We’re in the throws of another reality TV season and while I do admit to being an American Idol fan, I’m not addicted to the slew of others – - or at least won’t own up to it if asked in front of people I respect.
As I’m thinking about Simon Cowell’s bluntness, Donald Trump’s ability to fire without too many facts, Len Goodman’s issue with anything non-traditional in ballroom dancing and Tyra Banks’ freedom to talk smack about appearance and attire before ousting the next want-to-be model, I feel like there are lessons to be learned for the HR pros in the corporate world.
What could possibly be gleaned from hard-core trainer Jillian’s tactics on “The Biggest Loser” you ask? Probably not screaming and cussing at people because they are fat; but you have to admire her ability to tell it like it is, which in turn helps motivate, educate and demonstrate the benefits of fitness and nutrition.
What if HR folks would tell it like it is? Well, I think every single CEO would benefit from having a “Simon Cowell” in their HR leadership spot. Here are actual quotes from Simon regarding some of the stickier issues that should have had a reality check:
-Enron employees are allowed to invest most of their savings in company stock.
Simon: <insert a non-sexy British accent> “The reality is, there is not a single person on planet earth that would think that is a good idea – not even your mum.”
-Automaker leaders take corporate jets down to D.C. in order to ask for billions.
Simon: “That is exactly identical to a nightmare I had last week. There are only so many words I can use to say how dreadful that was.”
-Edward Libby’s plea for those that received more than $100,000 in bonus money to “do the right thing” while in the same breath defending that AIG had “no choice but to pay $165 million in what it called retention bonuses...”
Simon: “You are like an annoying girl singing in her bedroom and a lot of people will find you annoying. There was nothing redeeming about that.”
-Former Merrill Lynch CEO, John Thain’s decision to buy the 19th century credenza for $68,000 and a very expensive trash can vs. finding similar versions at Pottery Barn.
Simon: “Come on, seriously. My pen has more charisma. Sorry!”
The real corporate world needs HR leaders who will close the door and say to their CEO: “You are out of your mind. This is wrong. It will not go over well. That idea needs some additional input. Sleep on it. Don’t let your ego get the best of you.”
OK – so maybe I’m living in a non-legalistic dream world right now, but hey – the premise was reality TV after all. Sorry!
i’m torn on this.
these ideas go back to the notion of HR having responsibility (in part at least) to upholding or instilling an “integrity” type function within organizations. (chief integrity officer concept…) i’m not sure if i love it – HR playing that particular role – because what about the personal accountability of the individual making these really bad decisions? that being said though… i’m not sure who better in an organization to smack some common sense around and serve as a steward for an organizations values (which you’d hope would include integrity, right?).
JL – I agree; it is not the lone responsibility of the HR pro to speak up as every member of the exec team needs to be able to have the same conversation. In these cases, it appears no one had those talks and/or CEO egos got in the way of listening to valid counsel. My thought is that HR leaders need to have the type of relationship with their CEO where there is no hesitation around having tough conversations – or calling BS as appropriate.
LOL…oh my…this post is awesome!
I’m on the same fence as Jessica (and it’s getting uncomfortable), but I agree with your supplemental comment. This isn’t a job for HR, but for whoever. HR, CEO, Accounting, Mail-room…someone. Anyone who can say, “Hey, genius…you should rethink that.”
Very insightful comment from me, I know. I just wanted to tell you that your post had me cracking up.
I think this is a job for EVERYONE! When we stop calling out stupidity – at any level – by default we are approving it.
I think the level of vitriol aimed at the person should be directly proportional to the stupidity of the act. When someone new to a company makes a small blunder – the reaction should be small and helpful. But when the act is monumentally stupid it requires a Cowell-like response to really reinforce the disconnect.
As parents – you treat different infractions by your children differently – a small infraction gets a small time-out. Running into the street without looking gets a much greater reaction – sometimes a very strong reaction.
To paraphrase an SNL Skit – More “Cowell”!