Warren Flies Solo With a Very Special Mystery Guest or Two

Had some fun making this one hope you enjoy and appreciate the special guest. 

Transcript

Announcer 0:00

Had you actually read the email, you would know that the podcast you are about to listen to could contain explicit language and offensive content. These HR experts' views are not representative of their past, present, or future employers. If you've ever heard, my manager is unfair to me, I need you to reset my HR portal password, or can I right at my employee for crying too much? Welcome to our little stable stuff. Welcome to J.

Warren 0:50

Welcome to David HR Podcast by one HR professional who wants to help you get through the work day by saying all the things you're thinking, but say them out loud. I'm Warren. And today I don't necessarily have a co-host, but I do have a very special guest. So I'm going to do things a little bit different, and I'm going to save who my guest is till the end and see what happens with that. I think this will be a fun episode, so just stay tuned. We'll see what we got. But before we get started, I want to thank our supporters, all of those who leave reviews, who connect with us on social media, or even support us on Patreon, like Halley, our original jaded HR rock star. But let's talk a little bit about our guests today. Like I said, I'm not going to reveal who they are until a little bit later, but this is a very special episode. And just like Blossom, every episode's a very special episode. But hey, I do know you are a 90s TV aficionado, so why don't you tell us a little bit about Blossom to start with? I'm sure most of our audience wasn't around when this first came out.

Special Guest 2:05

Well, first, thank you for having me. I really enjoy your podcast. But yes, as you say, I am a bit of an 80s and 90s TV geek. To answer your question about Blossom, Blossom is a television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1991 to 1995. The show stars Mae and Violik as Blossom Russo, a teenager living with her father and two brothers. The show follows Blossom as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, including relationships, school, and family dynamics. The show also features supporting characters such as Blossom's best friend, Six, her older brother Anthony, and her father Nick. The show is known for its mix of humor and drama as it deals with serious issues such as abuse, addiction, and homelessness. Blossom was a popular show during its original run, and it has since gained a cult following. It is remembered for its catchy theme song, My Opinionation, and for its strong cast of characters.

Warren 2:54

That was a little bit more than I was expecting, but I know you're a know-it-all about so many things, so let's go ahead and talk a little bit more about your world and HR.

Special Guest 3:07

I don't know if it should take that as a compliment or not, but I'll go with it as a compliment for now.

Warren 3:12

No, it was a compliment, but uh let's start talking a little bit about HR. Tell us what you know about HR.

Special Guest 3:19

Human resources is a professional field that is responsible for managing and supporting the people resources of an organization. HR professionals are responsible for a wide range of tasks that are essential to the success of any organization, including recruiting and hiring, employee development, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. HR professionals work to create a positive and productive work environment, which can help to attract and retain top talent. They also play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with employment laws and regulations, which can help to reduce the risk of legal disputes and protect the reputation of the organization. HR professionals may work in a variety of industries and organizations, including large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. HR professionals may have a bachelor's or master's degree in a field such as business or human resources management, and may also be certified through professional organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management.

Warren 4:16

Now, as someone who's not an HR professional, what would you say are some of the most common issues facing human resource professionals today?

Special Guest 4:25

There are many issues that can arise in the field of human resources. Some of the most common HR issues include recruitment and retention, finding and retaining top talent can be a challenge, especially in a competitive job market like we see today. Employee engagement and satisfaction, ensuring that employees are motivated and satisfied with their work and workplace can be a challenge. Diversity and inclusion, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, can be difficult, especially if there are issues with discrimination or bias. Workplace safety, ensuring that the workplace is safe for all employees is an important responsibility for HR. Legal compliance, HR must ensure that the company is in compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations. Compensation and benefits, determining and implementing fair and competitive compensation and benefits packages can be a complex task. Performance management, setting clear expectations and goals for employees, and evaluating their performance fairly can be difficult. Employee development and training, providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow can be a challenge, especially if there are limited resources available. Overall, HR plays a crucial role in managing and addressing these and other issues that can impact the success and well-being of the company and its employees.

Warren 5:34

Tell me about some of the notable people in human resources that you follow and find important to the industry.

