HR: STOP judging each other!

HR pros are often frustrated by their reputation externally; they want to be seen as the strategic, business-savvy executives they are. But, we have to address what often happens within the HR ecosystem: HR pros are judging each other. A lot. I'm often perplexed by this bad habit and really want to see it improve. There is often this internal judgement among HR pros and it’s harming their external reputation. It’s a vicious cycle. We have to heal the dynamics between HR pros; let’s work on creating a healthier interconnectedness and reduce feelings of ‘us vs. them’. Can't recall seeing this judgement? Don't think it's happening? Let me give you some real-life examples. These are actual judgement-calls I have heard over the last 6 months....

Judgement about Industry

“Start-ups are just so much more dynamic and interesting than all other industries, so any HR pro from anywhere else aren't as impressive..”

“Our industry is so unique and special that any HR pro from another industry just frankly isn't as good as we are…”

“HR pros coming from that industry are all awful, they’re quite old-school and antiquated in their approach…”

“We are in the most fast-paced and innovative industry out there. No other HR pro from anywhere else could ever keep up with us...”

Judgement about Role

“ HR generalists are an old-school function. It’s not progressive. They’re all tactical and paper-pushers”

“As HRBPs, it’s clear to us that we are superior to the other specialist functions within HR. We can do all of their jobs!”

“We do actual high-level work, not like our counterparts in payroll/benefits who are just crunching numbers all day”

“I’m in OD/Talent Development, and I can assure you this is the most important function that exists within HR”

Judgement about Title

“We are People and Culture, because even hearing the titles HR or Human Resources makes me cringe. That is NOT what we do”

“I cannot believe anyone was once called Personnel. How ridiculous! But we definitely need to find a title that speaks more to the individual person…”

“We have eliminated all HR Coordinator, Assistant and JR. Generalist roles because those titles connote something administrative and tactical and no one should do that menial work anymore.”

Judgement about ageism

“We only hire people with less than 15 years in HR, because they are progressive, forward-thinking and innovative in their approach. Can’t have one of those HR people set in their ways”

“The more Senior HR folks tend to view HR very tactically and not strategic enough, we are NOT like them!”

Judgement about strategic vs. tactical

“Our HR team is so unique because we don’t do anything hands-on, tactical or transactional. We can’t believe there are HR pros still being bogged down with that kind of work”

“Our HR function is incredibly strategic and high-level, we have nothing in common with HR pros doing a more administrative function. We’re so above that”

Judgement about personality style

“I don't like HR pros who are outgoing and warm, we carry ourselves with a more serious, executive presence so we can hold our own at the board table”

“When hiring, we’ll only look at HR pros that don't have the typical HR personality-ya know, softer. Someone with a personality like that would get eaten alive here”

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HR pros: I hope these examples gave you the goose bumps they gave me when I heard them. What is this? Where is it coming from? Why is it happening? I can tell you one thing: the time is NOW to step up and support each other. Really.

My wish is that if you find yourself at a table with a Personnel Director from a Non-Profit organization, a Head of HR from an Investment Bank, a Director of People &Culture from a start-up…. you can all get along, value each other and see that you truly all have something to learn from each other. Instead, are you judging each other? Are you secretly, or maybe even overtly, judging the way the other works? How they think? How they approach HR? What their role entails? What the industry does? Please work to stop this habit! We need more support in HR. We need more encouragement in HR. We need HR pros to stand up for each other, no matter where you work, what you do, what you’re called, what your day entails. If we can mend this internal conflict, the reputation can improve externally. Please take good care of each other! Stop yourself the next time your ego jumps in to remind you that you are ‘above anyone else in your field’ and remember: they matter, too.

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