TheHRD revealed

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Friday last saw the unveiling of the results of a poll carried out by Xpert HR Employment Intelligence  revealing the “Top Six blogs for 2010”.  I was astounded and much honoured to find myself ranking third, sandwiched between Laurie and Sharlyn, a situation that has only ever occurred before in the dark recesses of my mind on a cold,wet and lonely Friday night.  As well as providing me with the opportunity to unleash some slightly dodgy jokes about fellow bloggers, the poll was, of course, also proof that having a large family does indeed have its upsides…..if any of you (other than my family) clicked through and voted for me then I thank you kindly.

Also in the top six (why six I wonder….a reference to six of the best….is Michael Carty the author ex Public School? Michael we are here for you….) are Rick from Flipchart Fairytales and Jon Ingham from Strategic HCM.  I mention these two specifically because tonight they will also be attending the London HR Tweet Up this evening (along with a host of other lovely people). 

Surprisingly I will be present aswell. 

I say surprising because this poses me some obvious difficulties.  Since I started this blog I have always worked under the name TheHRD, I don’t do it for some wanky brand building or a sense of over importance.  I started because I wanted to be able to write what I wanted  without any implications for my organisation or my employment with that organisation (I’ve got two little HRDs to feed goddamit!).  Over time, I’ve just got used to having two “lives” very few people know both my identities and they are people who I trust either because they are friends from before or because they understand the implications for me.

When Jon initial mentioned the possibility of attending, I replied that it put me in some what of a quandary in terms of my identity.  His response that I should wear a disguise was neither helpful nor indeed intended seriously.  I know that Rick has the same issues, although at least he can introduce himself as Rick, what do I use, “The”?  Since starting blogging I have been to other events as the real me, but that is easy, I just lose TheHRD bit and bob along in the real world (although bless the person that I met not so long ago that mentioned I should read the blog myhellisotherpeople because “it’s really funny”….).

I’ve thought long and hard about what to do, I’ve been advised not to go by people looking out for me.  But when did I ever follow anyones advice?  So tonight, for the first time I will be appearing as TheHRD but with the real me in tow.  I’m kind of hopeful that no one knows me from my real life and we can all get along fine, but I’ll make sure I have my running shoes on to make a swift exit just in case.

There are still 6 places left as of this morning, so if you want to see a man dealing awkwardly with his schism there is still time to sign up.  But if you do sign up or you already have signed up and you find that you know me, you have a choice…..keep your counsel or rohypnol…..you get what I’m saying?