May 28, 2008

Weep for the profession

On several egroups that I participate in, I have heard similar stuff. People never want to do any 'searching' (forget research!) on their own. They want stuff handed down to them on a platter and then spoon-fed to them.

Evidently the HR Wench is undergoing the same feelings that she so eloquently describes here.

Let's weep for the poor organizations that such HR folks service. Now I know why a majority of people hate HR.

Er, looks like HR may not be only profession given to self-flagellation and introspection on how to add value.

But what if tomorrow’s IT people became the new rock stars, or at least the new business “Masters of the Universe”? What if the IT person became a hybrid-business technologist, with an impressive combination of technology skill and business savvy?

Imagine an IT department made up of these IT rock stars. Business people would love them for their ability to hone technology into business advantage. IT would no longer be a technology rest-home for the business-indifferent.

Now, replace IT with HR. Sounds like our collective dream, right?

Actually Tom Peters has labelled HR as the Rock Stars of the Talent Age, unfortunately HR people themselves do not seem too excited to become rock stars. Who wants the glaring spotlight when you can sit in the dark and not get threatened? How many HR folks would identify with Tom's message:

2 comments:

  1. Nice post, Gautam.

    My clients are now moving line managers into HR roles for two reasons:

    1. Developmental exposure

    2. To bring a business viewpoint to the HR function.

    What this means is that at least some companies are seeing the need for a greater business focus in HR. But they don't see "HR people" as the ones who can deliver it.

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  2. Interesting post Gautam - with all the cries for an HR seat at the table it makes one wonder if HR really wants the lime light that accompanies it.

    The increasing importance of talent management will be an interesting test over the coming years to determine just how badly HR wants a more visible role within the organization.

    I can't help but think that what HR really wants most is a little respect and it sees a seat at the table as the only way to get it.

    Chris Young

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