My buddy Michael Carty over at Xpert HR asked me to participate in their “What I would Change About HR” blog series. I was happy to contribute my thoughts via the following post which was originally featured in their blog on September 13, 2010. When you have a second, check what some of the great [...]
Gerry Crispin, Principal with CareerXroads, is a recruiting icon. He’s on a very short list, at least in my mind, of people who have meaningful insights and practical recommendations for improving the “Recruitment Experience” – insights and recommendations for both the employer and the job seeker. I had the privilege of spending some time with Gerry at [...]
How many pages is your employee handbook? Count them…go on…then come back in an hour when you’re done. The one I’m looking at is 106 pages*…God Almighty! First of all, I understand the importance of covering our bases to the Nth degree in this crazy messed up litigious world (or country) that we live in. [...]
This blog is built on the premise that HR, in its relentless pursuit to be more strategic, has over-engineered itself to the detriment of its clients. While this certainly isn’t true in all cases, there are some that deserve a flogging. Generally, the HR community has done a pretty good job of adopting technology into [...]
Blogging about politics, in my mind, is kind of like talking about it at the dinner table. It spoils appetites (although, the number of actual political blogs out there would suggest otherwise). Writing about it on an HR blog is even worse. But I’m going to do it today…kind of. And I promise I’ll weave [...]
My buddy Michael Carty over at Xpert HR asked me to participate in their “What I would Change About HR” blog series. I was happy to contribute my thoughts via the following post which was originally featured in their blog on September 13, 2010. When you have a second, check what some of the great HR thought leaders like Elaine Cohen, Gareth Jones, Stefanie Fontanez, Paul Smith, The HRD, Bill Boorman, David Shepherd, and others are suggesting we need to change about our beloved profession. And contribute to the dialog!
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Asking me to rant about what I would change in HR is like asking my daughter to tell me about her day at school. Your genuine interest in the response tends to wane after the first 10 minutes. I love my daughter to death, but she is not short on words.
No no no. Isn’t that just the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard? I mean it had its place, but come on already! I got news for you: If you’re not “at the table” yet, you’re never going to get there. Just give it up and get back to pushin’ that paper. Here’s what I really think needs changing.
We need to become more selective in who we allow into the profession.
Yep, that’s right. Some of you don’t belong here and you’re bringing the rest of us down. No (relevant) degree? Farewell. No fundamental understanding of accounting and finance? Adios. Incapable of standing in front of a room and giving a presentation? Tot ziens. Short on professional demeanor, board room presence and charisma? до свидания. Timid, shy, softspoken? Arrivederci. One dimensional? 再见. Uncomfortable with change and ambiguity? Au revoir. Never travelled more than 200 miles from your home? Beat it. Clock watcher? αντίο. Slow on the uptake? Bugger off…
You get the picture. We’ve been around a long time and actually have a professional brand and identity more widely recognized than many. But the brand is synonymous with ‘mediocrity’ and that just kills me. We got junk in the trunk (boot) and we need to get rid of it…deliberately!
There is no better time, my friends, to upgrade the talent level of your HR team. There are so many great people on the streets right now – find them, bring them on, and relieve yourself of that dead weight that just sucks the life out of our collective reputation.
Hell, I’d argue they don’t even need experience in HR. They just need strong business acumen, an appreciation for people, agility in responding to the evolving needs of an organization, and a proven record of differentiating, adding value, and creating lasting experiences. If this notion makes you uncomfortable, I reckon you’re just some of that dead weight…
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This post probably won’t make you a ton of new friends, but it is absolutely on point.
Congrats for saying publicly what most will only say in private.
@Dan – thanks for your comment; i hope we can all be more public in our thinking about the state of HR – it’s the only way we’ll ever make appreciable progress. a lot of the change we’ve seen over the last decade or so has been superficial…
Nail on the head, Charlie, nicely done! It is an interesting thread running through much of what this topic has generated in one form or another. It also brings up the question that I remember discussing four or five years ago about whether the Generalist is a role that is either flawed by its nature or must only be taken on by the most talented and truly well rounded, and that specializing may allow those with some of the components missing from their toolkit to contribute their talents. All good stuff to launch into the universe and get some traction on. Thanks!
Charlie we work with a lot of different HR people at different levels in a number of different industries and I agree with all your points. But I would add one other – being comfortable with technology – whether its webinar technology for delivering e-learning and communication or with applications for talent management and succession planning. Just being comfortable with a spreadsheet doesn’t hack it any more.
I absolutely agree with your comments, and I have many many stories about some HR “Professionals” to support it. I also would like to add to your list: Small minded power-hungry nit pick every company “rule” to the detriment of the company as a whole.
On the other hand, have you ever wondered if SOME of the “bad press” about HR is a thinly veiled attack on women in power? Sort of like how Barbara Strisand is attacked, and Hilary Clinton is vilified in the press? It can be threatening to a certain type of individual (even now).
Just sayin’.
Dawn