Yesterday I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the HR Star conference in Cleveland.
Mainly attended by local HR professionals, this conference had a real community atmosphere, a well-rounded conference agenda and quality speakers. Personal touches abounded at the conference, like a request for donations to a local organization that supports the homeless accompanying confirmation of registration.
Since my booth was located in the main ballroom, I had the opportunity to listen to many presentations. Two of these included a presentation by: Casey McNeal, Ph.D., International Author, Speaker & Trainer National Seminars Group/Padgett-Thompson/Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center and Kurt D. Southam, Ph.D., President, Southam Consulting, LLC. Both of these presentations focused on communication and I took away the following points:
From Casey McNeal´s presentation:
-"When people like the way they feel when they interact with you that is when they transfer power."
-"Take an interest, rather than taking a position," and always, "turn to the scope of the solution."
-"Strive to be transformational - not transactional."
From Kurt D. Southham´s presentation:
-In high stakes interactions, which involve opposing opinions and strong emotions - we generally either turn to silence or violence - neither of which is effective.
-When you are stuck, there is most likely a crucial conversation that needs to occur that is holding you back
-Candor and Respect are the two essential elements contained in successful crucial conversations.
HR Star conferences took place in 2006 in Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Cleveland.
