The last thing you want to hear as a reaction to your keynote speaker is “WHO?” The second to last thing you want to hear is “WHY?”
SHRM was successfully able to avoid the “who” question this year with their choice of Sidney Poitier as a speaker for the opening general session of the Annual Conference. They failed however when it came to the “why” question.
Sidney Poitier is certainly an amazing man who has achieved much during his life. But, what does he have to do with Human Resources? Yes, he struggled to gain recognition despite his race. Yes, he grew up poor. Had he been a poor black man who became a major CEO (or even President but not an ambassador – that’s Angelina’s job) I could understand. I’m sure there’s a minority man or woman out there who fits the bill in a more traditional industry. Maybe even one who has an HR story to share in their recount of their life.
The entertainment industry is something few HR practitioners can relate to. It doesn’t surprise me that from what I’ve read of the speech Poitier had nothing direct to say about HR or more traditional industries.
While Poitier is someone we can learn a lot from, if he is the one to represent our profession at our Annual Conference what does that say about our profession?
June 24, 2008 at 8:46 am |
I agree 100 percent.
I am attending the Ohio SHRM conference later this year where the keynote speaker will be Jack Hanna. I am still trying to figure out what the heck he has to do with HR? Well, I guess there is that whole zoo animals and employees comparison.
June 24, 2008 at 9:31 am |
I’m here at the conference and I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Poitier’s speech. His themes of avoiding superficial snap and looking for the ‘human’ in others, was capped by one of the longest standing ovations I’ve seen at any conference.
There are plenty of sessions from experienced experts, attorney’s and HR technicians at SHRM conferences, which is good. The keynote speaker plays a different role and should be someone eloquent, respected and accomplished; someone who can take us out of “HR world” and help us see things from a different perspective.
June 24, 2008 at 12:39 pm |
Of course TC, you are totally spot on with this commentary.
However, I am also conflicted because I do believe it would have been much more impactful and relevant to an audience of HR folks to have someone speak to them that both inspired and could actually relate to their, as you put it, “HR world.”
Is it too much to ask for both?
June 24, 2008 at 6:47 pm |
Bryan – I used to love Jack Hanna! Ahh, fond childhood memories. At least he’s had a more traditional work history – Executive Director even. But yeah, not sure how he’s appropriate for HR.
Totally Consumed – I think Bryan summed it up well. I don’t doubt that Poitier’s speech was good. I do doubt it’s place in an HR conference. What worries me is that people say our professional is irrelevant. Having Poitier as our keynote only enforces that image.
June 24, 2008 at 8:04 pm |
[...] visit Rachel’s site and tell her your feelings about Sidney Poitier. Word on the street is that Mr. Tibbs was paid over [...]
June 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm |
Rachel – You said it best in your last comment “What worries me is that people say our professional is irrelevant. Having Poitier as our keynote only enforces that image.”
Nail. On. The. Head.