Dear HR,

For the purpose of this employment application, I/we/they currently identify as a biracial, two-spirited, flexibly-oriented, ambidextrous American who is currently questioning my/our pronouns.

Why the disclaimer? 

Because you would sooner find a Muslim leprechaun delivering Christmas presents on Halloween than you would a straight, white, conservative male in human resources. (or at least one secure enough in his continued employment to admit it.)

Funny how the group calling for diversity is among the least diverse. Wasn’t there something said about being the change you want to see in the world? It’s time for HR to embrace inclusion and diversity of thought. As it stands, they seem as unbiased as a cable news network. 

So, Can HR be Trusted? I’d like to think so. But to earn it, they need to stop pointing fingers at other departments until they audit their ranks and achieve balance.

There’s a big difference between silence and agreement. When only one view is welcomed, when only one voice is heard, you don’t earn adoption, you secure strong-armed compliance. And that, my dear colleagues, never lasts long.

Tim Toterhi is a fractional CHRO and career coach based in North Carolina. Learn more at www.PlotlineLeadership.com or follow on LinkedIn