Job Alignment & Rock 'n' Roll

A few nights ago I saw the documentary on Lemmy Kilmister, lead singer of Motorhead.

I am a huge Motorhead fan, and also love Hawkwind, and The Head Cat - so a documentary on Lemmy was of huge interest to me.

Now most people wouldn't link HR and Lemmy; I mean this is the guy who was quoted as saying, "they said acid wouldn't work if you took it 2 days in a row, but we found it did if you doubled the dose."

Pictured above: An HR nightmare, or success story?

Still, I couldn't help but see the parallels between how Lemmy was portrayed and our job as HR Professionals to make sure the right people are in the right jobs.

Let's do a quick profile of what we know of Lemmy:

• He loves music (everything from Chuck Berry to Metallica to Johnny Cash)
• He does not care what you think of him
• He is a great leader (only original member still in Motorhead)
• He is respected by many in the music community (from Ice T to Ozzy Osbourne)

Before he had his own successful band, he was a roadie... If he isn't setting up the equipment he is playing it.  Music is his life.

As he said in the movie to the question 'how long will you continue to perform', "I'm not really qualified to do anything else."

As much as I love his dry wit - this definitely isn't true.  He is extremely knowledgable about the second world war and has a fascination with historic weaponry... but I wouldn't make him a tour guide at a museum either.

He has never settled down, but his bandmates in all his different groups are clearly his chosen family.  He is committed to what he does, not because he has to be there - he very much wants too!

Despite some of his lifestyle choices, he has always put the music first. 

Whether you are a fan or not, I would suggets going to see the movie if only for his dry british humour alone.

Working From Home: Win- Win

To put things into context, I'm writing this blog on the snowiest day in Toronto in 2 years.

Rather than wake up early and go to the office and face what would have been an even tougher commute, I have had a relatively stress-free morning.

I have worked from home before, and loved it!



Minus the interaction with co-workers and listening to a funny morning show on my way in, I do enjoy working from home because:

1. I get to sleep in

2. I save time/money on commuting

3. I can catch up on chores around the house

4. I can play my music as loud as I want :)


What are the benefits to my employer, or any other for that matter?

1. More focused employee - no distractions in the office

2. An empowered workforce - there is obviously a level of trust established

3. Money saved (anyone can use my desk, I'm not drinking the coffee, I'm using my internet connection)

4. No one has to hear my loud music


Have you ever worked from home? Love it or hate it?