Jason Lauritsen posted the following list of challenges to the HR community on Twitter a couple of weeks ago:
1. Know why you do what you do. Have a plan that shows how your actions drive biz value.
2. Quit whining about not having a seat at the table. It’s not the execs who are the problem, its you. Step up and earn your spot.
3. Be creative in how you create programs and opportunities for the employees of your company. They are counting on you.
4. Get out of your office and be with your business partners. They will trust you if they feel like you know their business.
5. Be a great leader. Whether you have direct reports or not, set the example of courageous and honest leadership.
6. Do something extraordinary this year. Surprise your customers and yourself. Dare to achieve something really exceptional.
7. Measure everything.
That’s a damn good list, and I’ll be aspiring to do a better job at some of these over the coming year.
Also, if you’re not already following Jason on Twitter, do so immediately.
Chris,
While I think all the recommendations make good sense, item 4 particularly resonates with me. Traditional ‘support’ organizations like HR and IT have often suffered from a disconnect from the ‘real’ business issues and concerns. HR folks have to get up from the desk and the stack of I9 forms and Benefit changes and interact with the managers and employees on the front line. Really good post.
Steve,
Thanks for your comment. In my dream world, we wouldn’t even have to deal with the stacks of I-9s and benefit change forms – plenty of time to engage with business partners. I agree though, there’s often a blaring disconnect.
- Chris