Special Guest 5:43

There are many influential people in the field of human resources. Here are some of the notable people in HREM familiar with. Taylor is a leading voice on HR issues and has been recognized as one of the most influential HR leaders in the world. Pat Wators, the chief talent officer at LinkedIn, Waters is known for her work on talent management and leadership development. Michael C. Bush, the CEO of Great Place to Work, a global research and consulting firm. Bush is a leading expert on workplace culture and employee engagement. Liz Ryan, a HR consultant, author, and speaker, Ryan is known for her expertise on leadership development and HR strategy. Daniel Pink, a best-selling author and speaker, Pink is known for his work on motivation, work-life balance, and HR strategy. Tim Sackett, an HR consultant and author, Sackett is known for his expertise on talent management, employee engagement, and HR technology. These are just a few examples of influential HR professionals who have made significant contributions to the field. There are many other HR professionals who have made significant contributions and are also worth noting.

Warren 7:04

You mentioned Tim Sackett. He is a host of another really good HR podcast called HR Famous. So if you haven't already checked it out, go ahead and check them out as well. How many people would you say are working in the field of human resources right now?

Special Guest 7:20

It is difficult to determine with certainty how many people currently work in HR, as the field is broad and encompasses a wide range of roles and responsibilities. HR professionals can work in a variety of industries and organizations, including large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, there were approximately 759,000 HR professionals working in the United States. This includes HR managers, HR specialists, and HR assistants, among others. The BLS expects employment in the HR field to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In general, HR is a large and growing field with many career opportunities for those interested in working with people and in supporting the success of an organization. HR professionals play a crucial role in managing and supporting the people resources of a company and in helping to create a positive and productive work environment.

Warren 8:18

So that's actually quite interesting. And it's good to know that HR is a growing field. But what would you say to someone who just wants to start their career in human resources?

Special Guest 8:32

Human resources can be a good area to start a career for those who are interested in working with people and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. HR professionals are responsible for a wide range of tasks that are essential to the success of any organization, including recruitment and hiring, employee development, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. Working in HR can provide a variety of opportunities to learn and grow. As HR professionals often have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and organizations, HR professionals also have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing. If you are considering a career in HR, it is important to be aware that the field can be competitive and that many HR positions may require a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business or human resources management. However, with the right education and experience, a career in HR can be rewarding and offer a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Warren 9:30

With everything you've said in mind, tell me why you think human resources is undervalued in many companies.

Special Guest 9:55

However, HR is often viewed as a support function rather than a strategic contributor to the business and may not receive the recognition or resources that it deserves. There are several reasons why HR may be undervalued in many companies. One reason may be that HR is seen as a cost center rather than a revenue generator, which can lead to a lack of investment in HR initiative. Another reason may be that HR is perceived as being less technical or data-driven than other functions, which can lead to a lack of appreciation for the skills and expertise of HR professionals. In order for HR to be more valued in a company, it is important for HR professionals to demonstrate the value that they bring to the organization. This can involve demonstrating the impact of HR initiatives on business outcome, using data to support decision making, and aligning HR strategies with the overall business objectives of the company. By doing so, HR can help to position itself as a strategic contributor to the success of the organization rather than just a support function.

Warren 10:50

Now tell me, what do you think are the characteristics you should look for in a human resources leader?

Special Guest 10:58

There are many qualities that can make a good HR leader, and the specific traits that are most important will depend on the needs of the organization and the team being led. Some common qualities that are often sought in leaders include vision, the ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the organization, and to inspire others to work towards that vision. Strategic thinking, the ability to think critically and strategically, and to develop and execute plans to achieve the organization's goal. Communication skills, the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with team members, stakeholders, and others. Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. Ethics and integrity, the ability to act with honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics. Decision making, the ability to make sound decisions quickly and effectively, even in times of uncertainty or pressure. Adaptability, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to lead the organization through times of change. Collaboration, the ability to work well with others and to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture. Coaching and development, the ability to help team members grow and develop their skills and capabilities. Inclusivity, the ability to create and foster a diverse and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and supported.

Warren 12:08

Now you didn't mention cynicism in that list. Should cynical people such as myself be involved in HR leadership?

Special Guest 12:17

Cynicism can be defined as a skeptical or negative attitude towards something, often characterized by a lack of trust or belief in others. While there are certainly situations in which a cynical perspective may be warrant, it is generally not considered an ideal trait for leaders to possess. Leaders are responsible for setting the tone and direction for their team or organization, and for inspiring and motivating others to work towards a common goal. A cynical attitude can be demoralizing and can undermine the trust and confidence that team members have in their leader. It can also create a negative and unproductive work environment, which can negatively impact performance and morale. Therefore, it is generally advisable for leaders to strive to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook and to approach challenges with a sense of openness and a willingness to listen to others. While it is important for leaders to be realistic and to consider potential risks and challenges, a cynical attitude can be counterproductive and may not be conducive to effective leadership.

