Human Resources can be a tough field. As much as we want to believe and “live into” the rainbows and unicorns of enabling and empowering talent, for each positive, there is an equal and opposite drawback.
When I narrow my funnel to Talent Management or even Leadership Development, nuanced challenges arise – “nice to have vs. need to have,” “you’re a cost center that can’t prove ROI,” “we don’t have time to invest in our people,” etc. Call me crazy, but I still love my work, even when it places me repeatedly on the chopping block in uncertain economic times.
So Why Stay?
All good stories start at the beginning and reinforce a theme…Early in my career, senior HR leaders frequently asked:
You studied HR? They didn’t have that degree when I was in school.
You deliberately chose this field? I just fell into it.
What drew you to it?....Well, I like people.
Whomp, whomp…canned, poor and often unstainable response. What is the “why” that stays when the going gets tough?
Why HR?
What drew me to HR and what keeps me here is quite simple. Human beings are fascinating!
Many people dedicate their lives to designing, building or iterating a product or service, and while I am intrigued by the widgets man makes, I am more drawn to the man who makes them and what that reveals about the Creator Who created man.
One could say that working in HR is a bit like studying and supporting Adam as he works the land outside of Eden. No organization is perfect and neither is any harvest, yet much can be said of the man who commits himself to crafting, growing and shaping a good or service. As the human race went out to the corners of the globe and work diversified, different finite widgets were made. The hidden joy of HR is the ability to step into any business and learn something new. Each new industry, trade and expert teaches me something unique as I remain a perpetual student and champion of infinite and intricate talent…yes, unicorn talent.
When we think of our talent as ‘Adams,’ we ponder, What motivates him? How does his mind work? What does he need to feel fulfilled, happy and engaged? How does he lead? How does he define success? What support does he need to get there?
Humans are endlessly fascinating because no two are alike, yet we all share so much. The commonalities cast against the distinctions keep HR professionals’ lives interesting while enabling us to lend a honed expertise.
Despite the disgruntled employees who think HR “plays God,” we are simply striving to be a good “helpmate” (Genesis 2). Our call to servant leadership is the lifeblood of HR.
As employees serve customers and leaders serve teams, HR serves in our own way to make the world a little bit better place. We do this for, through and with people; this necessitates a deep understanding and appreciation for talent.
To the Point
By working in HR, I have the opportunity to marvel at the work of people’s hands as I, too, stand in awe of the human spirit…and the Hands Who made man.
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