HR Career Development Tips! Win a Book! We'll post an ongoing message providing career development tips for you. You are invited to submit tips about what has worked for you in career development. When I use the expression "career development," I'm thinking about how you obtained promotions, expanded job responsibilities, additional staff and functions, and positive feedback from your organization. I'm also interested in hearing about what helps you feel fulfilled in your career. I will draw a name from the submitted tips every two weeks and the selected individual will win a book.

• The most significant career development idea for HR professionals is to get out of the HR office and become viewed as a resource by your line management organization. This requires spending time in their work area. You'll want to solicit invitations to their staff meetings, meet with willing managers regularly to discuss people issues, and support their communication, reward, recognition, and training and development initiatives. The key is to establish the relationships and the view of the HR function as a positive resource. This will move you away from the traditional view of HR as the systematizing, policing, rule-making arm of executive management and into the realm of valued resource.

Don't Forget the Basics: In the May issue of the Human Resource Executive, the article, "Seeking Equilibrium," emphasizes that the current rush of HR Departments to become strategic partners with the business cannot get in the way of the fundamentals. The article emphasizes the need for the HR department to continue to provide the basic help and information that organization members need. The article also recommends that technology can provide solutions that free up the time of the HR staff while allowing them to still serve employee needs well. An example of a technology solution is providing benefit information, sign-up, switching and updating online.

While this story is not online, you can read their current cover story. In case you are unfamiliar with it, this magazine is an excellent HR resource. I value this publication and the SHRM publications a great deal.

Poll About Vacations: In a recent poll, I asked site visitors if they plan to take a vacation this year? Good for you! The research supports you need some time away from work. Two weeks is best!

• Yes, I absolutely need some time away: 65 percent
  
• Yes, but I've reduced the time away: 10 percent
• No, I can't afford the time away from work: 0 percent
• No, the place would fall apart without me: 0 percent
• No, I cannot financially afford one: 9 percent
• Maybe, it depends on the economy: 3 percent
• Maybe, it depends on my work load: 10 percent
• Not on your life -- ever: 0 percent
• Vacation? What's that? 1 percent