Around this time last year, we honored Tim Sackett as in influencer in the HR Blogosphere.
Well, the tradition has lived on and his year’s “Tim Sackett Day” honoree is none other than Mr. Paul Hebert.
Paul, like Tim, is many things, an influence, a prolific blogger, and an expert in Pavlovian/Skinner based psychology to get people off their lazy butts and produce.
I’m not kidding about that last part. Hell, the last time I was at a bar with Paul he was influencing several of us to be quiet and watch a baseball game. And lemme tell you, getting several people who like to talk be quiet at an establishment that serves adult beverages is no easy task.
My relationship with Paul started like most of the relationships start in my life, by accident. I attended the first HREvolution conference in Louisville on a whim. What I didn’t know at the time was that being part of what I like to call the original “42” would have such a profound impact on my professional and personal life. His session was the blogging 101/201 for attendees. When I think back to the discussion, the people in the room, and how Paul managed to keep everyone engaged, well it’s no surprise to see why we’re honoring him today.
While I didn’t have too much interaction at HRev1, we did manage to keep in touch via the interwebs. Discussions about favorite brands of cigars, beverages, etc. were commonplace and we’ve traded some friendly jabs back forth on The HR Happy Hour podcasts as well.
Paul is also a huge Ohio State fan and it really annoys me. It’s not a huge thing, but as a lifelong Miami Hurricane fan, being friendly and polite to someone who roots for “THE Ohio State University” is tough.
There is one thing that I’ve never shared with Paul publicly, and since today’s his day, I figured it’s about time I let him know. For the past two years, I’ve been an adjunct instructor teaching the PHR/SPHR prep course as well as a few sessions for an HR Certificate we offer at the University. When the discussions in class turn to incentives or how to motivate, I always direct my students to one resource and that resource is Paul.
His writing and the work he does are truly the gold standard. You can also apply that to him personally too!
Paul, I want you to know that not only have you influenced all of us in the crazy space, but you’ve managed to also have an impact on several individuals here in South Florida as well.
Oh and just for the record, I don’t think any of them are fans of Ohio State. Sorry about that…not really.
So cheers to you Paul! Enjoy this day and this honor. It’s well deserved.
Photo credit:Fistful of Talent – Paul Hebert
