Part 1: Networking
''Put the 'Human' back into Human Resources''
This weekend, I was invited to my first CIPD conference by my mentor, Amarachi Amaugo. I left the conference feeling excited, energised and equipped to make a positive change to the lives of employees in what some would consider an ever-changing work environment.
Over the course of this week, I will be publishing (short-ish) opinion based articles on both my experience and the notes I made during the conference. I will ask myself (and hopefully answer) the question, 'What can I do to 'Put the 'Human' back into Human Resources?' I hope my experiences and thoughts can start a positive conversation around the topic of HR and networking in general.
My views are my own and are not that of my mentor, or any connected or mentioned organisation or individual. I welcome all respectful and constructive opinions and criticisms. Enjoy.
'Can I use this table?'
I arrived super early and knew no-one so I awkwardly milled around the various stands, picking up leaflets and lapel pins as I went along. It was like the very first seminar of university; but instead of ice-breakers, you are advised to 'Grab a coffee, start a conversation and get ready for a great day' so I did. I am far too shy to insert myself into a group so I scoped the room for someone who was like me, alone.
'Can use this table?' I said awkwardly. 'Yes, sure!' said (I later learnt) Myra, and we got talking. It was the first conference both of us had attended. We spoke about our jobs, what industry we worked in, where we travelled from and our individual challenges at work and how we manage them. Was this it? was this networking? It was, from that conversation, I gained insight on how I could possibly overcome a professional hurdle of my own.
The thought of networking is/ can be intimidating, we hear high-flyers talk about it often; network, network, network, I mean, that's the whole point of this platform. To any student or recent graduate, I say to you, be your authentic self when entering into a conversation, don't go in 'with what can I get out of this?' in mind. Be you, you are enough. You will get what you need.
Retired - Associate Professor in People and Organisations
5 年'Authentic self' every time
Empowering female leaders to develop personal resilience to live an even more productive, healthier and fulfilling life for longer ?? NCSC@NeuroChangeSolutions | Changing organisations from the inside out
5 年I remember when I first started networking, I had no idea what I was doing. It felt scary and lonely. Over the years many people have told me that there is a 'strategy' to networking. However what works for me is understanding the importance of building relationships, getting to know people and connecting at a human level. Being clear on this makes networking for me so much more enjoyable.?
HR Manager at PwC Malta │ Coaching│ High Performance │ Rugby 7s Athlete │
5 年I love this piece Keshana and the fact that you're committed to reflection and open to sharing your opinions. I strongly believe that that's part of being an HR professional and growing in this field. Well done ?? It was an absolute pleasure to have met you and thank you for coming! Hopefully this was the first of many conferences and the first of many initiatives you take to go beyond your comfort zone and try new things. Wish you all the best, and I look forward to seeing you again soon !
Application Support - Senior Associate - CIB at J.P. Morgan Chase
5 年Very insightful thank you Keshana D., LL.B, MA, Assoc. CIPD
Senior Lecturer in HRM at De Montfort University
5 年So glad you could make it Keshana D., LL.B, MA, Assoc. CIPD