HR needs to be simple

Whilst doing a whole bunch of work around strategic workforce planning, talent management and succession planning over the last couple of years I've come to the realisation that HR can undo all it's great work by trying to complicate things too much. What comes with overly complex information that needs explaining and interpreting? Customers shutting down and building a perception that HR are "complicators" who rely too much on exhibiting their expert power. "I'm the expert, you need to listen to me...!".

At times when customers are being forced out of their comfort zones they need to feel the reassuring embrace from HR specialists acting as true partners. They need to know that "there is a solution, we just need to find it".

If you do one thing today, spend some understanding your customer and their business. They will appreciate you more and will embrace the value you add.