The Power of the HR Force: the Light and the Dark Sides of Human Resources

Okay. OMG. This week, The Last Jedi is finally coming out and we have had our tickets for like 2 months. Seriously. I am easily distracted when it comes to Star Wars, so to keep myself focused on work, I decided to combine my love of Star Wars with my love of HR. So, in anticipation of the movie, I am having a 5-day Star Wars and HR celebration. Like my own little Star Wars Week here on the blog. In true Fangirl fashion. Because Star Wars and HR have so much in common. I promise, no spoilers; but we should get lots of HR lessons to take from the movie and characters. For this post, we look at the HR Force. I am so ready — come on, Padawan, let’s go!

The Force That Is HR

Haven’t you ever wondered how HR is like the Force? I know, right? Me too! So wonder no more…

There is a dark side and a light side of HR. Sometimes we can feel the force calling us to one side or the other, but we have to be able to recognize both sides so we can use our HR Force for good, rather than the alternative.

Because no one wants to be considered that “evil HR lady”, or whatever.

But first, I want to take some time to explain to all you Star Wars newbies what the Force is.

A Brief Explanation of the Force

The Wookieepedia online is the place to go for all things Star Wars. And, of course, the Star Wars official website. I will try to keep this brief:

The Force was an energy field that connected every living thing in the galaxy. Some beings were ‘Force-sensitive’, and could use the force to perform some really cool things — like telekinesis. Force-sensitivity is being able to sense and use the force, and anyone who was Force-sensitive could sense another who was the same.

There are two sides of the Force: the light side, used by the Jedi Order to enhance their skills or impress their will on the weak-minded; and the dark side, used by the Sith to twist the Force into a weapon, such as Force-lightning or Force-choking. They both used the Force to see things before they happened.

The Jedi Order strove to maintain peace and justice throughout the galaxy, and keep balance in the Force. They lived by the Jedi Code, which emphasized mutual trust, respect, and the ability to form alliances, which gave them an advantage over their enemy.

On the opposite end, the Sith would not embrace compassion or self-sacrifice; but instead thrived on complete control and absolute authority.

Why the Force?

Now that you have a full and vast new knowledge of the Force and how it works -

(it’s okay, it took me several movies before I ‘got it’; but only one to completely fall in love with the series!)

- we can talk about the HR Force and how it can be both positive and negative.

Why?

Why not? After all, if you’ve read any of my previous posts, you know that I believe that one can choose to be an HR Employee or an HR Professional — that this is very closely related to how.

Plus, we’ll get into a few of the skills necessary to be an HR Professional versus those that best describe an HR Employee. For more on the differences between the two, check out my “So You Want to Be An HR Professional?” post. It will explain the ways of the…

hmmm… that doesn’t work for every scenario.

Moving on.

“Don’t Underestimate the Force.” ~Darth Vader

The HR Force is a strong force that requires education, skill, practice, and perseverance. It is not for the weak-minded or for those who are just in it to make a paycheck.

There are, however, no special powers or abilities that are only usable by those in HR. The HR Force exists inside those Professionals who use is and draw energy from it. HR Employees barely scratch the surface of the HR force, and only to do the task required of them. These are mostly paper-pushers who stay in the role for a long time, never attempting to become more or do more with that HR knowledge. They really don’t care to be one with the HR force; only to work and go home. HR Professionals are the true Jedi Knights who know how to tap into that knowledge and experience to perform to their highest ability, helping to shape the workplace around them.

Followers of the light side act out of wisdom and logic, rather than hasty judgment and control.

“A Jedi Uses the Force for Knowledge and Defense. Never for Attack.” ~Yoda

For those who may not be Star Wars fans (I will try not to scoff too loudly), but who may be aware of some kind of comic — you may be familiar with the infamous quote: “with great power comes great responsibility.” This is the burden of the HR Professional.

Much like the Jedi Knights and Generals in Clone Wars, we often have to mediate and try to win over alliances. All while staying neutral enough to ‘not really get involved’.

It’s important to recognize some of the traits of the Light Side of the HR Force:

• Compassion
• Selflessness
• Self-knowledge and enlightenment
• Healing
• Mercy and benevolence

Notice that all of these are soft skills? While a good HR-Jedi studies the technical information for knowledge of policy, process, and business strategy; a great HR-Jedi learns and lives the soft skills that are necessary to help with employee relations, development, morale, and even discipline.

“That’s Not How the Force Works.” ~Han Solo

I’m sure you’re wondering why I keep referring to the Dark Side when talking about Human Resources. Well, because there is a dark side to HR. Just like in any other job — dishonesty, discrimination, unethical behavior, and even corruption. It has happened.

So just like the Light Side, it is equally important to recognize some of the traits on the Dark Side of the HR-Force:

• Aggression
• Defensiveness
• Hatred
• Fear
• Covetousness
• Anger
• Jealousy
• Malevolence

HR Employees with these traits are not necessarily in human resources for the good work and difference they can make. Maybe they started that way, but they have no light left in them, now. They look to climb the ladder, gaining titles and recognition so they can work their way up to the position of ‘Emperor’, or some other ridiculous title that simply means leader of serving the needs of the people and the company.

You know, like the Help.

What? Sometimes we are considered the Help. Another post for another movie for another day, I suppose.

Employees, be careful of these types of leaders. They are not going to help you achieve your goals; they won’t mentor you, and they definitely will not be happy for any of your successes. They will simply step over you to get to the top. Sad, but true.

The Dark Side. Just saying.

“I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing” ~Darth Vader

As I’ve said before, HR takes a certain set of skills. I’m not trying to say that HR Professionals are better or more skilled than other careers, just specialized in our specific skill set.

With that being said, others who have not practiced or studied in the ways of the HR-Force sometimes doubt it’s existence. Or the necessity of our existence. “HR is outdated”; “We no longer need human resources”; “We can just automate your jobs and get rid of HR for good”. If you don’t have the sensitivity to the career and the knowledge of its importance in the workplace, then you can’t always see its usefulness or purpose.

And, my fellow HR Professionals, we don’t always help to squash that point of view, either; with our paper-hoarding, this-is-how-we’ve-always-done-it attitudes.

In order to better assist business and keep ourselves relevant — we have to think like businesses and become partners in strategy and planning, rather than policy and form chasers. Don’t worry — this post is coming!

“May the Force Be With You!” ~various

And so here we are. Hopefully less confused than when you started this post, and with a better understanding of my HR to Star Wars comparison.

I will continue the party tomorrow with a post about being the perfect employee and how we should and should not treat our good employees. Bet you can’t guess who we’re talking about!

Stay tuned…

in the meantime: tell me what you think about the HR Force. Would you agree or disagree? Share with the Jedi class!