Well, it’s not REALLY my birthday. Technically it’s an anniversary but to me, it’s the day I am celebrating my re-birth.
One year ago today I started the HR Ringleader blog.
When I look back through the archives and see how I have grown as a writer, as a thinker, and as a person, I get emotional. Starting this blog has brought so much joy to my life. It has given me opportunities to express myself, to travel, to speak at numerous conferences and attend events. It has even given me the opportunity collaborate and co-create HRevolution. It has opened doors that I never knew existed. It helped me find a job that I love. Most importantly, it has been the catalyst for my meeting some of the most wonderful people (YOU) and gives me a way to build relationships and community.
I thought I’d share my very first post with you because I know many of you have never seen it. I won’t critique myself because let’s just say it’s pretty clear I have grown. What I will say is that it tells you WHY I have spent so many hours late at night or up early in the morning writing this labor of love. It explains what my goals were with the blog. You’ll have to tell me if you think I’m on track to achieving them. Thank you all for your support over the last year. You have helped make this experience one of the most rewarding of my life!
Welcome to the greatest show on earth….the HR Circus!
We all need a ringleader in this circus of a world we call HR.
After starting a personal blog recently and reading many blogs over the last few years, I have decided to take the plunge into writing one specifically for my industry- human resources. First, I wondered what I can contribute that is not out there and, after some thought, I think I can contribute a different spin than some of the other prominent HR blogs. I personally learn something new every day from those awesome blogs (you can find my favorite blogs on the ‘Recommended Blogs’ tab). What I hope to bring to the table is how one struggles with the daily HR issues in a corporate environment, where change comes more slowly, and how to successfully incorporate innovative and creative approaches to HR.
I chose HR Ringleader because according to Wickipedia, “the ringleader is often the most important and most-visible performer in the modern circus (aka HR in this case). He/she usually introduces the various actsand guides the audience through entertainment experience. Most modern-day ringleaders become an integral part of the performance, singing and dancing along with the other entertainers. The ringleader is responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of the show — or at least the appearance of it.”
To me, my role as a HR professional is more than just trying to have a seat at the table. It’s my attempt to guide employees through the work experience. I want to become an integral part of their performance and sometimes, I want to be able to “sing and dance” right along with them. I also want to do what I can to make the HR experience a smooth one for leaders and employees.
So, ladies and gentlemen, please join me over the coming months as I explore the greatest show on earth- the experience of human resources!
More soon….
19 Comments
Congratulations Trish! Your blog is on my list to read consistently. I would say that you’ve reached your goals and have become an important voice in this industry. Thank you for taking a step of courage to try something new. PS – Have you set any new goals for your blog?
Congratulations Trish! Has it only been a year? Well, what a year it has been. You are an amazing contributor, a champion for HR and one cool chick. See you in May.
I’m almost to my own one year mark, and I think you’ve done a lot better than I have in terms of consistency. 🙂 I’m really glad to know you and hope you stick around for a good, long time.
Yay! Congrats on the milestone!!! 🙂
Happy Blog Birthday! I only just came through mine…..congratulations on the achievement.
Happy Birthday HR Ringleader! What a milestone Trish. You have done quite a bit this past year and should be very proud. I have learned so much from you and appreciate all your social media guidance. Enjoy you day!
Congrats on your one year anniversary! Here’s to many more…
Wow, has it been a year already? I think you, Ben, and I took to blogging plunge around the same time. You’re an excellent writer and great person Trish. Here’s to many more blog birthdays and many more exciting adventures 🙂
Way to go Trish! You’re an inspiration. Wish I read as much as you write! Thanks,
Ron
Congratulations Trish. You are a terrific example of what one can accomplish with hard work and dedication to the (very challenging) task of persistent blogging. Happy bday!
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary Trish! I’ve enjoyed learning from you over the past year – and look forward to learning more in years to come!
Trish,
Best wishes for your 2nd year.
Sorry I’ve not been in touch since London – I’ve been been busy with clients, and other work – you’ll have hopefully seen Garath and I organised a London HR tweet-up (#ConnectingHR) and are now starting to think about an HR unconference (HREvolution style).
I have been considering whether I could attend HREvolution this year but I’m afraid costs and time requirements are probably going to rule it out again.
Best, Jon.
Happy Birthday To ya!
We will see where I am and what kind of following I have in 1 year. Ah to dream 🙂
Yay! So what’s next?
Jessica
@blogging4jobs
YES! We’ll have a drink and celebrate next week. Cannot wait to see you!
Thank you ALL for your lovely comments and wishes!
@Alicia- Thank you. I’m going to have to think about goald for year two and write about it. I’m just thrilled it has taken off and given me opportunities.
@Lisa- Ditto to you my cool HR chick. I am definitely looking forward to seeing you at HRevolution.
@Ben- Thanks my friend. When I looked back, you were one of the people who commented on my very first post. I may have written more on my blog during our first year, but YOU are kind of collaboration and “other” projects. Best of luck to you and we’ll celebrate your blog birthday soon.
@HR Minion- Thanks Shauna. It means so much to have you as a reader, and more importantly, as a friend.
@TheHRD- Congrats to you too my British friend! I’m still trying to get over your April Fool’s prank. lol
@HR Buoy- Thank you Chris. You, of all people, know how much my blog has meant to me personally. I am thrilled that you decided to find your voice online too. Looking forward to spending time with you in May and also around town.
@Sharlyn- Thank you so much. You know the joy it can bring to your life and the opportunities. So glad we’re both “in”.
@April- You’re right, you, Ben, and I all started about the same time. Look how we’ve all grown!! Looking forward to adventures with you.
@Ron- Thank you for the nice comment Ron. It’s hard writing five times a week, which is what I aim for, but I’ve learned the more I do it the more I want to do it. Funny how that works. Thanks for reading and commenting.
@Mark- Thank you. You know how much your words mean to me. Thank you for being a constant supporter, not only of this blog, but of me as a person. You are a true friend.
@Jennifer- Thank you. Coming from you, that is a huge compliment because I admire YOU so much. We definitely need to find a way to work on something together. Hey, sounds like I just set one of my goals for year two…. : )
@Jon- You, my friend, are one of the best reasons I can think of that people should consider blogging. If I had not made that decision a year ago, I would never have met you. Being able to make friends in other countires is certainly a benefit. Congrats to you and all the UK friends who are working hard to spread the messages and move our profession forward. We may not see each other soon, but I know that one day, we will again. Let’s definitely collaborate on something this year.
@Benjamin- Thank you. I have a funny feeling that your life is going to really take off VERY soon as well as your blog. Keep it up and I know great things will happen. Can’t wait to meet you in May.
@Jessica- Perfect question. Since you and I are both similar in our drive and motivation to do what we are doing, you know that I can’t just sit idle for long. After HRevolution, I need a few weeks of DOWNTIME, then I’m going to jump back in and hit it hard in June. Lots of new ideas and also want to fully support your new unconference venture with Bryan! So glad we met.
Congratulations, Trish. I recently found your blog and enjoy it very much. Keep up the awesome work.
Congrats. Your consistency in publishing posts and your consistency in writing inspires me. Always great topics with a breadth of subjects. Keep it up.