Keppler

Turning New Year's Resolutions into "Re-Solutions"

At the start of a new year, many people make resolutions. Most of them are personal--be kinder, eat less, exercise more; some of them are professional--find a new job, ask for a raise. My friend, mentor, and colleague, Izzy Gesell, sent me an article he'd written for the American Diversity Report about turning resolutions into "re-solutions." Izzy's list is about what we can do in our personal lives. In this column, I suggest that we adapt the idea of "re-solutions" for our professional lives in the meetings industry. Consider adopting these "re-solutions":

Climate Change and Environment: Everyone is looking at how to reduce carbon footprints and "green" their workspaces and meeting places. Some organizations have decided to eliminate handouts at meetings and instead, put information on the web for download. This may be one solution, although it ignores different learning styles and in the end, information will still be printed out. Other groups are moving away from disposable utensils, they reuse waste water, and more. Still others are exploring their organization's potential for telecommuting. If your employer does not allow or limits telecommuting, calculate your current carbon footprint and compare it to what it would be in a home office. (You can check this out at www.conservation.org/carboncalculator). As a home-based business owner since 1981, I can tell you that working from home is terrific and even has off-set my carbon footprint from air travel.

Even if you can't telecommute, you can still make an environmental difference. Consider giving gifts to speakers, outstanding employees, or volunteers that will do good while honoring others. Here's an idea: plant a tree in someone's honor! Go to www.arborday.org for more information.

Inclusive Workplaces and Meetings: How, in 2008, is it possible that companies and organizations still schedule meetings over significant holidays, or ignore the needs of those who do not observe religious or other event days? We live and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-national, global society. It is likely that even if you believe your company is homogeneous, it is not. One "re-solution" is to check a calendar for important dates and events. Resources include www.earthcalendar.net and www.world-calendar.com.

Other inclusive "re-solutions" to consider are for those in the workplace and at meetings with different abilities, food or other allergies, and dietary needs (kosher, Halal, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, etc.). Two "re-solutions" to consider: in your RFPs for sites and caterers, ask them to provide specific information about what they have done and can do to accommodate all people. Then, ask staff and meeting participants what they need to fully participate in an event.

Finding professional "re-solutions" is never easy. It requires thought, challenging the status quo, and decisive action. For all who have sat back and said, "It's not my job" or "It's just too hard to make change," make proactive solutions your priority for 2008.