HR as Hercules

In a recent discussion, with some very senior leaders I was asked got asked by my seniors: "What we need you the culture here needs to be changed. How will you change it?"

I was taken aback as I contemplated what my response will be. I gave him a polite and curt answer as “I won’t and I can't change it.” Naturally, he was taken aback.

As a person Organization Culture is collection of traits that make your company what it is. Even simpler, it is the exhibited set of behavior.

My long answer was “I won’t, by myself. But I will help you and all of the leadership team to change the culture if that’s what’s required. I would need each and every one of your support to do this.”

It’s very easy to think that as HR, I would change the culture single handedly. Sadly, culture is a lot more than the wall posters and the change management plans we come up with. Unless people see the leadership living up to the cultural principles, your walls might get nicer, but nothing will change on the ground. It needs to be constantly measured and actively driven.

So if you want your team be responsive, lead from front and walk the talk.