situations we face, the environments we are in. Frustrated that you cannot express how you feel in the bad times, and silent by not being able to share our wins in those times that are good. Let me tell you, that is a terrible feeling. We all need connections, others who understand. We need individuals and groups that can recognize our failures while shouting out our moments of success. It is the most human part of us.

This brings me to the concept of Community. It is not new and whether online or in person it is becoming more and more prevalent. Yet the term cannot just be something we write about in blogs, search for in browsers or talk about in roundtables. Community needs to be built between individuals who are authentic in their intent and dynamic in their passion to serve. From my perspective we need to practice what we preach and do so within a community of like-minded and shared ideas. From Drop Box

Etienne Wenger states that communities of practice “are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do, and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” This community of practice is not just the friends on your Facebook or twitter account. It is not only the action of attending a monthly association you pay for. This community is about building others up when they are down, listening and sharing ideas, practices, approaches and even the most personal of moments to create lasting bonds and relationships. This not only builds a community but also trust.

On a kind of random note, while listening to NPR I came across a segment called “A human resource for HR workers” which told the story of a group of individuals within HR that hold meetings just to support each other. What a great thing. I hope we can do this often. Instead of just talking about strategy and workers comp, let’s hold a conversation and get to know each other beyond the tasks and terms and create a lasting community.

Personal Note: I was honored when Mike asked me to guest post and I just hope that I can live up to the expectation.

And you did, my friend!

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Tagged as: Business, Community, Community of practice, Facebook, human, Human Resources, National Public Radio, Online Communities