I think therefore I am Human Resources. Why? Because HR is probably the most exciting and predictably unpredictable function. We think we have a mandate, but it may be more limited than we imagine. We promote trust within the organization, but, sadly, cannot trust everyone. We need to be alert to the implications of our various encounters during the day. We often have to make very quick decisions in complex situations – one party (in a dispute) may be satisfied and the other very angry. It could be that the angry person is the person most capable of causing harm to us.
I feel therefore I am Human Resources. Why? We care about people! We want people to be treated fairly. We empathize with people. We value the human aspects that attract many people to Human Resources. We are close to people but maintain some distance. Some of us will cry along with employees, all of us will feel sympathy when misfortune affects an employee. It could be bereavement, sickness or other tragedies – it can also be termination.
I create therefore I am Human Resources. My space may be in a corner somewhere and my function may not require a great deal of people contact. I am a whiz with figures and in developing and managing HR and metrics – the figures are generally human “capital”.
I visualize therefore I am Human Resources. I consider lots of little pieces of the present and the future. I take many unknowns and make one big holistic unknown. I consider data to validate and select whatever is closest to what I think – therefore I am.
I lead HR therefore I am Human Resources – at The Table. I have to think a lot, be on guard and understand what is being discussed and any HR implications. I have to participate with enthusiasm on non-HR subjects that may not interest me very much. Sometimes it is very exciting, sometimes it is hard to keep awake.