Many
organizations make a point of saying their people come first. They then go on
to clarify that statements by saying that people are their most important
asset, their most valuable resource, ... In fact, Personnel Departments are now generally
referred to as Human Resource Departments. Does that sound like your company
really thinks that people come first? Do you really think they've got your back
– making sure you have healthcare coverage, a pension, training, …
I ran a
quick search on the phrase "People are our most important…" and was
shown a plethora of articles that make a mockery of that pious claim by most organizations,
be they government agencies, private companies, or non-government organizations
(NGO). For example. Check out these articles, and if this topic interests you, take
the time to actually read them:
- "Our people are our most important asset"…Really?
- Deloitte Debates | Are People Really Your Most Important Asset ...
- People as a Competitive Advantage
- Leadership Skills Article: Are People Really Our Most Important Asset?
- The most important thing in your company is not a thing
- People are our most important asset - like hell
If
organizations and their leaders really believe that their people come first,
they need to do more than throw slogans around. 'People' really do know when you don't really
mean what you say. They know if you
really think of them as an asset, a resource, just another 'thing', a cog in
the machinery that can and will be easily replaced. I think America can do better – a lot better.
If
I had my druthers, I'd start by getting rid of the term Human Resource Department.
What do you think?
Also, check out these following two videos.
The second video, by Jack Welch, presents one of the better arguments I've heard
supporting the claim that your people better come first if you want your
business to succeed.
