(Editor’s Note: If it’s Monday, this must be Meghan’s #TChat Preview, right? Well, in the spirit of continuous improvement, we’re shifting the editorial flow. Starting this week, you’ll see #TChat Preview/Sneak Peek videos even earlier than before. Our Community Manager, Tim McDonald, is posting weekly previews on the weekend, so that Meghan is free on Mondays to share whatever is on her mind. That should keep us all guessing! Let us know what you think of this approach. And as always, thanks for your support!)

HR & Technology: A Natural Power Couple

I’m psyched about the upcoming HRO Today Forum in Philadelphia from April 30-May 2. This is a fun HR/Tech meeting of the minds. It’s always exciting and inspiring — filled with the best and brightest minds, and the latest cool and innovative HR technologies. In fact, this will be my second year serving as a judge at the Forum’s iTalent competition. Think of it as “The Voice” (or as I put it last year, “The X Factor”) for those of us who obsess over HR technology. I can’t wait to see who wins this showdown!

Read the full Forbes.com column now…

What Makes HR Tech So Powerful?

But of course, tech for tech’s sake isn’t the goal. It’s really about finding ways to create a better world of work. As I explain in my Forbes.com column this week…

Self-service is a key development in building and retaining a work-class workforce. It is a key leadership and learning tool. It is what the future looks like. And it’s here today. 

But … Self-service is no substitute for savvy hiring. It can take smart hiring to a new level, but never, ever forget that hiring is the bottom line in HR and leadership. If you hire wrong, all the “insanely great” self-service efficiency in the world will be worthless.

So, even as we embrace new ways to operate more efficiently and effectively, we need to keep our eyes on the strategic business prize. To see the full picture from my point-of-view, read my Forbes post:

“5 Attributes of a World-Class Workforce”

Bottom line: Technology is only as valuable and productive as the people using it. Until robots rule the world, people are your core asset. So let’s not lose sight of what really makes the world of work go around.

P.S. Want to explore the link between workforce strategy and technology in deeper detail? Then read this week’s #TChat Preview post, and join the conversation!

(Editorial Note: Want to read the RECAP of the week’s #TChat events? See “HR: What Are You Waiting For?)

Image Credit: Pixabay