By Thelá R. Thatch, MBA, PHR
“One of the struggles with HR as a discipline is that too many HR departments check the box. HR departments are supposed to be the voice of the people. Too often they have become a tool for leadership.” – Simon Sinek.
There is an immediate need for HR professionals to collaborate directly with their senior-level executives and leaders to create, revise and align their organizational strategies to the organization’s strategic priorities and mission statement. At the same time, HR cannot miss the opportunity to add value, build individual visibility, trust, and knowledge with employees.
Learning the techniques to balance both educating leaders and employees toward mutually beneficial goals is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Start with Why– Simon Sinek describes in his book why we should start with why. As business leaders, we must remember why HR is important. As the owner of all talent management processes, HR plays a key role in overall management development, performance management, succession planning, career development, and other aspects of the employee life cycle. Each of these components is not only vital to the success of the organization but can affect whole economies and people’s livelihoods. Being successful in HR has not only an impact on the company but the community.
- Listen to Understand -According to the latest Gallup Poll on employee engagement, “The percentage of ‘engaged’ workers in the U.S. — those who are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace — is now 34%. Research shows that listening to employees and practicing inclusive behavior can increase those numbers resulting in employees feeling that their ideas are recognized.
- Lead with Respect – Our Respect in the Workplace training emphasizes how attitudes and actions in the workplace lead to desired or undesired outcomes. Leading with respect, eliminating inappropriate, disrespectful & unprofessional conduct in the workplace is a must to create psychologically safe spaces for the employer/employee relationship to thrive.
Ultimately, an organization is only as good as its employees and the positive symbiotic relationship with their employer. An attitude of thankfulness is not only appropriate during this holiday season, it also adds dividends to the employer/employee relationship. Leaders, don’t forget that HR professionals are equipped to listen to the voice of all the people within an organization. Let us help create the bridge to tap into your company’s greatest capital – humans.
