We are all part of a team and some of us are Managers of teams. All of us are familiar with the word ”resources”. Tools we use to run a project are resources. The computers, the printers and the fax machines are all resources. People are resources. Right? So team members are resources.

Lets see what the most common definition of “resources” is, shall we?

Wikipedia: “A resource is any physical or virtual entity of limited availability, or anything used to help one earn a living”

Merriam-Webster: ”something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available”

Are people resources? Are team members something we use?

I hate the word “resources” when used in context to a team. I think it is de-moralizing and de-motivation to the team. When I was a developer a long time ago, I remember an argument I had with my Project Lead when he referred to me as a ‘resource’. It infuriated me. I was not a resource, a thing you use.

If you are working in IT or the software industry, I am sure you have had a similar situation when you’ve reacted to such a reference or at least felt bad about it. The sad part is that it has become some sort of an industry norm now. It is common to address employees as resources. We have the “Human Resources” department. We do “Resource Management” and “Resource Planning” and measure “Resource Utilization”.

I am guilty too. The incident with my Lead did not stop me from making the same mistake when I became a Manager of teams. The usage was so common that I got infected by it and my true feelings got buried. It became a habit that seemed absolutely normal.

A few months ago, in August, I took the CSM (Certified SCRUM Master) training in Bangalore. During those 2 days of training, this issue was discussed. The trainer made us realize how disrespectful it is to consider and term people as resources. I was given a rude awakening. My feelings that were buried deep inside resurfaced. From that point onwards, I decided that I will break away from the habit and get a treatment for my disease.

Today, I am proud to tell you that I am 60% cured. It took almost 2 months of conscious effort to correct my spoken and written usage of the word “resources” to “people” or “folks” or “team”, just as my CSM trainer taught me. I am in process of correcting all my reports and documents that address my team as resources.  I have requested my peers and team members to make an effort to do the same.

In a way I am trying to change my world,  one person at a time. It’s doable. A day will come when there are no more “Human Resources” departments, only “People Management Teams”. Join this cause. Please help me humanize our teams. Spread the word.