First of all, big congratulations to Jeff for conceiving of, nurturing and giving birth to Taluncon. While the challenge was monumental, and progress at some times tortuous, the results were exquisite. I also have to say that it was great to see the support that Jeff received from Cindy Haugh and EA. Cindy is truly amazing and I can’t wait to find out what her “one thing ” is. As a track co-leader with Scott Dow, I was thrilled to have people gathered together, in one room to discuss an area that I’m passionate about – Process Excellence. It was amazing to look around the room and see the light bulbs going on as people had new ideas sparked by the discussion around the table. It was truly awesome, and I feel like I now have a mantra “Process excellence is the foundation upon which a recruiting organizations’ credibility is built”. J
I also feel compelled to respond to my Taluncon partner Scott’s post. I do believe that there is a place for vendor’s at Taluncon. An Unconference about Talent as Jeff conceived it (forgive me for putting words in your mouth Jeff), is about gathering the thought leaders from a cross section of industry who are passionate about working “towards the end of turning human potential into positive social and economic progress.” I think excluding vendors would be a huge mistake as they have the potential to bring as much creativity, thought leadership and energy as anyone else in the room. That being said, I believe that everyone who attends Taluncon needs to leave their agendas at the threshold and open their minds and hearts to truly learning and fostering an environment of change.
Finally, thoughts on what I liked and disliked…
¨ Wall of Fame – fantastic idea – would love to get a copy of everyone’s posting.
¨ Venue, room size etc. was excellent – hats off to Jeff and the facilities organization at EA. Loved San Francisco at this time of year - it was great to get out of the snow!
¨ Mix of individuals was fantastic
¨ Poker tourney – I’m torn on this one because it was a great event, lots of fun, raised a lot of money for a great cause. However I would have loved to have an event just for participants so we could further the “meaningful connections”
¨ Sessions – I’d like to see us try and have specified morning sessions only and have the afternoon freed up for sessions that are driven by the morning’s events
¨ Rules of engagement – I felt like it was an honour to attend Taluncon and would love to see a requirement of participation be that you agree to leave your business / personal life behind during Taluncon. I know it’s hard to do, but I’d be all for checking our blackberries, treo’s and cell phones in at the sign in station and picking them up on the way out.
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