Rethinking Umbrellas…and HR
Posted on Friday, February 22, 2008 by Frank Roche
Rethinking Umbrellas
I’ve owned every kind of umbrella known to man. Two of some kinds. When I lived in Amsterdam I became somewhat of an expert on umbrellas for the 10 kinds of rain they get daily from December through May. But I never saw anything like the Nubrella. It’s a creative take on a regular umbrella. I’ll be one of the first in Philly sporting one of these. (I ordered one today.)
Rethinking HR
I’ve seen every kind of HR program known to man. Two of some kinds. (MBOs and Hay Points are making a comeback. Go ahead…groan.) I’ve seen HR kicked and called irrelevant. I’ve seen it demand “a place at the table.” But rarely have I seen such a creative suggestion for a name change as I’ve seen from someone who’s not even in HR. Seth Godin suggests changing HR to “Talent.” The HR Capitalist breaks down why the idea is the Nubrella of HR Ideas. (Remember, we were once called “Personnel.”)
Productivity Guy
Feb 22nd, 2008
Does that woman come with the nubrella? Being from Seattle, I haven’t used an umbrella since I was five years old – no hat or umbrella in pouring rain is the way to go!
Frank Roche
Feb 22nd, 2008
Productivity Guy…I don’t know about that part, but we have some lookers at our shop that we can test it on.
I gave up on umbrellas in Amsterdam, too. Best way to go is a hat and rain coat. It’s reliable.
Dan Schwartz
Feb 23rd, 2008
Ok, that has to be the wackiest (and yet someone strangely coolest) products I’ve seen.
Name changes aside, it’s really what you make of it. Newer companies can get away with these types of things, but ultimately if there is no substance behind the change, it’s doomed to failure again.