A Governor and a King

Last Friday evening, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo suggested on a public radio station that “extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay…have no place in the state of New York.”  The comments, though actually referring to the political prospects of extreme conservative candidates in the state, have set much of the conservative sector of our country into an uproar.  

People, both famous and ordinary, have taken to the airwaves and to social media this week to lash out about right and wrong, tolerance and intolerance.  The response to Cuomo’s comments, and the very fact that discussions such as these are still necessary, speak volumes to how short of a distance we have actually come in the 45 years since Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated for standing up for freedom, equality, and love for all of humanity.

 As a human resource professional in a time such as this, I have often turned to the words of John F. Kennedy, as a guiding light.  “Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs.  Rather it condemns the oppression and persecution of others.”  I can only imagine the financial difficulties that would be faced by employment attorneys world-wide if WE could lead our organizations into a culture of light!

Until next time...Peace, Love and People!

Tiffany

Stars in Stripes

Two peanuts walked in to a bar.  One was a-salted.

I don’t care who you are, that right there is some funny stuff!

A couple of years ago the company where I serve was nominated for an award from the state.  Part of the nomination process was that we were asked to give employees the opportunity to share their thoughts about the company.  After a few days my desk had a lovely stack of letters to sort through.  (Anyone who has ever seen my office knows that is a lie.  There has never been a lovely stack of anything on my desk!)

              

 Exhibit A:

I regress.  As I sorted through the letters, there were several with a recurring theme. These letters were written by employees with criminal backgrounds.  Employees who committed a crime, served their time, and were ready to start fresh.  In their letters these employees, mostly ladies, talked about the looks they received from some HR departments.  The countless applications with no call back.    The fear of not being able to be self-sufficient. 

These employees went on to talk about how grateful they were for the opportunities they have been given at our company.  Opportunities for growth and advancement.  A chance to be judged on performance and not on the past.  One spoke of her loyalty to us, because we had believed in her when she no longer believed in herself.

I strongly believe in the importance of background checks and the information they provide potential employers.  I also believe in second chances.  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to review the EEOC Guidance on Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions.  http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/arrest_conviction.cfm  I, like most HR professionals, am never a fan of new opportunities for litigation.  However, I think this topic is worthy of your consideration, because the truth of the matter is this…Some of my brightest stars used to wear stripes!

Until next time… Peace, Love and People!

Tiffany

Three Wise Men

Yesterday marked Epiphany on the Christian calendar.  This day, sometimes called Three Kings Day, is celebrated twelve days after Christmas and marks the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus.

While driving home yesterday, I began to ponder what that voyage might look like today.  I suspect that it would still take at least twelve days to reach the child, despite much faster travel options.  There would be a couple days of water cooler gossip about this “savior”, followed by an exploratory meeting, brainstorming meeting, budgeting meeting, personnel meeting, etc.  As an HR professional, I can’t help but ponder the selection of the team.  

I certainly imagine that the three wise men would include at least one wise woman.  After all, someone might need to stop and ask for directions.  Just kidding, guys.

 

I envision that there would be one traditional worker. Coming from a generation that has experienced extensive economic uncertainty in their time, coupled with a likelihood of some military background, this team member would likely be self-disciplined and loyal.

Lastly on the journey, I envision a Gen X.  Known for academic training and worldliness, this person would nicely round out the team.  Additionally, the short journey to the end prize would be especially rewarding for someone in this group.

I can’t help but snicker thinking that somewhere back at the office there is probably a Gen Y building a video game about the whole ordeal.  Maybe Grand Theft Camel or Call of Doody.  (Excuse my baby humor!)  

So here it is… my epiphany!  I believe that wise leadership can see the value in the diversity brought by the team assembled here today.  They most likely will not all be willing to wear the same attire, listen to the same music, or even agree entirely on the best path to get there, but I believe that in the end success will come and it will be greater than you ever imagined!  

Until next time…Peace, Love and People!

Tiffany