Business and the Spirit of Sharing: #TChat Recap
Good vibrations. Could you feel them all around yesterday? It’s not just because the holidays are upon us, but because it was 12-12-12 – a day of harmonic convergence. Astrologers proclaimed peace across the universe. The Concert for Sandy Relief rocked Madison Square Garden. And the TalentCulture “world of work” community joined virtual hands around the Twitter stream to align the social responsibility stars.
Live from New York, #TChat moderator Meghan M. Biro, and community manager, Tim McDonald, steered the flow of conversation while sharing holiday cheer with the innovative folks at NYC’s Internet Media Labs. It was a great capstone in a week at TalentCulture that focused on corporate responsibility, social impact and the spirit of the holiday season.
SUN 12/9
Meghan’s Forbes.com post: “5 Traits of Leaders Who are Ready for Social Good”
MON 12/10
#TChat weekly preview post: “The Grinch & The World of Work”
TUE 12/11
Google+ Hangout video: Meghan Peters, Community Manager at Mashable, talked with Tim McDonald about simple ways that companies can make a difference.
#TChat Radio program: Meghan Peters and Brian Sirgutz, SVP of Social Impact at The Huffington Post, discussed issues and opportunities in social responsibility with hosts Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman.
WED 12/12
#TChat: The Wednesday night chat crew took the Twitter stream by storm for a spirited discussion about organizational giving and the greater good.
So, what have we learned from all this interaction? Did we discover more about why and how business should give back to employees and the community at large? Were we inspired to do more in our organizations and communities?
As I mentioned during last night’s chat wrap, the energy was fun and inspiring, quirky and cynical. Just like a slice of society – all in one happy fruitcake. That’s #TChat! Here are a few takeaways to review and pass along. (Remember – sharing is caring!)
To see full highlights from yesterday’s #TChat session, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
On the meaning and value of corporate responsibility:
“I almost hate the term ‘social good.’ Just do good. Always. To everyone.” jocelynaucoin
“#Socialgood has become far too trendy + hip leaving it as an obligation for most orgs” MillennialTweet
“I want someone’s definition of #socialgood? A holiday party, Christmas cards, community giving?” megburkett
On commitment to giving:
“Giving at Christmas shows you have the holiday spirit. Giving year around shows you have a giving spirit.” Beverly_Davis
“If you feel like you *have* to give thanks during the holiday season, you’re doing it wrong.” brentskinner
“In many cases the need is greater outside the holiday season, when people aren’t thinking about it as much.” pamelamaeross
On demonstrating gratitude to employees:
“Here’s a thought: integrate gratitude into everything you do every day with everyone.” DawnRasmussen
“Are we making this too complicated? I received a box of Christmas cookies today… and I’ve been smiling all day.” YouTernMark
“Homemade baked goods open hearts!” ReCenterMoment
“Gratitude: Send a email to employee and cc in your +1 – thanking them for specific accomplishments” levyrecruits
“Recognize that 1 size does not fit all. Know ur folks- u’ll know how to express gratitude that does them justice.” MillennialTweet
On leading by example in the community:
“No one should wait for permission, or a title on a business card, to lead/inspire others to do to good.” YouTernMark
“Projecting an image is called marketing…doing is called being a professional…” levyrecruits
“Leaders fall short when they promote #socialgood activities but only on employees own time” AlliPolin
“Matching contributions to charitable organizations of ees choice is a way to encourage good and it is not forced.” TomBolt
“Gr8 examples of enterprise contribution yr rnd: gatesfoundation & many offshoots, initiatives by dell, ge & many others” justcoachit
For me, the top takeaway this week came from The Huffington Post’s Brian Sirgutz. He asked a simple question that is essential to socially conscious individuals and organizations, alike:
“How do people ‘catch’ empathy?”
If we understand how to reach individuals in ways that move them to change themselves for the better, then we can plant a seed that will eventually change the world. And someday perhaps the old phrase, “I already gave at the office” will slip into oblivion – for good.
# # #
NOTE: To see specific highlights from yesterday’s “work life balance” #TChat session, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
# # #
Closing Notes & Highlights Slideshow
SPECIAL THANKS from TalentCulture to Meghan Peters, Community Manager at Mashable and Brian Sirgutz, SVP of Social Impact at The Huffington Post – guests of this week’s Google+ Hangout and BlogTalkRadio shows. Your depth of knowledge and community leadership is inspiring.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: If this #TChat session inspired you to write about corporate responsibility and social good, we’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (at #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll add it to our archives. There are many voices in this community, with many ideas worth sharing. Let’s capture as many of them as possible.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Join us next week, as we look ahead to the New Year by looking “Back to the Future.” Specifically, we’ll look at last year’s predictions about human capital management, hr and learning technologies to determine how far we’ve come. And then we’ll peek at the road ahead! Tune in to #TChat Radio on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 7:30pm ET. Then join the #TChat Twitter discussion on Wednesday, Dec 19, 7-8pm ET to share your ideas and opinions. Look for a full preview early next week via @TalentCulture and #TChat. Thanks!
Image Credit: Niklas Wikstrom
#TChat INSIGHTS Slide Show: Business and the Season of Sharing
[javascript src=”//storify.com/TalentCulture/tchat-insights-the-grinch-and-the-world-of-work.js?template=slideshow”]
#TChat INSIGHTS: The Grinch & the World of Work
Storified by TalentCulture World of Work · Thu, Dec 13 2012 06:40:42
year.) #tchatMichael Clark
nsulting
season’s giving within organizations happens in a one night party with dinner and open bar ( if you’re lucky.) #tchatMichael Clark
YOU want… find out what matters #connect #tchatAlli Polin
Levy