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Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series Again, Nietzsche and Other HR Thoughts
Oct 22That’s a video of Jayson Werth hitting a 3-run homer last night in the Philadelphia Phillies 10-4 thrashing of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For the second year in a row, the Phillies are going to play in the World Series. Some of you may remember that I predicted that the Phils would win the Series even before they had won the NLCS. Well, I’m four wins from being right. Wouldn’t it be great if we in HR spent more time winning and less time worrying about what others said about our limitations? I mean, the Phillies are the defending world champions for crying out loud, but they still were forced to play some of their playoff games in non-primetime slots. No respect. Still, they kicked ass. HR can, too.
Which made me think about HR naysayers. (Exercising my right to have adult ADD. Look! There’s a shiny object!)
HR is Dead. Long Live HR.
I must say that I’m weary of the ersatz Nietzsches and their declarations about HR:
HR is dead. HR remains dead. And we have killed it. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become HR simply to appear worthy of it?
HR isn’t dead. Not in my book. Mike VanDervort and I will be guests on Steve Boese’s HR Happy Hour radio program to talk about it. If you have thoughts about the death of HR, you can call in at 8PM EST on October 29, 2009. Here’s the number: (646) 378-1086.
HR and PR
You know what HR gets right? Nearly everything? You know what HR gets wrong? Not knowing how to talk about doing things right. I mean, HR gets people in the door. HR handles the single biggest expense that most companies have — pay and benefits. HR provides training and development for managers. Hell, HR gets people paid right every single pay period. HR supports operations and sales and finance and accounting and R&D. HR needs some PR, not carping. That’s like if someone cooks you a meal every night, and then at the end of the year you complain because you don’t like mashed potatoes. Suck it up dude. And if you want to bitch, come up with some answers about how to make it work.
HR Annual Report
Here’s my big idea for the day: HR needs an annual report. I’m putting one together now. Want to get in on a little of that action for free? Send me a note at frank dot roche [AT] ifractal dot com.
Go Phillies. (Look, another shiny object.)
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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Frank – I love the idea of the HR Annual Report. HR does so many things right in most organizations that it makes sense to highlight those accomplishments. Thanks very much for mentioning the HR Happy Hour and I think we will have an excellent discussion on the show.
@Steve I think the HR Annual Report could be killer…worked on some ideas…will give you a call..looking forward to HR Happy Hour next week, although we’ll have a tough time topping “The Craptastic Episode.”
Frank,
Great posting. HR is not dead; it just comes in many colors and flavors. The HR pros who come from a business standpoint and focus on value-added functions like management and people development are making major contributions to their organizations. Others who are operating like event planners and benefit administrators are not making much of a dent.
HR cannot be stereotyped. You pretty much know what software engineers, circuit designers and general accountants do. Even CEO’s are not sure what we do and what we can offer. We need more than PR – we need to educate CEO’s and their staff what we can really do for them and the enterprise.
@Ron What you say about HR and stereotyping is right on…I think when people close their eyes and say “HR” they have a very limited view of that. It usually is some knucklehead they dealt with 5 years ago who didn’t know what he was doing. There’s a ton of talented people in HR…I’m lucky to know some of them.
I read once Nietzsche wished he hadn’t bashed God. Not because he didn’t believe what he said, just recognised that as soon as you talk about the end of something, ironically you actually end up keeping it alive. Another great N quote for ya. When he went mad, he apparently whispered over and over: ‘I’m dead because I’m stupid. I’m stupid, because I am dead.’ Not saying those who think HR dead are stupid, but maybe the idea of a dead HR is a stupid hope?
Frank, you’re wise for picking the Phillies. After seeing “photographic proof” that the Yankees are afraid of the Phillies before the game(Your can see it here: http://blog.dinkuminteractive.com) Cliff Lee shut down the Yanks. I hope your vision proves true.
@Dena That picture is fabulous…too funny…I think it’s gonna be like Jimmy Rollins said: Phillies in 5!