> In fact, I wouldn't generally characterize HR departments as paragons of good management, so I'm not sure they are usually in a position to teach such things

> In fact, I wouldn't generally characterize HR departments as paragons of good management, so I'm not sure they are usually in a position to teach such things Exactly. HR is there to comply with certain regulations and otherwise minimize the number of lawsuits that the company is a party to. Maybe if they're really good they might have a robust professional development program but that's certainly not a given!