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I'm Lucky to Work in HR
Aug 13
Sometimes I like to take a step back and think about how lucky I am to work in HR. Today’s one of those days. That double rainbow in my neighborhood this past weekend reminded me of that.
About the Author
Frank Roche
Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.
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Awwww. Frank, you have a soft side! I like that. I’m glad you like working in HR; I think you bring a lot to the party.
Oh, and I also like your edgy side.
Ron, LOL, I’m just luring them in.
I feel lucky to be in HR, that’s for sure. But the snark is still around.
I am also one those people who love what I do. I decided in high school that HR was the ideal field for me – it offered the perfect blend of my two passions – making money and understanding and influencing people and their behaviors. It’s been 30 years and I’ve never been sorry. What has surprised and disappointed me is that throughout my career people outside HR have frequently commented that they “don’t know why someone with my competencies – e.g., strategic business acumen, vision, analytic skill – would choose HR”. Not bragging, just trying to make a point.
The perception is that good business people are wasted in HR. This is partially based on their experience that HR people are rarely good business people. I’ve tried to show them that their perception isn’t true, even though their experience is too often true. HR is a great career for really smart capable people. It can bring tremendous needed value to an organization, and provide opportunities for personal recognition, reward, contribution and growth.
What a wonderful plug for HR, Joanne! You must have contributed a lot to our profession. I, too, have spent over 30 years in the field. My passion today is to help others overcome the issue that you bring up. I really believe that the professionals in HR have to be and act like business people to erase the perception (which is mostly true) about Human Resources. Like I’ve said before, I always took it as a compliment when someone outside HR said,”You’re not like those other HR types.”
Hi Joanne, I second Ron’s comment here…you should be heading up SHRM. Honest to goodness, a business person who chose HR…and applies business principles. You’re a reall asset to the field…I bet that many have benefited from having you as a role model. Thanks for the smile on this one. I feel lucky to be a business guy in HR, too.