Engaging, dynamic and operationally focused: these are the top 3 attributes that I believe best describe Christine. She possesses a rare ability to connect people development with real, tangible operational priorities.
Jeff Fielding, Insurance Corporation of BC

HR Summit 2012- Ignite a Social Workplace with Impact99

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What started as a vision over a coffee a year ago in Vancouver is now an annual HR event like none other. We are just a few weeks away from unveiling the 2012 Impact99 website and launching registration.

(You can get a sneak peak and sign up for the VIP list here)  

So what is a “Social” workplace? 

In a world where customers want to connect with the brands they like in a more instant, authentic, connected way, how do senior leaders organize the business, its systems, its people and its technology to best enable that? 

At the intersection of People, Process and Techonology lies the world of social business. When we talk about igniting a social workplace we mean re-thinking how we collaborate, communicate, motivate, give feedback, get feedback, develop and any other series of employee touchpoints with the organization they work for. 

Why do HR leaders need to pay attention?

Senior HR leaders are relied upon by their executives to design and execute a human capital strategy that positions the company for success. Whereas even 12-24 months ago HR leaders might have said “social media? why would I need to know about that?” today HR leaders are scrambling to increase their own digital IQ and understanding of some very important trends emerging that impact their ability to attract and retain talent in a digital world.

1.   What happens with a “hyper connected” workplace where people are attached to their personal devices 24-7?

2. What new platforms will replace many HR processes like reviews, talent management, even recruiting and goal setting? 

3. What is the impact of digital “Natives” (Gen Y) entering the workforce expecting to function in a way that is foreign from current practice? 

4. How are personal brands of leaders and business brands (and even employer brands) all connected in a digital age? 

5. What are the risks and legal ramifications of “social” in the workplace? 

6. How can HR be a catalyst to “ignite” a new kind of workplace culture.. and create greater activation at all levels of the organization? 

7. Who are the leaders and companies we can learn from? what HR leaders are re-shaping the profession? 

Screen shot 2012 03 31 at 9.28.22 PM1 HR Summit 2012  Ignite a Social Workplace with Impact99

What’s new for 2012 events? 

You are incredibly busy, and we understand the value of you taking a day away from the office to attent ANY event. We also know there is a FLOOD of information out there and you don’t have time to sift through it all one piece at a time. 


In one day, we believe we have assembled the top thought leaders in social business and social HR. The event is hands on and loaded with relevant, actionable steps to take the minute you leave the event. 

Keynote Speeches, Panels of HR leaders from some of the world’s most respected brands, a CEO dragon’s den where we put some of our top picks for thought leaders in Social business and HR in front of a panel of actual CEOs to debate salient issues… and a once in a lifetime chance to book a private 1:1 session with one of the speakers to talk about how this all matters to YOUR business 

Screen shot 2012 03 31 at 9.28.22 PM1 HR Summit 2012  Ignite a Social Workplace with Impact99

What do I do now?

Go to http://www.impact99.ca and get on the VIP list to be the first to get updates and access extra content

Follow the conversation on twitter with us #impact99 hashtag is where we hang out, @followimpact99 is our twitter name or find us on facebook or youtube. Ask ANY question you like, none is too small.

Block off Oct 2nd in your Vancouver Calendar and third week of October in your Toronto calendar and prepare to IGNITE something amazing- for yourself and your organization.  

 

 

Go ahead. Join us. You won’t regret it http://www.impact99.ca

 

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You can call me B – Impact’s newest voice

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Well you can call me B, but my full name is Bria Ann Darlington; I am a tourism student at Capilano University living in between Squamish and Whistler and now the newest addition to Impact People Practices!

I first had the opportunity to meet Christine when she spoke to our Human Resources class a few months ago; after she left us with her food for thought, she immediately had the wheels in my mind turning and I was motivated, I wanted to be a part of her team and now here I am! I will be doing a four month internship with Christine and the team.. getting my hands into all aspects of the business ! 

Screen shot 2012 04 29 at 10.40.56 PM 300x295 You can call me B   Impacts newest voiceI am a born and raised local Whistler gal, so of course I love the outdoors and our beautiful Mountains in all seasons but summer is my favourite time of year.

I have been on skis since I was four years old which ended up taking me to the BC women’s provincial Alpine team in 2008, and then to starting the BC Women’s provincial Ski Cross team in 2009 and 2010 which included participating in World Cup events with the Canadian National Ski Cross Team. Now, I ski recreationally, I chose to go to University instead of remaining in competition so I could pursue my career and love for tourism and local business.

I know growing up in Whistler has provided me with a different and unique outlook on life, and I have a strong connection to my home roots which is why I can’t wait for my career to grow in the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

My passions lie in yoga, spending time outdoors, and exploring everything I can. I see myself as outgoing but committed to the things I love; I cannot wait to start this path with Impact People Practices to learn about the Human Resources world and everything else the team will share me!

Note from Christine
I am delighted to welcome Bria to the team and hope you will join me in making her feel as welcome as possible by commenting below and saying hello!

As Impact People Practices gets more and more focused on Tourism Industry (Resort, Recreation and Hospitality) in BC and beyond, having someone with Bria’s background and energy on the team is going to help us truly help Operators impact results by impacting their people practices. You can read more about the rest of the Impact Team here 

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Finding your voice- in life and at work

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A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting my 15 month old grandson, Roudi. He had just started to say his first words and was so excited to try to communicate these with me. You could see the wonder in his eyes as he showed me his toys and was trying to voice their names. Everything is brand new in his eyes and it is a joy to behold and to watch him test out his new voice.

So this got me thinking of how often in life we find our “voice”. How life lessons have helped shape and fine – tune our voice. Continue reading

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What in the world have we been up to?

