The new year presents a fresh start. If there is something you'd like to start doing, stop doing or change the way you are doing it, this is when many jump on the resolution train. Whether you are a resolution-maker or not, making something better is bound to be on your mind.

It is on mine. Right out front, I have my running (I plan to run a half-marathon), my food choices (I've been Paleo for over a year now but have begun to sugar-stray), my skin (time to pay my dues for my younger years of sun worship) and the coaching I give, receive and accept.

On my mind today (but only because of a prompt) is what I'd do to make HR better. So, here it is.

How human resource professionals are viewed has a direct impact on their ability to impact change. And in many cases, HR pros are viewed as transaction managers, or worse, a necessary evil. The stories about human resources go like this:

HR is hard to work with.
HR can't get the basics right.
Include HR, why? What do they do anyway?

The stories are not going to change on their own. Bob McDonald, then CEO, Proctor and Gamble said, "People are going to tell stories about you whether you want them to or not. Choose which ones they tell."

I love this quote for a few reasons: first, it's true and second, it puts HR professionals and leaders across the globe in the driver's seat. Don't like the stories? Change them. Quit hiding behind technology, leading with the employee handbook and blaming the economy for recruitment and retention challenges. Stop talking (what you think sounds expert and dazzling is actually distancing) and start listening.

Start by getting your HR house in order - strengthen your HR infrastructure and your HR workforce. Align business decisions with organizational objectives - focus on streamlining the hiring process, ensure employees have the necessary skills and abilities to do their jobs and develop targeted strategies to assist supervisors and managers with performance management. Share your success, take credit where credit is due and be nice to your friends.

Do this and I guarantee the conversations about HR will change and you will be sought out by others for your absolute awesomeness.

Changing the HR Story first appeared on lisarosendahl.com

After nine days off, two days of work, one day off and now, back to work for two days before another weekend, I don't know if I am coming or going! I decided to see what state of mind I was in as the holidays approached last year.

My daily happenings were not pretty so I'll skip over the details (you can read The Goals Post here) and offer you a reprise of four ways you can transform your new year into a year to remember.

Reflect. Where did you meet, exceed or fall short of your expectations? What impact will you have over the next 12 months? Who were you as a leader, colleague, family member or friend? What were you most proud of? Where will you pull back? Where will you stretch?
Focus. Take a tip from Chris Brogan and forgo the idea of a resolution. Instead, come up with 3 words that will help you define your goals and experiences for the coming year. As you move through the year, execute on the meaning of those three words each day.
Be Intentional. There is a difference between writing to produce new content and writing to change ideas. Whether you are writing, leading, recharging an exercise plan or starting a new business, define the "why" behind your choice. Take actions that support your intent and toss the rest.
Be Accountable. Not to bore you with platitudes but the means do not always justify the ends, your actions speak louder than your words, and you may fool some of the people some of the time but you won't fool them all. Really. Choose not to do business with those that are anything less than the real deal.

My 2013 ended much better than 2012 and I am working on my three words for 2014 now. Do you have a word or a set words that guide you?

By Lisa Rosendahl

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Changing the HR Story

{Looking Back} 2013 Goals Post

Lisa Rosendahl