Yesterday, I led a “How to Transform your HR Job-Search” webinar and as often happens, the teacher learned from the students. We were talking about HR professionals investing in themselves and one of the attendees, Kayla, so wisely and boldy stated (this is what I jotted down, Kayla. Sorry if the quote isn’t precise!)
“Athletes refine their craft. They have coaches, they learn, they watch videos, they ask for help, they train…why as HR pros, if we’re so passionate about our craft…why aren’t we investing in our own development?”
It was like a lightbulb went off for me. WHY AREN’T WE?! I love a good sports analogy. I grew up watching sports, playing sports and being aware of what goes into practice and honing a craft. I realized…wait… even Michael Jordan had tons of coaches, practice, time to perfect his craft (Who recently watched “The Last Dance”? The scene of Dennis Rodman focusing on clips on the TV, taking notes of the other player’s moves…goosebumps!) I bet if we asked Michael Jordan “Did you have shame or guilt attached to asking for help? For hiring experts to help you achieve a higher level of play?” he would likely laugh…of course not! His goal was to be the best in his game, so he had zero hesitation hiring whomever would help him learn more.
When I ask People/HR pros about their investment in their professional development, the answers are often
“I don’t have time to develop myself”
“I am too worried about everyone else”
“I’ve been in HR 15 years. I know it all”
“I teach other people about HR already, I am the expert”
“Develop myself? Ha. I need to develop my teams and leaders”
“A coach? A course? I teach those for others! I don’t need any”
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In a time like the one we’re living in today…
…the collective trauma of a pandemic, a country in a state of disruption, moving all employees to a remote workforce overnight, a powerful Black Lives Matter movement, finally tackling systemic racism in the workplace…
I am flabbergasted by the fact that HR pros don’t feel there is anything they can learn. I am working on not attaching judgement to this. I simply want to empower people to recognize there is ALWAYS something new to learn!
I’ve been in Recruitment for 17 years and learn something new daily (Look at what I learned from Kayla yesterday!) and I always seek out new mentors, courses, coaches, peers, social media connections as I am a sponge for new information. I recognize how rapidly the talent space continues to evolve; I want to ensure I hone my craft and continue to elevate my skill-set. Isn’t that what being a passionate professional is all about? Isn’t that also how we continue to reengage and remember our ‘why’?
If you have a favorite sport, think of your favorite athlete. If it’s music you love, think of your favorite musician. If it’s art you love, picture your favorite artist. Chef? Writer? You get the drift…
Picture them. They practice. They ask questions. They seek knowledge. They are sponges for new information. They don’t attach shame around asking for advice. They don’t feel embarrassed to brainstorm. They don’t feel guilt when they ask questions of others in their field.
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I know for HR pros, this can be rooted in external pressures. I hear these often, too:
“The CEO expects me to know it all”
“I’m embarrassed if I don’t have all the answers”
“I spent years getting this seat at the leadership table. If I say I don’t know something, they’ll perceive me as weak”
“HR pros need to be the strong force in an organization. We can’t be vulnerable. What will employees think of me?”
“I’m a mentor to so many in HR. I am the one with the answers, not the questions. That’s my role”
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I would love to see us all change this story. Vulnerability matters for meaningful connection. Practice is necessary to hone your craft. Seeking out knowledge is a sign of strength. The best are willing to admit where they are still learning.