The Future of Work - A Fireside Chat with CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.
Earlier this month, I got the opportunity to interview Johnny C. Taylor Jr. in a “fireside chat” format as we celebrated CenTex SHRM’s 50th anniversary. What a special day of conversation and connection with the leader of the world’s largest HR association. We talked about a lot of things including the future of work, and the change ahead of us in front of 200 business leaders at the CENTEX SHRM Annual Conference in Temple, Texas.
So many things that stood out including these two words - “Project Calm.” It’s what Johnny shared as his greatest leadership lesson from his interview with the 43rd President of the US, George W. Bush, at SHRM 22 in New Orleans. I knew this was going to be special, because Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is in a different lane. His energy is different. His presence is different. The way he responds to questions is different. It’s an attraction to many. When you can create, develop, and expand your skills, you will be in a different lane too.
Here is something else that got my attention.
As we began the session, Johnny made sure to acknowledge a few people in the audience, even the person in the back when he mentioned the color of their jacket (it was orange) and since he is from the Miami area, he mentioned the Miami Hurricanes followed up by, “I know we are in Texas” LOL! This reminded me of the importance to connect with everyone while on stage – even the person in the back of the room.
Following the session, I asked others what stood out to them during the session and thought I would share a few takeaways for you, as this is what’s ahead for business leaders.
What we heard!
A leader’s job is to “project calm”.
There is optimism in HR. People’s relationship with work has changed. HR is now looking for shifts in employees and to make predictions.
The trend of people having less children will further contribute to a talent shortage.
There will be 6% less people in HR in 3 years due to AI – start learning AI.
AI will be taking on all of the administrative based work. Companies that value their people will be using the next few years upskilling their people now.
AI = Hidden Figures Moment. We can now research to be able to advise employees to be prepared for potential changes due to AI.
DEI changed to I&D due to an overcorrection pertaining to equity.
Inclusion and Diversity means: Good diversity of all things, workplace unified, and business creative.
There are three pillars to an effective I&D Strategy- 1) Legally Defensive, 2) Workplace Unified, 3) Business Driven.
It takes an average of 37 minutes to recover from an act of incivility. Reducing productivity and costing 2.3 billion.
Chief Work Officer (CWO) vs Chief People Officer. This is the person that will optimize how the work actually gets done while mixing and combining AI and human talent.
We must continue to bring our best professional self to work over authentic self.
HR leaders must be workplace Meteorologist - forecasting the future of work and the workplace.
t’s time for HR to take back HR.
What you didn’t see or hear!
Following the conference, Johnny met with a few people before leaving the event including the board. I was in the room during this time as attendees were on break. Johnny shared his appreciation with the board members for the gift they had presented during his session. He shared how much he appreciated their work and the impact on building a better workplace for everyone in the community. He walked slowly through the crowd, as John Maxwell would say. He shared how much he appreciated each volunteer and valued his experience on stage. This made me smile. It was genuine. It was authentic, and it was filled with incredible kindness. This is the moment that stood out. It was a moment of gratitude, and I am grateful that I was able to see it in action. I am grateful for the opportunity to not only experience the chat, but experience connecting with the person leading the world’s largest HR organization, which gives me and others hope for what’s ahead.
Quote of the Day:
“We must find time to stop and thank the people around us. -President John F. Kennedy
Thank you, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. for your wisdom, your perspective, and mostly for your heart leading forward. What a special day! The energy and conversation was electric.
And special thanks to CENTEX SHRM for the invitation to emcee this special conference once again as you celebrate 50 years of excellence. What a special day and one we will always remember. Cheers to the next 50 🎉
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