Many organisations are having to decide who to involve in making the tough decisions. We can feel we’re shielding people when we exclude them from harsh realities. But who does this really serve?
Trust and transparency are challenging issues right now.
‘As a leader, whose comfort are we concerned about?’ Veronica Hope-Hailey of Bath University Business School researched leadership following the 2009 crisis.
Veronica’s question brought vividly back to life the challenges I faced as Head of HR of an IT company facing cruel restructuring some years ago. I (eventually) managed to get the Board to involve their key managers in their discussions. The managers helped us to make the right decisions, and we retained their trust, engagement and talent at a time when competitors’ recruiters were swooping like vultures.
Those Directors were feeling confused and exposed – this was new territory, and they felt safer making the tough calls behind closed doors.
Leaders can feel that they’re protecting people when they keep the tough decisions to themselves. But who does this really serve?
HR are expected to be the conscience of the organisation.
Contact me if you’re facing this challenge.