More things I observed at SHRM.
- HR professionals don’t talk politics. There is a debate on public health care debate in America; there are ongoing problems in Iran; and we are waging two wars that result in combat veterans returning into the labor pool. Here in HR? We’re talking about mandatory workplace harassment policies.
- HR people are broke. I’ve never seen so many financially-strapped people in my life—and no, I’m not talking about homeless people in New Orleans. Attendees can be seen clamoring for free food, cheap hotel rooms, and buffet dinners because they came to the conference on their own dime. The economy has hit our profession hard. It’s really tough to see my colleagues and peers decline a proper dinner invitation because they would prefer to eat at Popeyes Chicken. No one prefers crappy chicken.
- HR people are passive-aggressive. We suffer from a weird form of Queen Bee syndrome where we attack one another instead of coming together. We don’t burn down the motherf@#$ing house that keeps us broke and eating fast food in New Orleans. Instead, we criticize other HR professionals and many of us forget to celebrate success. I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. Your success means that my job just got a little easier.
Here are some pictures. I haven’t done any video blogging because I’m sweaty. No one wants to see that mess on camera.
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| SHRM 2009 Day 2 |
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Wait, wait, wait! Is there optimism and positivity in bullet point number 3? It is hidden and very subtle but I do believe I see it. I need a full autopsy before rendering any findings but I am pretty sure it is there.
And by the way, no one stabs each other in the back and crawls over one another to get to the top then HR professionals. It is a weird and strange world for sure!
Laurie-Great post about day 3 Very interesting observations you made, Do you think because HR is so competitive, that is one of the main reasons, we are so passive-aggressive? I say “lighten up people! Life is short!” Why can’t we celebrate each other’s success’s and pull together to help each other when the chips are down. Just sayin!
I’d suggest its exactly because of 3 and 1 that you get 2. And no thats not some math game!
But because so many in the profession are inward focussed and self obsessed that they end up getting treated like shit.
Just a view!
You are just too evolved
And seriously, I love Popeye’s chicken and dirty rice. I would prefer that over some amazing steak or authentic jambalaya any day. (Just Kidding)
Dude, to your points
1. That’s a shame. We spend so much time telling other people the necessity of having the difficult conversations, but we fail to do so ourselves. Not that SHRM hasn’t made an art of leading fromt the rear (sorry, did I say that out loud)
2. I’m sure many HR people are feeling the pinch but are you witnessing penny pinching are the normal HR Tchotchke Whore Storm that HR people have perfected into an art form? Seriously, I work with people that will hump an empty suitcase to events to fill with 2 cent freebies to bring home. Also, dude Popeyes chicken rocks!
3. Everyone wants to be big dick dynamite. I think many people in HR feel so beaten down in “their house” that when we get together we have to go through some bullshit game playing to establish dominance. I agree more props would be good. Got’s to stick together to be taken seriously.
Talking politics is tough as we are always considered the referee to such talks…and to some degree are thought of as being impartial. HR: Oner part priest, one part cop, one part therapist, one part attorney.
And yes, while you and others do look a little sweaty, you look like you are having fun. Safe travels home.
This is fascinating. I’ve always had an aversion to HR folks (except of course you, Laurie, and any HR person reading this). Popeyes preference is the last straw! Ahem. If I were there we’d talk politics and win-win HR techniques over a great meal. But most of all, we’d go find fabulous music. Thanks for the bird’s-eye view!
Cutest picture ever. I might have to print it out and put it on my fridge.
@Jenn We look like a powerful duo, right???
@Ronnie Ann Wow, I’m glad to hear that you are getting over your aversion to HR. That’s the best thing I’ve accomplished in months!
@Dale Thanks, but I’m not sure I like HR in the role of referee. You get no credit for that role and it’s totally thankless.
@Puf Okay fine I’ll admit that I went to Popeyes this afternoon just for a sixty-five cent biscuit because I love them; however, I wonder how realistic SHRM is when it asks HR managers making $50K/yr to come to these conferences? There are many women and men under that mark, too. HR people who haven’t had raises in two years. Really tough to hear.
@Sarah No, I’m devolved!
@The HRD OMg, that is so well put. You nailed it.
@Shennee Thank you!
@Michael Yes there is optimism. If I can elevate the profession of HR so we can all earn more money, why shouldn’t I? Why should you begrudge your fellow colleague when he’s successful and gets recognition? It makes no sense to me, and seriously, what the hell kind of reward do you get when you gossip and stab your fellow associate in the back? Good lord, maybe you get 2 more minutes of attention from the CFO. We can’t expect our employees to act like adults when we act like junior high kids. (Me included. I’m not throwing stones. I’m part of this stupid world.)
But Laurie, surely SHRM has stood up and loudly lobbied for HR professionals with business leaders around the globe? The leadership from SHRM must be proactively shuttling from one high level meeting to another with the CEO’s of the largest and most progressive companies to state the business case for skilled HR professionals in their organizations. Isn’t that what the SHRM member dues are used for?
Plus, any investment that a member makes for the trip, will surely be paid back ten fold. I mean where else can you be exposed to last years ideas (your panel excluded) and earn credits for a useless accreditation?
I’m sorry for dissin’ so hard on SHRM, but rarely in history have we been exposed to an organization that thinks so highly of itself and the value of it’s accredidation, yet does so little to develop, educate, or advocate for their paying members.
Alright, I feel obligated to say something nice about SHRM – To my knowledge they have never harmed a puppy.
I was not advocating that role, let alone the role of “parent” (even worse). More, I was stating the roles we are often pushed into, or at the very least, the organization wants us to often times assume.
@Dale Yup, got it. I agree with you 100%!!
@Puf you are killing me softly with your SHRM song.