Karl Burnett, VP of HR at A+E Networks, speaks to HR Grapevine about the pressures on HR to be an organisational 'role model', living and breathing a company's values, whilst being an authentic leader...
"'I didn’t know you drank beer' – is a comment I’ve often heard when someone catches me at a work social event. Just why people would assume that I’ve taken some sort of monastic vow is beyond me – but without a doubt – there is definitely a prevailing view of HR as some sort of ‘holier than thou’ priest-type figure. 'Watch what you’re saying, HR are over there!' is another one, which makes me think, so we’re some sort of fun-police, ensuring that no one enjoys themselves too much?