Warren 13:11

So are you saying I'm in the wrong field?

Special Guest 13:14

I'm not saying you're in the wrong career field. You've obviously done well for yourself and have made a name for yourself in the HR field. But cynicism is generally not looked upon favorably in leaders. You may be the exception.

Warren 13:25

Now, earlier you brought up SHERM. Tell us a little bit about what you know of SHERM.

Special Guest 13:32

SHERM is a professional organization for HR professionals that aims to provide its members with resources, support, and education to help them succeed in their careers. SHERM is a well-respected organization in the field of HR and is generally considered a trustworthy resource for HR professionals. SHERM offers a range of resources and services to its members, including access to a knowledge center, networking opportunities, professional development courses, and certification programs. The organization also advocates for HR professionals and works to shape policies and practices that impact the HR profession. Overall, SHERM is a reputable and reliable organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the HR profession. If you are an HR professional, joining SHERM may be a good way to access a range of resources and support to help you succeed in your career.

Warren 14:19

That's nice, but what would you say are the biggest drawbacks to SHERM?

Special Guest 14:25

It is not uncommon for organizations to receive criticism or negative feedback from some stakeholders. However, it is important to note that SHERM is a well-respected and widely trusted professional organization for HR professional. That being said, some of the most common negative sentiments that may be expressed about SHERM include concerns about the cost of membership, dissatisfaction with certain policies or practices of the organization, or concerns about the relevance or value of certain resources or services offered by SHERM. It is important to remember that no organization is perfect and that all organizations, including SHERM, will inevitably receive some criticism or negative feedback. However, it is also important to recognize that SHERM is a professional organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the HR profession, and that it has a long-track record of providing valuable resources and support to its members. Greater use of technology, HR is likely to continue to embrace technology to automate and streamline various HR processes, such as recruitment, performance management, and training. This could include the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to improve efficiency and decision making. Greater focus on employee experience, HR is likely to place a greater emphasis on creating a positive and engaging employee experience. As this has been shown to be a key driver of employee satisfaction and retention. Greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR is likely to continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion as key pillars of a healthy and productive workplace. This could involve increased efforts to attract and retain a diverse workforce, as well as initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment. Greater focus on employee development. HR is likely to continue to place a greater emphasis on providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow, both within and outside of their current roles. This could include the use of new technologies such as virtual reality and gamification to enhance learning and development experiences. Overall, while it is difficult to predict exactly what HR will look like in 2030, it is clear that the field will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and the business environment.

Warren 17:06

Well, first thing I'll say that's a better answer than that long article written by Sherm about the same thing. But you did mention artificial intelligence, and that's sort of where I wanted to go with today's episode. So thank you for the segue. And I do know you are a bit of an expert about artificial intelligence. So tell us a little bit about artificial intelligence.

Special Guest 17:29

Artificial intelligence refers to the development of computer systems and algorithms that are able to perform tasks that normally require human-like intelligence, such as understanding and generating language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. There are different types of AI, including narrow or weak AI, which is designed to perform specific tasks, and general or strong AI, which is capable of performing a wide range of tasks and adapting to new situations. AI has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries and applications, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing. AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, are being used to automate and streamline various processes, improve decision making, and enhance productivity. However, the development and use of AI also raises ethical and social concerns, such as the potential impact on employment, privacy, and bias. As AI continues to evolve and become more prevalent in society, it is important to carefully consider and address these issues.

Warren 18:27

Now, you just mentioned that AI can revolutionize a wide range of industries, but tell me a little bit about how it can help in HR.

