Two of my recent posts triggered debates that illustrate the depth of the commitment of HR leaders and Business Partners to both business and people. The chameleon challenge.
One post was about why more HRDs don’t become CEOs: some HRDs aren’t motivated to do so, often because they love HR. But all agreed that they must hold their own in tough business discussions.
The other showed unequivocally – in a poll and comments – that it should be easy for employees to reach out to HR. We know that topics can range from harassment to mental health; from their sexuality to their ambition. There is a need for some humanity.
So, we’ve got the hard and the soft, the yin and the yang. All in the same person and, as I recall from my own days in HR, sometimes in the very same meeting. Actually, the two can support each other when they build trust as well as credibility.
It can happen at any level in HR; it’s just the subjects and the context that vary. Someone may seek support with personal issues before you dive straight into a gritty problem – at Board level or on the shop floor.
Let’s celebrate the great HR people who display all colours with people and business.
What’s your experience of this?
