Sometimes there is value in taking a break. I don’t mean taking a break in the sense of relaxation, but in removing yourself from some activity or situation. Sometimes it is intentional and sometimes it is beyond your control. Either way, it offers the ability to gain new perspective on the value of what you’re missing. I took a break from SHRM annual last year due to a client commitment. Now, I’m back at SHRM’s annual exposition and conference and it feels good.
Attending so many times in the past, I see that I was taking it for granted. I moved from being an awe-struck practitioner who gained valuable work insights, to speaking at the event. It was certainly electrifying and valuable in a new way, but I moved past seeing the real value in the whole experience. I became so focused on my own presentation, attending sessions just so I could blog or tweet, attending parties and receptions, and overbooking my schedule before the event even started. This year is different.
I am attending now as what I will call a “floater by choice”. I am lucky to speak on the Smart Stage and as a Take10 speaker, but plan to keep it casual and informative, not formal and over-prepared. I am intentionally not booking meetings and planning all the sessions I will attend. I am playing it by ear… taking it as it comes and following what seems interesting in the moment. I hope to find that this new perspective will ultimately bring me new, unique experiences and learning here. I will share all of that with you.
I’m back in the saddle, but it’s a different ride this time. Stay tuned for what I see and hear on my unstructured journey and follow #SHRM17 on Twitter for all the latest on sessions, learning and fun at the event. If you’re “back in the saddle” at SHRM17, find me and let’s meet or catch up.
*Thanks to Andrew Morton and Mary Kaylor for inviting me. Go to www.SHRM.org for more information on becoming a member, registering for next year’s event, or purchasing this year’s sessions On Demand.