During the SHRM Annual Conference, a few speakers mentioned the reputation human resources has in Corporate America. They did it using one simple word – “no”.
Often, HR is accused of being the “no” department. Handbooks are called “The Book of No”. Policies and procedures focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can and should do.
It reminded me of the Oscar Mayer commercials currently running on TV….
Personally, I like the comment about quitting my day job to become a blogger. Ha! But seriously, it’s time for HR to start saying “yes” every once in a while.
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Rick Rossignol says
I run my own HR consulting practice, I get asked when I am going to add employees. I answer that its hard to find a HR professional that will answer questions the right way. I think HR professional get caught up in the legal side of HR and say NO you can’t do that. Which almost immediately get why its my business I can run things the way I want. I never say NO! I say it will cost “x” to do it this way and it cost “y” to do it this way… How big of a check are you willing to write to do what you want?
You get the idea. I have found that the organization does not want to be told how to run the business. They can make the right choice with the right information available to them.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Rick –I found out very early in my career to use the word “no” sparingly. So when I did say it, everyone knew I meant it. An employment attorney taught me to start conversations with “What would you like to do?” – it’s a great way to get the discussion going. Thanks for the comment!