This blog was written by wattsnext’s CEO Ben Watts as part of the #SHRMBloggers team for the 2019 SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition. To see the original article click here.
As I started packing my bag for #SHRM19 last night (SHRM is the largest Human Resource conference in the world) I had a moment of panic. My heart started racing. I can’t afford the time, there is too much happening, my task-list is a mile long….
I am the Chief Executive Officer of a Human Resources Consulting firm called wattsnext based in Australia, servicing Small to Medium businesses across Australia and Globally. For the past four years we have attended the SHRM annual conference in the United States. The past three years proudly as part of the #SHRMBloggers team. Global learning is part of our brand and we pride ourselves on being forward thinking HR Experts.
We all have a bubble of various size that we get trapped in. Some bubbles cover a home, others a business, some cover a city and others a country. But we all have bubbles that can limit our ability to grow.
A few years ago I was lucky enough to visit Richard Branson on Necker Island for a conference with an incredible group of Australian business owners. The group was small and the speakers world class, we all interacted for three days storytelling and experience sharing. Something that will always stick with me was Richard himself sat in on most sessions and meals. He took notes and asked questions like a keen graduate. His thirst for learning could not be quenched.
Human Resources as a function has traditionally been isolated inside businesses. Don’t get consumed by theoretical models, internal politics and drama. Open your mind to new ideas and experiences that expand your learning.
I better get back to packing! I’m looking forward to plenty of laughs and storytelling with the fellow #SHRMBloggers in a few days’ time. I would love to hear from Business owners, Senior Executives and HR professionals on how you maintain your thirst for learning.
How do you step outside your bubble?
#HRfortheModernWorld