The Best (HR) Advice My Dad Gave Me
This being the month in which we celebrate Fathers Day, I’m thinking about my father, his many talents and his legacy to my life. My dad is brilliant, adventurous and athletic. He tells a great story, speaks at least four languages well, and can get by in another half dozen.
My Dad in Africa
Dad is witty, entertaining and at times downright hilarious. I can thank him for my sense of humor; I’m doing my best every day to pass this gift on to my own son. My dad appreciated my fiesty tomboyishness, taught me to drive stick shift, how to ride a motorcycle. I’ve purchased two motor scooters because of fond memories of our Hondas 50 and 125 when we lived in Africa.
I also credit him with some of the best HR advice I’ve ever received. A few years ago, my dad asked me how some of my investments were doing and I was mortified to admit that I had no clue. That’s when he made this observation:
“It wouldn’t hurt you to read the business section.”
He’s probably long forgotten the conversation, but I haven’t. Since then, I seek out the business section of the Washington Post as well as the Business and Politics edition of our local paper, the Gazette. I’m reading more business books and seeing my HR role in a larger, more strategic and bigger-picture light. Thanks, Dad.
When I applied his advice broadly, what I learned was: to get ahead and be taken serious in HR, it helps to read the business section. To think of yourself as a business person. To bring your business acumen to the table.
So I wonder: What’s the best (HR) advice you’ve ever received?
And what legacy can you credit to your dad?