If you know me, you’ll know my political persuasion If you don’t, you can probably draw inference. I truly consider myself an independent – one who is deeply committed to understanding both sides of the argument and placing my vote based not only on that understanding, but also my own values and convictions. Lately that’s caused me to lean to the left; but that’s certainly not always the case.
Like all of you, I watched this election closely. And if you were able to cut through the crap, it was actually a pretty interesting study in human behavior. After reflecting on it all, there are some nuggets of HR wisdom that can be pulled from the fray. Here are a few…
- There will always be two sides to every story; your job as an HR professional is to find the one that’s “most true.”
- If you share your opinion – if you frame your argument – you can in fact have an impact on the outcome; HR needs to make sure the dialog and debate is permitted and even encouraged.
- Extremism will rarely be tolerated by the majority; HR cannot allow the organization to gravitate to one end or the other.
- Democracy is an institution that has its flaws, but it makes so much sense again and again and again – it has prevailed in even the most complicated of times; HR should find ways to bring democracy to the workplace…why wouldn’t it work there too?
- People get confused and lose faith when the message changes; HR should ensure messaging around everything related to the workplace is not only clear, but also consistent.
- No one likes a bully – Clint Eastwood’s psycho-babble-bully-chair-monologue was the beginning of Romney’s end; HR needs to get rid of psycho bullies. Fast.
- The polls are telling, but not always accurate or complete; HR needs to be wary of what the survey data says – you have to dig much deeper than that.
- Diversity is important…really important. Accept that. Obama barely took only 1 in 3 white male votes. HR needs to help the organization understand it can not win by pandering to the old school demographic.
- People get riled up – and passionate – about who their leader is; goes to show that HR needs to make sure the right leader is at the helm…it impacts pretty much everything you do.
- Money matters, but it doesn’t trump all else; HR’s role is to make sure the appropriate complement of career experiences are diverse, balanced, and accessible.
- In the words of the great college football coach, Woody Hayes, “paralyze resistance with persistence.” HR plays a huge role in affecting change – don’t give up even when the resistance is fierce.
What about you? As you let this all sink in, what lessons do you pull from this amazing American experience?
Image Credit: Jack Amick
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