The George Bailey Effect

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December 28, 2009

Have you seen the movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’?  It’s one of my favorites this time of year.  For those who may not have seen the movie before, it’s the story of George Bailey.  George has a series of mishaps that bring him to the brink of taking his own life by jumping off a bridge.  But, before he can end it all, he is visited by an angel in training.  This angel shows George what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he had never existed.  George learns that so many lives would not be the same if he had never been born.  The whole town would be different and not for the better.

This movie got me thinking.  What if….

What if I hadn’t started a blog?  Who would I have never met?  What would I have never learned and experienced in 2009?  What would be different in the lives of those mine touch?

What if I hadn’t started my blog?

Well, I certainly would not be a better writer.  I have worked hard this year not only telling stories, but really working to improve my writing skills.  I would also not have found a way to use my voice to share ideas and collaborate on a topic I am very passionate about.  I guess I would be getting a lot more sleep since blogging either keeps me up late at night or I set my alarm very early so I can write.  I am certain I would not feel as fulfilled as I do now.

Who would I have never met?

So many wonderfully talented professionals!  I cannot begin to list all of the great friends I’ve made this year.  I know if I try I would certainly forget to mention someone, so let’s just say that I have met so many people in HR, HR technology, leadership, and business that I am truly grateful for the connections.

What would I have never learned and experienced?

2009 brought so many great learning experiences and opportunities.  From HRevolution and meeting so many of my Twitter friends to trips to Washington DC, Chicago, Orlando, and New York City to learn, speak, and connect.  What I’ve loved the most is that without all these experiences I would not be a better HR professional.  I’ve been exposed to many new ideas about the future of HR.  I’ve also heard about best practices from many of the leaders in our profession.

What would be different in the lives of the people that my life touches?

That’s not something I can answer.  Only you can know that answer.  I’d love to hear comments on that question, or what would be different in your life if you had not become involved in social media.

8 Comments

    • @Matthew- Very interesting. I’d love to say writing, but that might not be true. I doubt if tv would win out in my situation, but I can tell you that I used to use free time to do “crafty” projects and now I don’t have any time for that. Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.

  • Good morning Trish! My husband and I watched It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Eve. It is my FAVORITE holiday movie. I was struck while watching it, how many “hidden lessons” are tucked inside this little ditty of a movie. 2009 was not the best year for me, however,, It has many brite side moments. I discovered the world of social media, met some amazing people, built friendships, started a blog. Here’s to an amazing 2010. Looking forward to meeting you as well. I have a very long 2010 To Do List!
    Cheers!
    Shennee

  • Trish,

    As a person who also started blogging this year, it’s a great question to ask. In fact, one could fill in the end of the sentence with any statement. It really helps to sort out the implications of one’s choices.

    As for your lack of time to do your “crafty” projects. . .I’m ruefully acknowledging that yeah, somethings gotta give. My blogging definitely fills time that I’d use for other pursuits. For now, the writing really “scratchs an itch” for me, so it feels fine to devote time to it.

    Great post!

  • I believe wholeheartedly that if I was not involved with “Social Media”, I’d be in the ranks of the frustrated corporate HR practitioners.

    This medium has allowed me to leverage two of my strengths, recruiting and technology. I’m also blessed to have an organization that sees the value in the use of the tools.

    That and I wouldn’t have met really cool peeps.

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About Trish

A former HR executive and HCM product leader with over 20 years of experience.

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