Mind the Gap
SteveMind the Gap!
If I heard that once, I heard it a hundred times this week and weekend in London at the trulondon Unconference. 
Flickr- Marcin Wichary
The event was, I think, a tremendous success, and I could review the same list of usual reasons for that success (making real-world connections with online friends, exchanging ideas with about 100 experts and thought leaders, and the good feeling you get when surrounded with what are for the most part like-minded people). But I am sure by now many posts have been done covering that territory and I likely can't do much to add to them, save agree whole-heartedly.
Those reasons for success were certainly all present, and I expect to some extent they will continue to be present for the next batch of similar events, (truUSA, RecruitCamp, HRevolution2, etc.). I do think at some point, probably later this year, that these events will have to move past this 'Boy it was so great to meet so-and-so' stage, as pretty soon everyone will have met so-and-so already.
But perhaps that is a point for another post.
I thought that trulondon, coming from my American perspective was really valuable for learning about and trying to understand what could be gained from thinking about differences and disagreements. Some of these differences are more historical and process based, like how in the UK a typical organization will still utilize a third-party recruiter (or 'agency') when a vacancy needs to be filled, while their equivalent in the USA might likely turn to a national job board like Monster or Careerbuilder. Keith Robinson shared a great scenario he uses to describe this process in the UK, ask him to share it with you sometime.
But for me, some of the most interesting conversations at trulondon touched more around why the US and UK cultures and approaches to some of these workforce management and recruitment issues are divergent. With few exceptions, the UK contingent felt that their US counterparts were much more advanced in many of the technical skills of sourcing and in the implementation and utilization of 'social recruiting' in the enterprise. And many of us from the US, (well at least me) appreciated the way the UK experts seemed to present a series of excellent and detailed arguments, positions, and ideas.
In some ways the UK felt the US was for lack of a better word 'smarter' while simultaneously the US folks felt the same about the UK people (admittedly for different reasons).
And I think they are both right. And I think the fact that with an event like trulondon, that was able to some extent to be truly global, that some really significant and meaningful learning can happen. With events that are local, regional, or even national there is going to be quite a bit of self-congratulation, perhaps less meaningful discourse, and the re-iteration of many of the same themes that many of us are perhaps tired of hearing and guilty of continually talking about.
Where we are different, where we are coming to the table with alternative perspectives is where we can learn and benefit the most. I suppose, where there is a 'gap' in our experience and worldview there is much opportunity.
Mind the gap indeed. And try to learn from it.
Reader Comments (6)
Steve -
I can't agree with you more! It was a good event - but the REAL value for me was the multinational approach that we just don't get at US events. There are some really interesting, dynamic differences that we are all relatively aware of, but its the small nuances that were really quite incredible to learn about.
It was great to be a part of it!
With travel as a passion, I've seen a lot more of the world than most, and there are insights about HRM and the HRM delivery system around every corner. From the concubines of oil field workers in Venezuela to the "pretty young girl wanted for receptionist" ads in some European countries to the tradition of Japanese executives (and Mr. Toyota might take a page from that executive training manual) committing suicide when their business decisions are monumentally flawed and/or dishonest, there is a world of difference in how the basics of HRM are approached, country by country, and culture by culture. One piece of career advice I've been giving to my nieces and nephews (and you can just imagine how thrilled they are to receive any such from me) for many years is that, unless they're in direct, customer-facing careers right here in the USA (like plumbing or cardiac surgery), they'd better get some international travel/work/living experience under their belts if they're expecting to succeed in the global economy. UK/US differences pale by comparison with what you'll find in Ecuador, Slovenia, or Down Under, but they're a great place to start. Mind the gap, indeed.
Steve -
What a great, insightful post re: truLondon and some of the value it held for you. I have enjoyed reading all the recaps as I was so sorry I had to miss this event. However I took some comfort in that, attending some of the 'first batch' of these types of event, I had already had the good fortune to meet so many of the great people that were there and stay engaged re: the discussions that took place. But to your point, the nature of this event inspired some great dialogue and learning that hasn't had as much spotlight but very real and relevant -- I am even more sorry I missed! Thanks for the post and some things to think and learn more about!
@Sarah - Thanks very much, despite all the 'issues' coming and going the event was so valuable for me, and I think for you as well. It was a pleasure working with you on our Technology session as well!
@Naomi - We should all be so lucky as your nieces and nephews to get such great advice! Thanks for sharing your observations and your comments!
@Chris - You were surely missed last week and I hope to see you again very soon! Thanks!
Question Steve? How much of the perception of "smarter" was not about ability or innovation, but about the different ways Americans vs Britain's express those abilities or innovations? Culturally, Brits are more reserve. Americans can put themselves "out there". Both have there place.
I have enjoyed all the reading and observations. Kudos to TruLondon organizers for the vision to organize such an event. And I look forward to the reflections from the HR blog-o-sphere about what was learned, inspired and shared.
Any chance there was a good BBQ restaurant in London?
@Lyn - Great point, I think the very perception of how advanced or smart one culture appears to be could be askew. Thanks for your comments. I sadly, did not see any BBQ in London however! Looking forward to seeing you at HRevolution!