Be More Strategic

If you’re working in the HR space, should you consider becoming more of a Human Capital strategist? Yes, absolutely, I believe so. But first, what makes you more strategic?

If you’re concerned with strategy, you’re approaching and managing HR in a way that supports your business far more effectively. You’re less concerned with the day to day operational endeavours (even though these are important too) and more focused on the things you can do to support long-term vision and goals.

How will you do this?

You’ll be setting strategic priorities.

You’ll be looking for the indicators and outcomes that mark your success.

You’ll be examining closely the value of intangibles.

You’ll be looking at a more thorough workforce planning process.

You’ll be concentrating on human capital alignment and commitment but also, building more capability.

You’ll be basing your work on hard data which means strengthening the data-driven decision-making process.

Truthfully, many of us are capable of operating more strategically than we do. But we simply allow things to get in the way. We set too low a bar for ourselves. We forget. We get distracted.

I agree these are challenging times. I agree that there are too many things to do within even less time. I believe you when you say that resources have been shrunk, whether financial or otherwise. I can see the rapidly changing environment we are all living in today … and so much more.

You can either focus on the problem or the solution.

If you allow yourself to focus on what’s not working and how bad this is, you will never truly get to the place where you should be playing.

This means someone else will get there. This means someone else will solve the big challenges. This means someone else will have their voice heard, be trusted and then, be asked to contribute more significantly.

To become more strategic, you need to devote time and effort because this will not happen overnight.

If you decide to become more strategic, you will make a significant difference in three ways:

1. A change in how you think

You’ll take steps to think differently about an issue. You’ll explore different solutions. You’ll look for atypical answers. You’ll challenge yourself. Your approach will change because you’ll constantly be looking to improve and drive value in the most meaningful way possible.

2.  A change in how you behave

You’ll take action. While this is, in no way, a linear process, you can expect any shift to be effort-driven and require a healthy dose of courage. Over time, however, those experiences and active learning moments will culminate in you becoming a trusted authority in the space you play in.

3. A change in how you influence others

You’ll create a ripple effect with others. People are watching all the time. They watch to see what you do as much as what you don’t do. You’ll be walking the talk and that makes all the difference in the world. Through your example, you’ll create in motion, similar transformational experiences in others around you who aspire to do the same.

So think hard whether you’re working strategically at the moment.

If you’re not, ask yourself what you can do today that can shift things for you. It’s never too late to start.

#HR #HRstrategy #humancapital

Mull over the idea that you are capable of significant influence. You can use your talent, leverage your experience and skill-set and put it to good use. You can make the changes you need to see happening within your circles of influence. Feel free to reach out if you're planning to write a book and need a ghostwriter, editor or just help to get started with writing. Connect if you're looking for ways to broaden your network or need help to develop your LinkedIn profile. You can find out more about me or sign up for my newsletter at rowenamorais.com. Check out my Skillshare class, Build Influence through LinkedIn.

I run Thrive Kuala Lumpur, a meetup for career women, the Kuala Lumpur Human Capital and Talent Professionals meetup and the Canberra HR meetup.