Relationships are critical when change is challenging

We know from all aspects of life that the quality, depth and resilience of our relationships is a crucial factor in our ability to ride out life’s storms.

A trusting relationship enables us to have robust discussions, talk about what’s really important to us, and find ways forward even in the most difficult and complex situations.

When the relationship isn’t in place, it’s so much more difficult even to get the meeting, never mind get the co-operation you needed.

I have to admit, in my corporate roles there were stakeholders who I neglected. If I (or HR) was side-lined, I was so busy anyway it was much easier to get on with rewarding work with business leaders who embraced HR and worked in happy partnership with me.

But this isn’t right, and if I were to get my time again I would do it differently.

Every stakeholder relationship is important, especially as the challenges become ever more complex.

Let’s consider AI. The full implications are still emerging, but we can see that this will drive change right across our organisations. In order to navigate that, HR leaders will need to have strong, productive relationships in place with all key stakeholders. Are your relationships AI ready?

Building powerful relationships between HR and the business is the core of the work we do with HR leaders and their teams.

If you’d like to talk about this, or to join our AI roundtable for senior leaders on 15th January, please get in touch.