The Tale of Stone Soup and the Evolution of Human Capital Lab
The story of “stone soup” is a classic European folk tale that teaches us the power of collaboration and small contributions leading to something significant. In this Eastern European iteration, a hungry traveler turns a humble stone into a delicious soup by encouraging villagers to add their ingredients, resulting in a hearty meal shared by all.
Similarly, Bellevue University’s Human Capital Lab follows the spirit of stone soup under the leadership of Rich Douglas. Douglas envisions the Lab as a dynamic entity shaped by the collective efforts and contributions of its participants, mirroring the idea of creating something great through small inputs.
An Evolving Initiative
Originally conceptualized by Mike Echols, the Human Capital Lab has been a credible resource on human capital practices for over 15 years. When Douglas took over as executive director, his mission was to revitalize the initiative to align with current market needs and provide valuable insights into talent management.
Journey to the Lab
Douglas’ unconventional career path, from Air Force education specialist to a federal officer, laid the foundation for his role at Bellevue University. His passion for learning and development led him to cultivate a space where professionals could engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to the field of human capital management.
A Community of Practice
The Human Capital Lab focuses on human capital management, talent development, leadership, and distance education, emphasizing the formation of a Talent Development Community of Practice (CoP). This self-managed group provides peer support and fosters collaboration among professionals in the field, aiming to elevate their practice and contribute to the industry.
Podcasts, Partnerships, and More
In addition to the CoP, the Lab hosts podcasts featuring industry leaders and practitioners sharing insights on learning and development. The initiative also facilitates partnerships between doctoral students and employers, offering real-world research opportunities for mutual benefit.
Written in Pencil
The Lab curates content related to talent development, publishes blogs, and reviews industry articles to support professional growth. It also plans to provide a platform for individuals to publish white papers and share knowledge with the community. Douglas emphasizes the importance of developmental evaluation in tracking the Lab’s progress and adapting to changing circumstances.
Community is Key
The Human Capital Lab is a vibrant and evolving community dedicated to advancing human capital management and talent development. Through initiatives like the CoP, podcasts, and research partnerships, the Lab serves as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. As Douglas aptly puts it, “If we can elevate their game, then we elevate their practice.”
Bellevue University’s Human Capital Lab is a corporate member of BetterWork Media Group. Explore the Lab’s offerings in BetterWork Media Group’s Corporate Member Directory.
