S6 E1: HR, Let’s Get Creative! (In a Michael Scott Kind of Way) with Justin Gignac

When was the last time you felt truly creative at work? If your answer is "uh… never," then this episode is for you!

Today, we’re shaking up everything you thought you knew about HR. 

We talk about how HR can move into the future by embracing creativity, joy, and collaboration. 

My guest, Justin Gignac, is the ultimate collaborator and brainstorming guru, and we dive deep into how we can stop recreating the same old things in HR and start thinking outside the box. 

We tackle why HR is often too self-conscious and fearful to take risks, and how bringing joy and bold ideas into the mix can transform how we connect with people and create better workplaces.

For more than a decade, the world’s most innovative brands and companies have trusted Working Not Working to help them discover and hire top-tier Creative talent. 

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:02:19 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:05:48 - Justin’s Zone of Genius Explained: Brainstorming and Collaborating

00:08:27 - How Did Justin Discover His Zone of Genius?

00:12:43 - How to Create an Optimal Environment for Effective Collaboration

00:18:27 - Why People Are Afraid to be Themselves at Work

00:23:12 - Approaching Collaboration in Remote and Hybrid Settings

00:31:56 - Ensuring That Everybody’s Voice is Heard in a Collaboration

00:34:43 - Common Barriers That Happen During Brainstorming

00:37:49 - Determining Which Ideas to Pursue or Abandon

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Justin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingignac/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef