Human Resources - It's About the People

Human Resources is THE topic in today's world. Therepicture. Do you want to be the quickest to market?
are downsizings, union negotiations, pay issues,Then hire with that in mind; reward with that in mind.
telecommuting, health insurance, retirement issues andToo many times HR comes with the merit raise
how to save the historic memory in talent. Theprogram, the performance program, the hiring process,
networking today is social media and that involvesand the learning process. HR is the lifecycle. HR holds
people. So, why is the HR department still talking aboutthe lifeblood of the firm. The only resource (though I
"getting a seat at the table?" This is the boardroom orhate that word) that can appreciate with the business
executive table where the decision makers are doingis the people. What is the investment in the future?
what they do best. Why is the HR department is notThe humans of the business are the business.
THE RESOURCE?Everything else is capital. The contribution of every
It is easy to understand when HR keeps asking theperson every day is the reason if the delivery is on
question. They are can be like 5- years-olds who thinktime, if the day is accident free, if the innovation is
that asking the question over and over will have theirstellar, if the hours fly by or drag, and if the customer
mom change their mind. Instead they should be askingcomes back. Creating the culture for the business to
what should be doing to prepare people for theprosper is not touchy feely. It is becoming that
upcoming changes to our workforce and to our world.employer of choice-the employer the best people
How do we retain the retirees; how do wewant to get into as soon as they can. It is the place
communicate best with learners from all aspects andthe talented compete to enter.
how do we keep (restore?) respect in the workforce.Do you want to be THE community driven
How do help the business make a profit? Trueorganization? Then hire with a heart for those with a
professionals understand that is done throughheart who are looking for an opportunity to make their
productivity (a future article). The communication of theplace on earth better.
business is the responsibility of all of management butThe right person for you might not be the right person
is key for HR Leaders. Business communicationfor another firm. I believe the competition for talent is a
means the why, the how and the ability to answer thebit vague. It is just like a person saying: "There aren't
questions. How can we focus on organizationalany jobs out there?" Really? I see signs everywhere.
development when we don't know what the future ofWhat is the job you want in what environment? Do
the organization holds?you like big firms, small firms? It is about the right
All of these questions cross all lines of the issuesperson in the right job at the right place at the right
facing our firms and organizations today. The strategytime.
of the business is the reason for the organization toWhat kind of HR leader could you be if you
exist whether it is the not for profit or the mostunderstood the business and the future? Ask what
profitable firm in the land. The mission statementsmight be the obvious: What is our focus-- short term
became the reason for some HR consultants ratherand long term?
than those in HR asking the question-what is it we areYou will be prepared. You will be in a position of
trying to be? The biggest? The best? The fastest?thinking and planning and helping the business succeed.
The experts? Instead we in HR react to hirings andYou will provide feedback to and from employees and
firings trying to elicit control by asking for paperworkthe chief executive. Keeping such communication and
citing that we need to measure to get results and bebuilding a strong business will serve the community. Do
counted. We threaten the potential in lawsuits. Really?we really take the time to explain the benefit programs
That is the HR strategy? If the system is part of theor do we rely on the 800 number since that is only
business and the why is understood as meaningful totransactional. Now that doesn't mean that we ignore
the strategy for the business then it will be done.technology-but we check the trends. How is it being
Instead, "HR is to be avoided" according to transitionused? To answer what questions? What questions
coaches. "HR will hold things up or lose yourare not being answered?
paperwork-get to the hiring manager," the unemployedHR can no longer be the victim waiting to be told when
are told.the CFO needs the numbers to be cut and we know
Leadership coaching is all about the accountability andthat will mean people. We can be ready to avoid that
independent thinking provided by a third person. Whatas the only answer.
better role for an HR Leader? Human ResourcesIf we don't, then we get what we deserve.
consultants can be inside and outside the organization.Unfortunately the community and employees of the
Focus on the big picture. What is the organizationbusiness will get what they don't deserve.
trying to be? Then detail the HR strategy around that