A few years ago, SHRM magazine commented that HR professionals had a negative image in the media. Unfortunately, the negative image was not sexy negative, like lawyers, but boring sexy. In honor of this distinction, I have decided to name my top 5 HR people in the media.
I decided to start with Number 5 and work to Number 1. Number 5 was Frank & Lillian Gilbreth. 4 was Catbert.
Number 3 may not be well known by name, but is a member of a show that has a big influence in terms of current culture. In other words, if you just started watching television this year, you might know this character.
Coming in at 3, the subject of Michael’s abuse on the Office, Dundler Mifflin’s contribution to the image of the field of human resources, Toby Flenderson.
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Ironically Toby nearly always had the correct answer to the situation, he just didn’t “partner” very well with Michael.
Is it a bright spot that Toby can best be described as puny and powerless? Rather than, say, unqualified or stupid? I’m really grasping now aren’t I.
Great point Bryan. Toby does seem to have the correct answer and also to express the HR point of view very clearly. Maybe it says something that Toby is rarely listened to and often abused.
For an interesting introspection on Michael’s management style from Harvard Business Publishing see 11 Habits of the Worst Boss I Ever Had by David Silverman. You can find it at:
http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/silverman/2008/07/the-flip-side-of-leadership.html