Special Guest 18:38

Artificial intelligence is being used in various ways in the field of human resources. Some examples of how AI is being used in HR include recruitment and hiring. AI-powered tools can help to automate and streamline the recruitment and hiring process. For example, AI-powered resume review systems can help to screen resumes and identify candidates who are most likely to be a good fit for a particular job. Employee evaluation and performance management. AI-powered tools can help to track and analyze employee performance data, providing insights that can be used to improve performance and increase productivity. Talent management, AI-powered tools can help to identify and develop the skills of top performers, providing personalized development plans and training recommendations. Employee engagement and retention, AI-powered tools can help to track employee satisfaction and identify potential issues that may lead to turnover. Compliance, AI-powered tools can help to ensure that HR process and policies are in compliance with relevant employment laws and regulations. Overall, AI is being used to automate and streamline various HR tasks and to provide insights and recommendations that can help organizations to better manage and develop their workforce.

Warren 19:44

Now, one of the trending topics when it comes to HR and AI is discrimination. Tell me a little of your thoughts on how discrimination appears in artificial intelligence.

Special Guest 19:58

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including human resources. However, the use of AI and HR also raises concerns about the potential for discrimination. One potential problem with AI and discrimination in HR is the risk of biased algorithms. If the data used to train an AI system is biased, the system may produce biased results or recommendations. For example, an AI system used to screen job candidates might be trained on data that reflects the existing biases of the organization, leading to the exclusion of certain groups of people. Another problem with AI and discrimination in HR is the potential for the system to perpetuate or amplify existing biases. For example, if an AI system is used to evaluate the performance of employees, it may be influenced by biased evaluations or assessments made by human managers, leading to unfair treatment of certain employees. Overall, it is important for organizations to be aware of these potential problems with AI and discrimination in HR and to take steps to mitigate the risk of biased outcomes. This might include carefully selecting and evaluating the data used to train AI system, as well as regularly reviewing and testing the results produced by the system to ensure fairness and equity.

Warren 21:06

Do you think AI will take over an HR?

Special Guest 21:09

Artificial intelligence is being increasingly used in various industries, including HR. However, it is unlikely that AI will completely replace the role of HR professionals in the near future. While AI-powered tools and technologies can help to automate certain tasks and provide insights and recommendations, they are not capable of replacing the human judgment and decision-making that is often required in HR. HR professionals play a critical role in managing and supporting the people resources of an organization. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including recruitment and hiring, employee development, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. These tasks often require a deep understanding of the business and its needs, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with employees and stakeholders. While AI can certainly be a valuable tool in helping HR professionals to perform certain tasks more efficiently, it Unlikely to completely replace the role of HR professionals in the near future. Instead, it is more likely that AI will augment and assist HR professionals, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks that require more complex problem solving and decision making.

Warren 22:14

Now, before I reveal who you are and how the listeners may know you, I understand you are a pretty creative person. You've written some songs and poems about human resources. Why don't you start with your poem about HR for us?

Special Guest 22:31

Human resources, the heartbeat of a company, a team that works behind the scenes silently. They handle all the people issues, big and small, from hiring and firing to answering the call. They ensure compliance and fairness in the workplace. They offer guidance and support to help employees find their place. They work to create a culture that is positive and strong, a place where everyone belongs. Human resources, the unsung heroes of the game. Their work may not always be glamorous, but it's always the same. They are the backbone of a company's success. Without them, the business would be a mess. So here's your human resources, the heart of the company. We appreciate all that you do and the work that you bring endlessly.

Warren 23:09

That's pretty good. How about the song you wrote?

Special Guest 23:13

We're the HR team. We work behind the scenes, making sure the company runs smoothly in all its means. From hiring and firing to benefits and pay. We've got it all covered every single day. HR, HR, we're the ones you call. When you need a helping hand or just need a shoulder to lean on, we're here to listen and offer our advice. We'll work with you to make your life more nice. We handle all the people issues, big and small, from diversity and inclusion to answering the call. We ensure compliance and fairness in the workplace. We offer guidance and support to help employees find their place. HR, HR, we're the ones you call. When you need a helping hand or just need a shoulder to lean on, we're here to listen and offer our advice. We'll work with you to make your life more nice. We work to create a culture that is positive and strong. A place where everyone belongs, we're the backbone of the company's success. Without us, the business would be a mess. HR, HR, we're the ones you call. When you need a helping hand or just need a shoulder to lean on, we're here to listen and offer our advice. We'll work with you to make your life more nice.

