Where I'll Be: Federal Workplace Conference

If you are a federal HR professional or a leader in the federal workplace, you really have to take a look at attending the Federal Workplace Conference.

I attended for the first time in 2012 as the HR and EEO in the Federal Workplace conference and am heading back again in 2013.

Whether you're looking to brush up on your leadership or negotiation skills, get guidance on tackling employee leave, or need to know how to handle discrimination or workers' comp claims, the conference planners have got you covered.

• More than three dozen educational sessions: Proven techniques and compliance guidance will help you resolve your HR-related challenges and enhance your leadership skills. Plus, comprehensive coverage of recent EEOC, MSPB, FLRA and ECAB decisions will help you stay in compliance to avoid costly litigation.
• Networking and face-to-face communication with your peers: Discover what's working – and not working – for your agency colleagues from across the nation as you exchange ideas and share strategies.
• Insights and ideas from the federal community's most respected voices: First-class speakers will examine current issues and prepare you to face your toughest workplace challenges.

I am attending the conference as a guest of LRP to kick off the Human Capital Management Track with "Leadership, Credibility and the Federal HR Professional" and as a federal HR leader who values current, relevant information.    

Note: I was not asked to write this post and I am not being compensated to do so. I only recommend products or services I believe offer value or would be good for my readers.

Let me know if you are attending. We'll connect!

The Daily Grind: A Day in the Life Sunday

A middle-schooler waking up Monday morning wishing it was Saturday is one thing - asking to stay home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is another. Concerned, I  asked mine what was up. With a teary-eyed reply, "Momma, I'm stressed," I quickly realized the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Early morning wake-ups and after school activities were leaving the kid with little down time and she was just keeping up with her homework. She was one study hall away from falling behind and worried about it all the time. So, we talked.

After gently pointing out that there was no reason for her to not have her homework done after a four-day weekend, we talked about non-negotiables (school and sleep). We talked about the sports and after-school activities she was in and we talked about  choice. Did she want to discontinue an activity or sport? The choice was hers.

I then thought about how I move through my days and how I approach work, workload, and the daily grind. It's no wonder she wasn't handling school, homework and her flurry of activities well. She looked around her for guidance and didn't have a positive example to follow.

I'd like to say I'll change tomorrow and become less of whatever it is that keeps me wrapped so tight but that's not realistic.

What is realistic is that I pause more often, do whatever I need to do to unwind so I can be present at home and remember that my little girl needs me to always be aware of her, her life and all that happens in it.

There is nothing more sobering than seeing your choices reflected in the tears of your child.