A Note of Thanks

I have had the fortunate ability to be surrounded with HR wisdom! I have been mentored and encouraged by some of the best in the field of Higher Education Human Resources. At times I have felt severely under-prepared and at other times overqualified for a job. One thought that has been pervasive today is the blessings and thankfulness I have for meeting so many great HR colleagues through CUPA-HR.

I had to deal with a very delicate matter on this Monday. If it were not for the guidance from great friends over the years and the loving support that I feel even when they are not present it could have ended badly. One of the hardest things I believe for the HR profession is the conversations that you have behind closed doors. The decisions that you have to trust in your gut are the right decisions for the organization regardless of how you personally feel about the situation. Rationalizing that the good of the organization often supersede the good of the employee. I have come to adore the Utilitarian principle and know that I will try my best to be an advocate for each employee while trying to create environments where the organization can flourish.

Today after having some very difficult conversations I received a small gift in the mail from my friends at the CUPA-HR national office. Each year the association holds a leadership retreat for its leaders. I have been fortunate to participate in the last 5 and they have been awesome. I have met some lifelong friends each July and have been fortunate enough to help mold this organization in a small way by dialogue and conversations at this event.

There are lots of professional organizations that are great. I have been a member of several but have never felt the congeniality or authenticity that I feel when I attend CUPA-HR events. From state chapters, regional events and/or national events each is tailored to make the HR professional in Higher Education feel appreciated, unique and informed. Higher Education is a very different field than typical corporate climates and as such requires some additional effort and care in tailoring each message so that the greatest benefit can come out of each conference, webinar, blog, salary study, or conversation.

Intentionality! That's the word that comes to my mind when I hear CUPA-HR. The National Office, National Board, Regional Boards and all the various levels of leadership guide this organization with Intentionality. CUPA-HR is led by peers! These peers are always ready to divulge any knowledge that they may have gleaned over their years and are ready to share that knowledge to whomever has questions. I have seen and been a recipient first hand of this effort.

As I end this day I hold my head high. This Monday may have started on rocky ground but I walk into Tuesday with knowledge that whatever comes my way I have comrades and friends that I can lean on and talk with and that's what makes CUPA-HR the best HR organization around!

Thank you CUPA-HR from one indebted HR Director.

jamie


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