The “Real” Job of HR
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The “Real” Job of HR

Lorie Corcuera Lorie Corcuera

Lorie Corcuera

Strategic People and Culture Executive | Talent, Culture & Belonging Strategist | Leadership and Organizational Coach | Mental Health & Well-being Leader | Public Speaker ??????

发布日期: 2015年9月22日
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“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

It’s not the first time you’ve heard me speak on this touchy subject. HR is a very popular topic these days. The latest Harvard Business Review magazine featured the title “It’s Time to Blow Up HR and Build Something New”. Of course, I had to pick one up!

Then the other day, I attended a presentation by Brenda Rigney, Vice President of People Operations of Earl’s Restaurants Ltd., one of the fastest growing Canadian companies and headquartered in Vancouver, BC. She proudly shared that out of her 20 direct reports, not one individual had an HR background. WOW! The look on the faces of 40+ HR professionals in the room were priceless! I was the only one in the room that said with a big smile on my face, “That’s great!”

Do we really need HR?

This is an interesting question for me for two reasons. The first is that I’ve spent my entire career leading the function of HR with various companies. For many years, I designed a role for myself that supported Leaders and teams to co-create the best workplace experiences possible. The second reason is that although I kept myself busy for over 20 years in an HR role, what I learned about HR in school and over the years has dramatically changed. So while I am passionate about partnering with organizations on their people and culture strategies, something has to be different for HR to effectively contribute to the bottom line results.

What is the purpose of HR?

To truly answer this question, let’s first go back in time in the early 1900s when the function of HR was created. Back then, our role was referred to Industrial and Labour Relations. Even my major was called Industrial Relations Management when I completed my Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration Degree at UBC in 1999.

When the US market started opening steel and oil factories in the 19th century, managing the workforce became a needed discipline. We simply took the military way of leading (the only approach we knew) into these environments to control production. NOTE: The fear and anxiety caused by the wars created the need for a controlling and “do as I tell you” workplace.

Fast forward to the 21st century, the current workplace environments have changed. As expected, we evolved as human beings and became more self aware. Our desire for a real connection has increased and we can no longer fake it till we make it. The next generations of Millennials and Zs have different needs and require a more authentic leader that will inspire and empower them. Simply ‘managing’ people, as it was originally designed centuries before us, is not enough to keep today’s teams engaged and committed. A new way of being is required from today’s HR Leader.

So what is the real job of HR today?

The most common response to this question when I ask various Leaders and team members is that HR is about hiring, firing and providing great benefits and compensation packages. Ouch! It’s 2015 and I’m tired of the same old answer.

For most organizations, people do not understand the role of HR. And it gets worse in larger companies where teams are retracting from partnering with HR and instead, doing things on their own. “HR is too busy so I’m creating my own on-boarding program”, said one of our clients, an executive who works for one of the largest companies in the world.

Considering the qualities of today’s workplace I mentioned earlier, I believe our role has three important elements. I believe we wear many hats but these are of higher priority.

The Connector - Creating a more human connection is so important especially in a technology driven world. The world seems more connected with social media. Yet, we are hiding behind these apps instead of connecting in person. Our role as HR Leaders are to lead by example and connect with each individual in a more meaningful way. That means, when we truly connect to the hearts and minds of each Leader and team member, they will feel supported and cared for. If the Leaders feel our personal connection, they too will connect with their team members in the same way.

The Designer - The more enlightened organizations know and understand that HR can support them in designing their ideal cultures. There are many elements to building a strong organizational structure that is resilient and will grow and evolve in rapidly changing markets. As HR Leaders, we have the ability to look at the business from a different lens. We need to consider the core values, purpose, and strategy/vision of the company and marry that with the current talent structure, designing systems and processes that will allow the company, specifically its' people, to grow. Our unique role is about orchestrating the implementation and integration of the culture vision plan and bringing the culture to life.

The Host - Every party has a host. The role of The Host is to create the space for the attendees (Business Owners, Leaders, and Teams) to build meaningful connections. The Host will bring a positive energy to the party and design opportunities for everyone to create memorable experiences. The HR Leader as The Host will facilitate, guide and make connections that are not always obvious but are important to keep the party (or company culture) alive. We must keep the workplace simple, creative and fun!

Try one or all of these roles within your company today and see what happens. Also, take a moment to ask your team members what they feel is the role of HR. I would love to hear the responses from your teams, so please share in the comments below and/or try this quick 1 Minute Culture Test.

Which of the 3 HR roles will you try today?

If you’re open to a 1:1 call, feel free to connect with me today! I would love to hear from you!

Learn how to strengthen your leadership presence at the Essence Leadership Retreat on October 18 – 21, 2015 held at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Click here to reserve your seat.

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For additional reading, here are some other posts from Lorie:

About Lorie:

Lorie Corcuera is the Co-Founder and CEO at SPARK Creations & Company Inc., a heart based coaching and consulting organization that inspires people and companies to create meaningful cultures and workplaces. Lorie is partnering with conscious, purpose-driven businesses who are ready to ignite their cultures and create purpose through creating and inspiring loving human connections at work and at home.

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