We launched our second HRoundtable this past week with the help of my long-time friend and wonderful consultant, business owner Sonya Kemp. Sonya believes in the notion that giving to others and allowing a group to learn from each other strengthens the outcome for everyone. Adam Grant talks about this in his giving book, "Give and Take." We have eight wonderful managers in this group from premier companies and they are already demonstrating their passion to give to each other and learn.
They are energized to be sitting at the table with their peers from other companies and industries. The range of perspectives is broad and fascinating. They will meet quarterly to focus on forward looking ideas in order to build their influence as new managers and strengthen their strategic points of view.
The idea of a peer learning group is not new. We have seen many models like this across the executive suite and beyond into other functional areas. What is exciting about this group and our HRoundtable in general is that we build the notion of giving from the start and it becomes the norm for the group. People carry it forward in their interactions and ultimately this improves the process and how they contribute overall. The bar is raised on who fits in the group and how they will build enriched networks and collaborate too.
It dawned on me that the HRoundtable that Sonya is now leading is embracing the four attributes that contribute to being a giver. As Adam Grant writes about this in his book he states that "givers rise to the top." The have a unique approach that includes; networking, collaborating, evaluating and influencing. Adam also explores how givers, takers and matchers build networks. It is quite different. The taker might be described as a self promoter or self absorbed. The giver looks at the world in abundance terms and in generosity. Givers gain. Thank you Sonya for being a part of this newly formed group and giving your generous spirit and experiences to this team.