The How #2 - May 29, 2025
Going back to the idea of small talk for just a sec ...
While I’ve never been much of a night owl (quite the opposite, in fact), the concept of the Top Ten List has always stuck with me. Maybe it’s because it reflects my sense of humor, which is derivative and a touch obvious. What can I say? Self-awareness is a blessing and a curse. With that in mind, here’s our team’s Top 10 recommendations for better communications:
Nothing is ever truly off the record. Ever.
There are five people you should never lie to: your doctor, your lawyer, your PR firm, your mother and yourself.
To know the answer, you have to ask the right questions.
Always double-check your sources. If AI is involved, triple-check.
Excuse me is only two words. Being gracious costs you nothing.
If you can say it behind someone’s back, be prepared to say it to their face.
Staying true to your values is more important than hopping on the latest trend.
Don’t react. Respond.
Own your words.
Say less.
How do I?
Dear Laura,
I have so many great HR events coming up on my calendar, but I’m out of practice with small talk and don’t want to say the wrong thing. Do you have any advice for striking up a conversation with my peers?
Signed,
Tripping Over My Words
Dear Tripping Over Your Words,
I get it! Small talk really isn't fun for most of us, and the truth is - some people love it. Great! "Let them," as they say. But if you prefer deeper, more meaningful connections, you'll find people who do as well.
I find that showing up authentically and with a bit of vulnerability (I know, it's not how we were conditioned in HR, but we are all unlearning these days!) is a real game-changer. People who appreciate deeper convos over small talk tend to feel more comfortable chatting with someone genuine and real vs. someone 'on' who is putting up a guarded facade.
I recently attended an HR networking event that posed a thematic question ahead of time, and it led to a great conversation when meeting strangers. So you can start with an industry-related topic that's on your mind: ‘I would love to hear how are you tackling all of the new AI entering our space?' or 'What's been your biggest HR challenge so far this quarter?' or ‘What technology have you been leaning into the most this year?’ Just be willing to share your answers in return!
Human. Honest. Connection. It starts with realness.
Your friend,
Laura of East Side Staffing
How work is working.
Kottke brought back Wendell Berry’s rules for adopting new technology from 1987, and it might just give you pause. Especially after the recent uproar over the energy costs associated with people saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT.
The Global Flourishing Study: What Contributes to a Life Well-Lived? You may be wondering what this has to do with work? And the answer is … very little. That’s why I included it. As a reminder that work is rarely why (or how!) we flourish.
On a related note, now that we’re past Memorial Day weekend, I would like to advocate for the return of Summer Fridays. If you aren’t familiar, here’s a BBC article that explains its history. In my own experience, it meant getting out at 2 p.m. to beat the traffic.
ICYMI, from around the space.
Up Next @ Work was named one of four finalists in the Podcast category of PR Daily’s 2025 Social Media & Digital Awards.
Sharlyn Lauby, of HR Bartender fame, reminded us of the importance of employee morale, offering five things to consider.
I’m a LinkedIn Executive. I See the Bottom Run of the Career Ladder Breaking. A look at AI’s impact on early career entrants from Aneesh Raman.
HOW opportunities.
Constellation Research SuperNova Awards (due June 13)
ASHHRA 2026 CFP (closes July 7)
AR Insights has released its Q2 2025 Power 100 Market Amplifiers List, showcasing analysts across various categories, including HR Tech.
And finally, a break.
Reading: Tilt: A Novel by Emma Pattee, which follows a pregnant woman’s journey to find her husband in the hours after “the big one” hits the Pacific Northwest.
Watching: Every Time Norm Peterson Enters the Bar. RIP George Wendt.
Listening: Spiritual Cramp - S/T. A favorite album of 2023, recently brought back into heavy rotation after seeing them live a few weeks ago (says Katie).
Exploring: lovable.dev. After seeing John Sumser’s LinkedIn post, I had to investigate. Let’s say, this might be the way to turn more thinkers into doers.
Next time, we’ll look at how AI is influencing our corner of the tech sector, from the comms perspective. Until then, keep unlocking the how behind the hype.