Simplifying Management
A Second Nail
Blogs - Simplifying Management
Our time spent with Dr. Stephenson was well worth it.
Starting out as a Quantum Chemist and then changing to become a social anthropologist gives Dr. Stephenson a unique view on things. More importantly, she brings to the discussion of culture a scientific approach and viewpoints.
Listening to her recount some of her adventures along the way of her research is like reading an adventure novel -- full of intrigue, surprise, challenge, and exciting endings. I really enjoyed hearing about how her research into social networks and social capital tie into the needs and challenges of human capital.
A good example is a discussion we had regarding Succession Planning. Through her research, Dr. Stephenson can identify individuals in an organization who most effectively use the currency of trust to deliver results. Vetting this list of people, comparing it to the developed list of potential successors, and focusing additional development is like hanging a picture.
Last weekend I hung some family pictures. You must understand that I don't like hanging pictures.
Who Can You Really Trust?
Blogs - Simplifying Management
Working with Hanna Resource Group is a great adventure. Along the way, I've been able to meet some very interesting and capable people. Today, I'm looking forward to meeting Dr. Karen Stephenson.
Dr. Stephenson is a corporate anthropologist. I admit, I had to think about that one for a minute. More simply, Dr. Stephenson studies how organizations work based on the relationships of people. One of the most engaging aspects of her work is how she views the organization as a trust network rather than an organizational hierarchy.
As I've learned more about Dr. Stephenson's research and work, I've come to better appreciate just how important it is for us Human Capital professionals to understand the "inner workings" of the organization in addition to managing the hierarchical structure. Most of us intuitively know we need to find and engage key change agents in the organization. We know we need to identify and commit key stakeholders. But do we really know who these people are? Do we understand the different roles these people may truly play? Do we have a good way to identify each of these and then understand specifically what they can do to help the organization succeed? Maybe.
Now an Integrated Blog
Blogs - Simplifying Management
We are excited to announce we now have our blog integrated into our website. Prior blog entries can be found at Hassle-Free Management.
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