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We have lots cooking here and each deserves its own blog post… today here is a quick “roundup” of what we have on the go!  

1. Rebrand of Impact People Practices:
The Business model, brand and site are getting a makeover as Christine McLeod becomes ONE of the faces on Impact People Practices, not THE face of it! The vision remains unchanged around being THE go-to place for Innovative HR and our structure and model now has an opportunity to go to the next level to help you do that! We have done a soft launch on some packages where businesses can tap into the collective wisdom of our group and take their HR practices to the next level. 

2. Launch of Christine McLeod brand/site:
As I  get more requests personally to speak and consult, I am delighted to be working with Melanie Bitner of Brand-her.com to develop my personal brand and series of offerings. I am so excited to be speaking more and more.. I know I am at my happiest I think when I have an ability to move the dial and shift consciousness towards action. Recent speaking engagements include BC Mission Chamber of Commerce, ICBC, BC public School Employer’s Association and BCHRMA HR Cafe with 200 HR leaders. Coming up in May I have been invited to speak on the Social Media panel for Corporate State Canada- an exclusive conference for Women C-Suite Leaders. Yahoo!

 

 

Impact99 Twitter Profile Image What in the world have we been up to? 3. Re-fresh of Impact99 brand and 2012 launch : 
Together with the amazing Pamela Ross of Pam Ross Consulting, I am SO excited to present Canada’s HR Summit Series – Ignite a Social Workplace with Impact99 and build on last year’s success. We are bringing together the top thought leaders and HR professionals in one place to help senior HR and business leaders become more strategic and technically comfortable with the concepts and practices associated with social workplaces. Save the date Oct 1 2012 for the Vancouver event and a few weeks later in Toronto!

4. Welcoming new associates and interns!:
You have already met Janice and Kimberly Impact’s newest associates.. later this month you will meet the first of the Impact People Practices INTERNS for 2012!

5. Membership site and new products;
Working on this one for mid-summer, hoping to launch an incredible membership site for HR leaders looking for mentorship/coaching/best practices/training to design incredible employee experiences- in a digital world.

6. Impact99 at conferences and in your organization:
Pam and I have designed a series of programs- from 1 hour plenary to full day training to help leaders understand Social Media in a way they never have been exposed to. get in touch for more details- whether its a team of 100 or a conference of 1000!

7. Giving Back:
I am about halfway there raising the funds to build a Playground for kids in the Middle East – in countries ravaged by war. In December I launched my campaign and to date we have raised about $4700 out of about $9000 needed. Impact People Practices gives $1 per facebook fan to charity and 5% of its profits- until we get to that $9000 we will continue to work with Playground Builders

8. Personal:
I am loving life and although at times it feels like it’s on the brink of chaos, I have a sense of calm and vision that tells me in my heart I am exactly where I need to be. We just celebrated as a family what would have been our first daughter Caitlin Anne’s 7 year birthday if she was still with us (See blog post for our story) and am about to hang out with my amazing family for Easter at our family cabin. I have started running again getting ready for a 15KM trail race and feels great. Life is good.
Stay posted in the next month 

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Teaching an old dog new tricks

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So here I stand at the precipice of becoming a social media devotee. Perhaps it has something to do with my advancing years (aka young senior) and creeping complacency, finding comfort in what I know and where I have been.  I have come to the realization that to feel fully engaged in life curiosity is everything and that embracing change can help to fire the neurons.

For those of you who are social media wise, I ask for your patience in reading this blog, I am thinking there maybe some take-a-ways. For those of you who can empathize with my plight of becoming social media savvy, I am hoping that my experience will help to enlighten.

So this is what I have learned so far:

1)   Partner with some one who is social media aware and can act as a mentor

2)   Dip your toe in and start exploring the Internet; type in Social Media and stand back for the onslaught of websites that will greet your eyes.

3)   Think of yourself as an adventurer, exploring unchartered territory, you may find destinations that intrigue you and want to explore further and others that are totally off course

4)   Be curious about how social media tools can expand your life. Learn about social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and there are a gazillion others! Ask someone in the know.

5)   Become knowledgeable about the risks associated with social networks; ask other experts, read the terms and conditions posted on the social media websites, and be thoughtful about the type of information that you post.

6)   Take the first step and open, for example, a Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn account.

7)   Learn about posting protocol, I had to hunt for this one. When you join a social network typically they give you a quick intro on how easy it is to post and link to others. What is often missing is a short course on how to post, posting etiquette and the type of information that may or may not be appropriate. To a large extent I have learned from trial and error. Who knew you were not suppose to hit the “return key” when posting a comment on Linkedin before you had finished your thoughts, and whoops wanted to retract something you said!

8)   Be patient with yourself but be persistent and have fun exploring our “techy” new world

So these are some of my ABC’s for starting my social media journey. What I have also learned is that social media is here to stay and is becoming an essential tool for businesses young and old, regardless of size. The social media world opens up so many possibilities and opportunities. 

Need help? Our team at  Impact People Practices is positioned well to guide you on your social media journey and help you discover the right tools to advance your business practices. If they can teach “this old dog new tricks” you can be sure they can help you develop your business.

 

Screen shot 2012 02 24 at 10.24.10 PM Teaching an old dog new tricksJan brings her extensive knowledge and over 25 years of experience in workplace health to People Impact Practices. She has worked with organizations large and small to develop healthy workplace practices that grow and strengthen people and organizational performance.

She has a talent for zoning in on key issues and for developing practical solutions for building organizational capacity. Jan applies her considerable skills as a consultant, coach and facilitator to assist individuals, teams and leaders enhance their physical, emotional and social health practices.  She is driven by a passion to assist individuals and organizations achieve their full potential

You can find her at @janmconsulting on Twitter

 

 

 

 

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