by A long time ago I was asked in an interview if I liked people. Puzzled by the question I responded that yes of course I liked people. The interviewer (lets call him Sam) told me “If you like people don’t get into HR.” Based on my interactions with Sam I think he developed that attitude because he rarely interacted in a positive way with employees. I rarely saw him leave his office and definitely never saw him at the Christmas party or the chili cook off.
This interaction has stuck with me for years because I have heard similar variations on it throughout my career (not often but enough that it’s stuck with me). I think that advice came from someone who was suffering some serious burnout and who had been in their position far too long. Every person who has verbalized a similar thought was like like Sam: they never made an effort to see employees beyond a problem or issue to resolve. And like Sam, the never made an effort to talk with employees.
We all know how difficult it can be to deal with employees and managers but if you see employees as a nuisance, you need to get out of HR. We all have to deal with the jerk employees and yes, that can definitely sour your attitude at times. But if this becomes a persistent thought process…why are you in this job? and what are you doing in HR?!
I would argue that it is the difference between a proactive HR person and a reactive HR person. If they are reactive and waiting for managers to come to them, then they are going to deal predominately with problem employees. If they proactively engage employees (training, surveys, involvement in employee functions) then they are dealing with a much more representative sample of employees. If that does not get them excited and inspire them, then it is time to look for a new career field.
Couldn\’t agree more! Thanks for the comment!
Why would you be in “Human” resources if you don’t like Humans? Yes we get burnt out and blamed and outsourced but that’s part of the job. Yes people are dirty and sometimes crazy but that’s part of the job.
Excellent personal story here.
Thanks for the comment Chris. Someone gave me some great advice, they said I have lots of observations and insight and should use those more…good advice! 😉
What a depressing attitude – thanks goodness most in HR don’t seem to share it!
I couldn\’t agree more! Needless to say I\’ve always watched out for that kind of attitude when interviewing for new positions. Thanks for the comment!
Melissa, great content here!
I have also heard and seen this attitude. I think that at some level there is a mentality out there that all HR does is fire employees, conduct lay offs and put people on performance plans, and that if you like people, you wouldn’t want to be a part of this. I think that if you really like people, you will do everything you can to help people succeed in the work place so that they are NOT put onto performance plans. A perfect example is your blog. You are trying to help. HR’s job is to not just push paperwork, but to figure out a way to communicate with the work force including the “jerks” so they understand the reasons behind the business. Sometimes this means you need to be honest with folks and these are the difficult conversations that some folks in HR don’t have the courage to have.
What most people do not see is all of the conversations and coaching that goes on behind the scenes that DOES help people figure out success. That is what makes the job rewarding.
HRNasty
Wow! Couldn\’t have said it better myself! Thank you for the comment and the follow!