HR Leadership Sesame Street Style: Who Would Be Your HR Manager?

I found another blast from the past to share.  This was a fun post I did earlier in the year and since we’re all in some kind of holiday mode, I thought we should have a little fun today.  Be sure to comment at the end so we know who would be YOUR ideal HR manager.

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So, I’ve been on vacation a few days and since I have two little ones, I’ve had a bit of Sesame Street time. While watching today, the thought popped in my head, I wonder which character would make the ideal HR manager. Now, I must admit, that since I’m a working mom, I do not watch enough Sesame Street to know every character. In fact, most are those I remember from over 30 years ago when I watched the show myself. At any rate, here is my analysis:

(Photo from cheerbear.webs.com)

Big Bird– Big Bird is a dreamer. He is nice, but often too much so. Employees could easily take advantage of Big Bird if he were the HR manager.  I think he could do a great job with employee benefits though because he would be patient and kind when explaining everything.

Elmo-Cute, cute, cute. Elmo is so happy and would certainly be well-liked and popular. Does that sound like any HR person you know? I didn’t think so.

Ernie– Ok, Ernie is someone who tries hard. He tries to figure things out. He takes risks. However, Ernie always has to rely on someone else. Bert. A good HR manager should not always have to rely on someone else in order to make a decision or a recommendation.  He could be a great HR team member, but definitely not the leader.

Bert– Bert is smart. He is very practical and matter-of-fact. Bert is easily annoyed. Not really much of a people person. I don’t think he’d survive very long in HR. He would probably make a great tax accountant or CFO though.

Oscar the Grouch– Now, Oscar has no potential in HR. If a HR manager slammed his/her door (or trash can lid as the case may be) at every person that walked by, well…..you know it just wouldn’t work.

The Count– One termination, two terminations, three terminations, four terminations. The number of the day is FOUR! Ha ha ha. (Nope! Don’t think that would work at all.)

Telly Monster– Telly is always completely confused. I think he’d be better suited for another line of work.

Grover– Like Elmo, Grover is cute and happy. He is by far a people pleaser. He also is clumsy and makes many mistakes and misjudgments. Not a good HR combo.

While those characters each have interesting characteristics that would benefit a HR manager, I think the clear cut winner in my book has to be……..(drum roll please)…………………….

Kermit the Frog.- Kermit is sweet, but firm. He is always a leader. He likes the other characters to be happy but is not afraid to push back (especially on Miss Piggy). Kermit is friendly, approachable, and smart. He’s quite worldly and always seemed most like an adult. Kermit is a good listener and helps others.

So, that’s my take. What do you think? Who would make the best HR manager in your company?