About NJ Hess Associates
NANCY J. HESS
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
N.J. Hess Associates has been in operation since 1990 as a human resource consultancy to public, non-profit and private sector business, primarily in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The focus of client projects is the development of strategic human resource programs designed to support the mission, vision and values of the organization.
As principal, Nancy Hess has a wealth of experience in the public sector. She has worked throughout Pennsylvania in all levels of local government and with the state associations that form around those local governments. Prior to starting N.J. Hess Associates, she worked as Senior Consultant with Clemans, Nelson, a mid-west firm specializing in public sector labor relations and human resources consulting. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Goucher College, near Baltimore Maryland, and a master's degree in Management, Labor and Human Resources from the Ohio State University. In addition to consulting, for many years she has been an adjunct lecturer for the University of Bloomsburg, School of Business, in strategic compensation, labor relations, human resource management and organizational behavior.
During the last several years her professional focus has been on group process consultation to facilitate change in organizations. Key areas of project interest include re-structuring work, pay and performance systems. Her approach to partnership with clients focuses on creating systems from the ground up by engaging employees in project development to gain commitment and build ownership for the programs. An important part of that approach includes developing and coaching managers in the strategic uses of human resource programs to strengthen the organization and accomplish change critical for future success.
LIFE OUTSIDE WORK
One of the highlights of any consulting relationship is learning what makes the person on the other side of the relationship excited about life outside of work. When this happens, a whole new way of looking at issues and concerns opens up because the knowledge of what makes a person tick often provides the best clues for understanding preferred styles of managing and problem-solving. I note especially who prefers leisure activities with others, who prefers solo activities, and whether activities have clearly defined targets or outcomes, or represent purely creative ventures. Sometimes outside interests focus on the sensate, such as food, wine, travel, and for others the experience is more ethereal, contemplative, as far from the reality as possible.
Each of us is unique in the way we relate to the world. For instance, I only recently learned that a client with whom I have worked for nearly 2o years is a wood carver. The mere fact that I did not know this (I knew only that he loved to golf) informed me of his private nature but also suggested an ability to work slowly but methodically toward a creative end. Another client rarely takes vacation, but when he does, he leaves behind all technology and disappears into the wilderness with barely any support. He is the ultimate solo adventurer and this is reflected in his leadership style as he often resists letting others carry the weight of a problem.
Likewise, I try to understand how my outside interests coalesce with my approach to work. In my life outside work, I most enjoy long walks (contemplative) journaling (introspective) dance and watercolor painting (creative expression). My greatest strength is also my greatest weakness: I cannot make myself do something I don't want to do. Luckily, I have found work that ignites my passion for probing organization problems and getting to the heart of matters through dialogue. This is not unlike my approach to painting. I like to turn my subject matter around like a raccoon turns a prized find around in his claws, and express the essence of my subject.
I count myself lucky to work with so many individuals who care about community and fostering a good work environment because it makes it easy to listen to my clients talk about their concerns, hopes and dreams. How we each cast a vision of life, and find meaning in our work, provides inextricable links to the way we relate to one another and the world around us.