My three personal reflections for 2019

It’s that time of the year again when Santa is riding his sleigh, the familiar refrain of Jingle Bells rings out across the airwaves, and good intentions for 2019 are shared with one another. As the end of 2018 approaches and 2019 is standing at the doorstep, I felt the need to give you my three personal reflections to start of 2019 and let it be unpacked by all of you as my personal New Year’s wish.

1. MY PERSONAL REFLECTION - THE PAST

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.”

Somewhat 2 years ago, full of energy, I changed from Tessenderlo Group to SWIFT based on my motivational drivers of being positive, connected, curious & courageous. I looked for an environment/function which stimulates innovation, which enables the next level of HR X.0 (disruptive, out of the box, zigzag,…whatever the name may be), which promotes taking ownership of things outside the own area of expertise, where business leaders see the real value of HR, where trust & team work is embedded in everyday live. It is my firm belief that HR, by proving their add value, should be a shareholder of the business, as people drive the business.

2. MY PERSONAL REFLECTION - THE PRESENT

“To accept the challenge of the unknown, in spite of all fears, is courage. The fears are there, but if you go on accepting the challenge again and again, slowly slowly those fears disappear”

After an intense period of 2 years, with great internal projects & achievements, I personally decided, after thorough reflections, to leave SWIFT for a few reasons. First of all, as a fact of life, a lot of things grow, change, disappear, transform,... and both myself and SWIFT have evolved in different directions. Secondly, my firm beliefs into what an HR function actually means could not be matched with my internal aspirations. In hindsight, a bold courageous decision, but one linking up with my inner self. I leave behind a great number of colleagues, friends, experiences, learnings that will have a never ending impact on my professional career. Accepting the fear and the challenge. But hey, here it comes,....

3. MY PERSONAL REFLECTION - THE FUTURE

“Leave who you were. Love who you are. Look forward to who you will become.”

That’s why as from now I am actively seeking a new function/environment which:

• provides a next step as challenge through leading a full progressive (international) HR function; by creating the right environment for all, not by being the hero: and/or
• creates ownership in crafting new progressive HR practices aligned with the new disruptive world we are living in, linking up with the employee experience ; and/or
•  builds HRtech solutions linking customer & employee expectations; and/or
• builds on my broad knowledge/practice of the full spectrum of HR; and/or
• allows me to make use in this agile world of my coaching skills acquired during a deep and intensive professional coaching trajectory (resilience) in the last 9 months;

Be it as employee, independent, freelancer, owner,….whatever serves the purpose. Core and non-negotiable though is an environment of trust & teamwork.  Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.

I believe that HR (and potentially society) is at the crossroads of its existence, needing to reinvent itself in many ways. As a senior HR pilot, I would like to be part of this change, even lead it, not by being the hero, but really creating the right environment, where each actor can play an important role and spread its wings (using its strength), by building future proof (digital) companies. I want to make sure every actor within the company feels part of the purpose, make sure they have all necessary tools & means to grow/learn/succeed, and become the individual, expert or leader they want to be, so they feel empowered to make the world a little bit better. A wish I duly cherish for everyone in 2019 and beyond. Happy New Year to all!!!

Steven Claes

Important: If we might find each other in working together, you might be able to introduce me towards interesting people, if we might find each other in possible ventures in whatever format, if you are looking for a sparring partner, a listening ear without commitment, don’t hesitate to let me know through a personal message or differently ! I will surely reply to all of you.

I am kindly asking you to share my message in your network! SHARING IS CARING !!! Maybe some others do recognize themselves in these reflections as well.