Defining the Human Element

By my definition, it is the most valuable intangible asset of any organization. The Human Element is the actuator, custodian, and perpetuator of the organization’s culture. It is the single most powerful determinant of success for a healthy and viable business. Only with a healthy company culture can an organization truly focus on next level innovation.

Let me explain and clarify the Human Element. In business, people are considered resources because they are in fact the brains and the brawn of the operation. In today’s global industries, brawn means everything from the ones assembling the robots to the ones programming and oiling them. We have a ways to go before there is no more heavy lifting whatsoever required in making a business run. The business function that deals with managing the recruitment, pay and discharging, etc. of people is formally called Human Resources. The Human Element is the innate skills, talent, emotion, drive and culture that only come from humans. The Human Element is what gives the organization’s Values meaning and it is the driving force that makes the Mission valid.

A corporation is equipment, inputs, specifications, criteria, requirements and strategy. The human element is the driver. It is only through the application of the Human Element that all of this comes alive. A corporation is not a person, it’s a machine filled with people, and it only even appears to be alive for the sake of the Human Element. Considering a corporation as a person is tantamount to offering a robot running artificial intelligence software a certificate of live birth. Even here, it is only the Human Element that gives this creation the possibility of being considered truly alive. The corporation is the machine and the Human Element is the life force within.

More to come... :)