I read an interesting Forbes article on CEO networking. It’s asks the question: Does the boss even really need to network? The answer: Yes–and he needs to do it better than anyone else.
Interesting, because there’s always been a problem with our local SHRM chapter. I imagine others around the country have the same problem. The C-Suite snub. I’m talking about the HR C-Suite mind you. Huh? This never made me mad, it just seemed curious. And now that I am on a C-Suite, I hate to admit…my local chapter participation has all but dwindled to a lunch or two this entire year. Double huh?
When I was on the board of our local chapter, there seemed to be an obvious absence in the C-Suite demographic. And from what I learned, this absence was nothing new. And apparently not very well hidden.
A public snub.
Coming from someone who was quite active, and as someone who still feels the sting of Jr. High, my translation: Holy crap, the cool-kids (C-Suite) think I’m a nerd. The Soc’s think I’m a Greaser (Stay Golden, Pony Boy….Stay golden…).
Disclaimer: Of course there is always a very passionate C-Suite contingency in the chapters. Ones that contribute a great deal. I’m not saying that C-Suite never participate; just in much smaller numbers. Much. And usually as either:
- A keynote speaker
- A member of an advisory board
Not much mixing with the masses. Which is a shame. But why? And really, should they or anybody care, and are they really missed?
- No you shouldn’t care. Don’t worry about who is at your chapter meeting. Go and focus on your own development. Network with who is there. If the HR VP isn’t there, there is a good chance their HR Director will be. Network with the director.
- Are they missed? Of course. There is a lot to be learned from the VP. A lot that can be contributed. But get over the notion that your small talk with the CHRO between bites of grilled chicken is going to land you a job. It usually doesn’t. You land the job networking with the HR Director. (see bullet one).
- Should they care? Yes. I think the VP is missing out more than the regular, ol’ member. Why? VP, you want to know what is going on with the trench hr pro; More importantly with the employees (YOUR employees) the trench HR pro serves. VP’s don’t have the reputation of being that connected to their constituents.
In all fairness, in most cases the C-Suite have:
- Paid their dues.
- Heard the HR lunchtime topics, ad nauseum.
- Really, and I don’t mean this snarky, simply don’t have the time to network in this way.
So, in the end…live and let live. Keep networking and supporting your local HR peeps. And I’ll try to do better in 2012 reconnecting myself.
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Dawn, I love this post. I talked about this recently with my new SHRM Chapter Director. His response surprised me. He said “SHRM is not for the C-Suite. SHRM’s objective is to serve the entry-level and mid-manager HR executive. SHRM helps educate, certify, network for jobs and create a local personal network of professionals that can follow a career path to the C-Suite. Why we keep thinking the VP’s should be here is beyond me? If they come it is to keep in touch with the local talent pool, to offer nuggets of education and to speak. They don’t utilize the organization the way the bulk of the membership does. And I don’t know why we expect more than a one or two appearances a year. And those appearances are usually because they are invited for a specific purpose.” His view of the C-Suite was as “invitation-only”. Invite them to share their wisdom if you want them involved and when you do promote the HR talent the chapter supports. It is not meant to snub. Maybe we snub them not inviting them more often with purpose?
You should come back to BSHRM Dawn, we miss you.
@designtwit interesting that the official stance from your SHRM director VP dev was not part of the chapter objectives. Seems a little to far from center to me. Althought it is pragmatic. I do think the chapters snub a bit by not inviting more VPs. In the least there should be quarterly meetings for just VP level who would learn more topics related to their role. But then you have to ask the question….what topics should only be limited to the C-Suite. Also, there is the question of money. Sorry– but more attendees to anything generates more revenue.
@adowling I miss you too!!!! I should be there this month….