Warren 24:14

Okay, making your life more nice. That's exactly what HR is supposed to do. Okay, now that we're in the end of our podcast, I think it's a good time to introduce my guests and who they really are or maybe who they aren't. My guest today is actually an AI bot from ChatGPT. Easy for me to say. And actually, even some of the questions asked above by me were actually the AI doing my voice, which is pretty darn scary because I think my voice sounds more realistic than my guest. So that was pretty cool to do. I listened to a podcast just the other day, and the entire podcast, all ends of it, was done by AI. For me, I just entered my questions into the chat GPT and transcribed it into my editing software, which allows me to do stock voices such as the one you heard today. There's about six of them, and you'll hear another in a moment. But yeah, that's really, really interesting. I thought it was uh cool to do, saying I didn't have a co-host for today. But this is for free what someone can do with artificial intelligence. And honestly, I was uber impressed by all this. It was really, really crazy. So I want to give you an example of me speaking and the computer speaking in my voice. So right now, this is me, Warren, actually speaking into the microphone. And this is not that's pretty scary, but I do have another couple of questions for our guest. Can AI replace my missing co-host?

Special Guest 25:57

Artificial intelligence has the potential to perform a wide range of tasks, including those that involve language processing and generation. However, it is unlikely that AI would be able to completely replace a human co-host on a podcast in the near future. While AI-powered tools and technologies can certainly assist with certain tasks, such as transcribing audio or generating text, they are not yet able to replicate the complexity and nuance of human thought and expression. AI-generated content can often be robotic or repetitive, and may lack the creativity and uniqueness that a human co-host brings to a podcast. Additionally, a podcast co-host typically plays a number of important roles, including collaborating on content, engaging with listeners, and building a relationship with the audience. These tasks involve a high level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, which AI is not yet able to replicate. Overall, while AI may be able to assist with certain tasks related to podcasting, it is unlikely to be able to replace a human co-host in the near future.

Warren 26:53

Okay, I'm just kidding anyway. But why don't you tell us exactly what ChatGPT is?

Special Guest 26:59

GPT, or Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, is a type of language model developed by OpenEye. It is trained on a large data set of text and can generate human-like responses to a given prompt. GPT models can be used for a wide variety of natural language processing tasks, such as language translation, text summarization, question answering, and text generation. GPT-3, short for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 3, is the latest and most advanced version of the GPT model. It is a large-scale language model that has been trained on a massive dataset of text and can generate human-like responses to a wide range of prompts. GPT-3 has been used for a variety of applications, including chatbots, content generation, and language translation. It's important to note that GPT and GPT-3 are language models developed by OpenEye and are not specific chat or messaging platform. They are designed to generate text responses based on a given prompt and can be used as part of a chatbot or messaging system, but are not themselves chat or messaging platforms.

Warren 27:57

And before we end this episode, I also want to share an article I had the ChatGPT write about the importance of human resources. Think it's pretty good overall and pretty interesting. So take it away.

Special Guest 28:12

Human resources management plays a crucial role in the success of any organization. HR is responsible for managing and supporting the people resources of a company, which includes tasks such as recruitment and hiring, employee development, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. A strong HR management team can help to create a positive and productive work environment, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. HR professionals are also skilled at developing and implementing policies and practices that support the overall goals and objectives of the company. Effective HR management is also important for maintaining compliance with employment laws and regulations, which can be complex and constantly changing. HR professionals help to ensure that the company is in compliance with these laws, which can help to reduce the risk of costly legal disputes and protect the company's reputation. In addition, HR plays a key role in employee engagement and retention. By offering a supportive and inclusive work environment and providing opportunities for employee development and growth, HR can help to improve employee satisfaction and retention rates. Overall, strong HR management is essential for the success of any organization. By managing and supporting the people resources of a company, HR professionals help to create a positive and productive work environment, maintain compliance with employment law, and improve employee engagement and retention.

Warren 29:32

That's certainly better than some professionally written articles we've seen in the past. So, want to wrap up this episode. Thought this was a little fun. I thought hopefully you would enjoy it. As always, I want to thank the underscore orchestra for the use of their theme song Devil with the Devil. And I want to thank Andrew Kolpa, our voice artist who does our disclaimer at the beginning. And our best practice for this episode is going to be. Wow, artificial intelligence is just really amazing, and don't be afraid of it. As always, I'm Warren.

Special Guest 30:05

I'm the ChatGPT bot.

Santa 30:07

And I'm Santa Claus. Ho ho ho. And we're here helping you survive HR one. What the fuck? Moment at a time. Warren, Patrick, and Feathers will be lucky if they get a lump of coal for Christmas. They don't deserve jack.