Kelly Reineke, CDR

Life is all about moments you will never forget. I was a Junior in high school auditioning for the school musical “Anything Goes”. I wanted the part of Hope Harcourt - a secondary character with just one song. My confidence was a little shaky. I knew I had tough competition. Final casting lists start with the starring role at the top. Smaller parts, like where the chorus and Hope lived, are down at the bottom. That’s where I thought I would find my name. I was so wrong. It wasn’t there. I was devastated! I didn’t get the part I wanted. So, what part did I get? I followed the cast list to the very bottom. My name was nowhere to be found. More devastation! As I walked away, irritated and confused, multiple friends slapped me on the back and expressed their congratulations. For what? I was not in the mood for jokes. So, I went back and scanned the list again. Nope. I was still not going to be Hope and I was not going to be in the chorus either. Only then did I think to look up. I Looked UP!! There was my name – at the top of the list - I got the starring role! From that moment on, I’ve rejected the urge to look down. I always LOOK UP first. Imagine if you started looking up. You’d take more chances. You’d find beauty in places you might least expect it. You could make someone’s day with a simple Hello or Thank You. And what can you do as an HR Professional when you “Look Up?” You’d be approachable. Employee’s would see you as someone who could help, rather than someone to avoid. Why? Because you’d see the potential in every employee and make sure they felt valued and appreciated. Because you’d strive to deliver value-added partnership. And because you would inspire them to Look Up too! If need you an HR Professional who knows how to Look UP, let’s talk.