NOVEMBER 2021HR TECH OUTLOOK8In MyOpinionDamon J. Porter, Chief Human Resources Officer, Grange InsuranceByWhile taking a trip back to my hometown to visit my parents, I stumbled upon several photos from my ninth birthday party. I smiled as I viewed the old pictures, which captured one of my fondest childhood memories. My friends and I had a blast on that autumn Saturday afternoon, playing games at the party venue, being entertained by clowns, happily munching on burgers and fries, and sipping on chocolate milkshakes. It had been a birthday party I would never forget.My nostalgia, however, was interrupted by my parents who had a very different recollection of that same birthday party. They recalled that the servers and hosts at the venue had been extremely rude, the food was almost inedible, and the cleanliness of the establishment had not been a priority! It was clear they had never forgotten the party either­but for very different reasons.These contrasting perspectives helped to reinforce an important life lesson for me: Even when individuals collectively experience the same event, they can sometimes have completely different viewpoints of that event. I cannot help but reflect on this statement as I think about our current global COVID-19 pandemic. The range of viewpoints related to the corona virus is as broad as they are varied. Everywhere you turn there are differing opinions about the disease, its origin, how it is treated, who it impacts, its risk factors, its severity, and the overwhelming public response to it. Some people are concerned that we have not done enough to combat the pandemic; others feel that we have done too much. Many have pointed to the ever-increasing number of confirmed cases; others have touted the fact that the number of confirmed cases is lower than what some experts had initially projected.As Human Resources professionals, we have an opportunity to positively influence the overall experience of our employees during these uncertain times. In parallel, we are also well-positioned to help our respective companies make smart and practical business decisions. As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters, I suggest we continually keep in mind the following simple tactics which can help elevate our value as HR practitioners:The ABC's of HR Influence During a Crisis:Act AuthenticallyMany people are struggling. Jobs are being lost, families are being negatively impacted, and companies are being pushed to the brink of failure. During these trying times, it is more important than ever for HR employees to be authentic, genuine partners. It is okay to not have all the answers. It is fine to acknowledge that we each experience various ups and downs in the workplace, wherever that workplace may now physically be. In all of your dealings with others, show compassion and empathy. Be human. Be real. Be authentic.Be BoldThis is the time to stand up and make a difference. These unique pandemic circumstances, in many ways, can create new and different opportunities for HR teams to thrive. Proactively engage with employees. Ensure your voice is heard. Embrace the opportunity to uplift others. Be an With so many unanswered questions on the horizon and countless important organizational decisions to be made, it is the perfect time to confidently step forward to help lead through the crisisDamon J. PorterTHE ABC'S OF HR INFLUENCE DURING TIMES OF CRISIS
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