Lessons in how to win respect and resources

The future is going to get even more demanding. Now is the time to ensure that HR gets the respect and influence it deserves.

Most business leaders just don’t understand what HR does, or how your work drives success in your organisation.

My own story in HR taught me that. We went into a matrix structure and my boss, Global VPHR, said ‘You’ve no longer got an automatic seat at the table. You have to earn it.’

I was angry at first, I admit. But I was about to learn vital lessons that underpin the work I do today.  I decided to go out and earn my place.

Lesson 1: We have to be clear ourselves first about the value we add in HR. It took a while to become clear myself about what we did – and why. Coming up with a few impactful slides took some deep thinking.

Lesson 2: Don’t expect business leaders to know HR’s value if you don’t tell them. I did a roadshow across my markets in Europe with my pitch, and leaders said ‘I had no idea you did all that.’ And then, ‘Now I do understand, what I really want you to do in my region is …’.

This was the beginning of transforming my strategy, my priorities and – most importantly – my relationships.

Once the business understands the value that HR creates, and how you can drive business results, you get the resources you need.

Find out more about this in my book ‘Empowering HR’, watch our latest webinar recording ‘How to present HR’s value to the business’, or message me for help building your own pitch.