How to Disrupt HR, And What's Size Got to Do With It

It's time to Disrupt HR! Tune into this video of my recent presentation at DisruptHR New York (it's only 5 minutes long).

Don't Leave Culture To Chance | Colette Ellis | DisruptHR Talks from DisruptHR on Vimeo.

I shared my Don't Leave Culture to Chance presentation in May of this year at the Design a Happy + Healthy Company Conference. For this Ignite talk, I was challenged to share a disruptive idea related to company culture and talent management.

My disruptive idea is a bit cheeky (yes, a reference to size was made); yet I believe completely relevant to the discussion of how (and when) do leaders need to "worry about" defining company culture. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Also, if for no other reason, you can watch me #fail at making the Vulcan salute!

InStep Consulting is a Best for NYC Finalist

The best businesses don’t just make a profit — they improve the quality of life in the communities in which they operate.

That’s what I believe and why I'm proud to be a 2015 Best for NYC Finalist.

How is InStep Consulting Best for NYC? 

I completed the B Impact Assessment, a comprehensive assessment that measures a company’s impact on workers, the community and the environment. And I've made a commitment to improve our resutls. That means I'm measuring our success by our ability to create stronger communities, high quality jobs, and a healthier city. Read more about the Best for NYC campaign HERE.

As a Finalist in this first-ever municipally-led impact campaign, InStep is part of a larger, global movement to redefine success in business so that, one day, all companies strive to be not only the best IN their cities, but the best FOR their cities. InStep is among over 1,200 NYC companies that have committed to measuring their impact and making improvements — check out all the Best for NYC campaign participants HERE!

I am passionate about building a better business so that InStep can continue to uplift our community and invest in our team. I couldn’t do that without the support of people like you who believe in our mission — people who prove that doing good is good for business. Thank you for helping me to succeed where it truly matters.

I am proud to be Best FOR NYC!

Is Your Company Happy & Healthy? Learn 3 Ways to Measure on May 20

You're invited to the Happy & Healthy Company Conference | Presented by CMYK Ventures

Join me on May 20 from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm to discover new strategies and partners to help you design a happy and healthy company. Enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch, watch inspiring talks, and meet over 50 founders and leaders who manage Talent, Culture, People, and Recruiting programs at leading NYC companies including Industry Standard, Luminary Labs, and ustwo. 

I'm excited to be one of the Keynote Speakers, sharing strategies to define a culture that engages and inspires employees even as your company grows.

Learn strategies for improving internal communication, collaboration, happiness, and wellness. Meet business vendors to explore services that cater to workplace happiness. Participate in discussions and workshops on themes related to organizational design, including:

• Human Company Design
• Planning for Change
• Common Play
• Diversity & Inclusivity 

Get help to manage HR, recruiting, operations, snacks, perks, interior design + more! Register now to join us on May 20th -- see you there!

Are You Following the Evidence -- in Your Career or in Life?

Did YOU know? While only 16% of all men are over 6'2" tall, 57% of Fortune 500 CEOs are over 6'2". I learned this interesting fact during a recent presentation by Laura Liswood, author of The Loudest Duck.

What does this data suggest to you? Do you see any correlations in your organization?

Let's face it -- we get bombarded with lots of data (or evidence) on trends that are happening in the workplace and the world beyond. How can you figure out what information makes sense for you, or for your team? Following the evidence is about just that -- looking at data or statistics or even anecdotal information and evaluating it to see:

1. Is it valid (i.e., do you trust the source?)
2. Is it applicable to your team or organization?

In advance of our upcoming LIVE Follow the Evidence Diversity Training on Tuesday, June 15 (9am-12pm) here in New York, I thought I'd share the recording of the preview telecast.

Our process suggests you take a proactive instead of a reactive approach to gathering information, and seeing how your diversity management strategies work or don’t work and need to be adjusted – not just relying on "long-standing" but never proven traditions.

This time, we're speaking about it in terms of diversity. Yet, this evidence-based approach can be applied to all aspects of personal, team and organizational growth. You'll be more effective if you relentlessly seek new knowledge and insight, so you can keep updating your assumptions, skills and knowledge, and ground your decisions in the latest and best knowledge of what actually works.

How do YOU follow the evidence?

Outrageous Transitions: Career Twists & Turns

Thanks, Soni, for sharing your herstory with us!

Your comment about sudden stops and turns intrigued me. My career turns have been the transitions I've made across different industries. Over the years, I have transitioned from Law to Nonprofit to Corporate HR to Consulting to Entrepreneurship. It's been an exciting (and often challenging) journey!

One of the biggest challenges to overcome was convincing potential employers of my transferable skills (those abilities that would add value to their team regardless of the organization in which I learned them). I also had to become good at connecting the dots -- helping employers to understand the logic behind my career decisions.

But, enough about me! What about YOU? What outrageous career transitions have you made? What twists and turns have you had on your journey?

Or, have you had sudden career stops -- life or professional changes that caused you to leave the workforce? What was it like to come back? Share your experiences so we all can learn and grow!

Ever Made an Outrageous Career Transition?

While planning for the new year, some of my core advisors [thanks to AH, LSJ & SR!] and I were trying to come up with a slogan that would inspire us to keep focused on our goals. We all know how positive self-talk can give us courage to deal with various professional and personal obstacles. After some consideration and discussion, we decided to keep it simple. Our slogan is:

BE BOLD in 2007!

Each of us is free to use the slogan individually and share it as a gentle reminder to help each other press on despite challenges or naysayers. I thought I'd share it with you to begin a discussion that's been on my mind lately -- career transitions.

Have you ever made an OUTRAGEOUS career transition? You know, the type when you first told people the move you wanted to make they said: "What?!? No one's ever done THAT before?" or "Are you CRAZY? They'll never hire someone with your background?" I invite you to post your stories -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- and I will do the same. It's a great way to give encouragement and help each other avoid potential pitfalls.

Speaking of making bold transitions, my pal Diane Danielson (founder of Downtown Women's Club) would love to hear YOUR opinions on workplace issues like "opting out" out of the workforce. Take a few moments to complete her survey at: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB226447M65N8.