TOP OF MIND Nick McKissack

I think I probably suffer from a bit of social anxiety. There is nothing worse for me than finding myself in a room full of strangers, especially if there is lots of noise and everybody else seems to know each other. It’s the eternal struggle with overthinking it all. Do I know anyone here? Is there a conversation that I can join in on? Is there anyone else on their own, and is there a reason for that? Some people seem to thrive in these situations, breezing effortlessly from one group to the next: how do they do it?

I suppose this art of connecting is just one of those things we learn over time. We have to learn to put ourselves in the right rooms with the right people. Like any new skill, to develop it, you have to be able to take that step outside of your comfort zone.

I can recall joining HRNZ back in 2018 and attending both the Conference and the HR Awards dinner. Both are significant events, and the Awards event, in particular, attracts a big and noisy crowd. I have developed a few strategies for these situations, one of which is to spot the people who are maybe on their own and feeling uncomfortable and make a point of introducing myself and helping them find their people. Of course, these things get easier as you go. Now, when we have our Awards dinner, I have the opposite problem, I know so many people it’s almost impossible to get around and say hello to them all.

Supporting people to make connections and access networks is one of the fundamental reasons that HRNZ was established in the first place. Back in the early years of ‘personnel management’, there was a growing number of HR roles but few resources to support ‘good practice’. Seeking out like-minded people for sharing and support was an especially important part of the learning and growth needed to be successful in a personnel management role.

Times have changed, but arguably the need for networking and connection has only increased along with the opportunities to do so. The field of HRM has grown over the years, and the HRNZ capability framework identifies 17 domains of technical knowledge that HR professionals need to be familiar with, if not experts in. For many of our members in sole-charge roles or working in small HR teams, having a network of people to call on when facing something new is invaluable. It’s little wonder that the HRNZ Branch network remains so important to our members. The opportunities to meet face-to-face with other HR professionals in your local area have always been popular with our members.

HRNZ is strengthening its range of networking opportunities this year. Branches will be converted into Regional Networks and continue to deliver in-person events within their local area. These networks will be supplemented with Regional

Ambassadors operating in smaller towns and cities around New Zealand. Regional Ambassadors will receive support from the HRNZ National Office team to identify and engage HR professionals from their town to hold networking events such as a Café Connect.

We’re also introducing networking channels for members with specialist interests. Special Interest Networks will operate nationally and run online events. We already have the HRNZ Tech Channel. We’re also in the process of establishing the HRNZ Leaders Network and the HRNZ Health and Safety Network. These networks will run regular webinars and provide other content of interest for network members. It’s hoped that these networks will also lead to people connecting over common issues within their local area.

Extending the range of professional networking opportunities that are available to members is an exciting new step. For any member looking to put themselves in the right room with the right people, check out our new networks or even tell us about the one you would like us to help you get started.