What I have learnt about HR Leadership...

I have been very fortunate to have lived, worked and travelled around the globe and along these journeys, meet with some extraordinary people. From this, I would like to share some of the discoveries and realisations I have made, as a HR leader.

PEOPLE LISTEN TO THOSE THEY RESPECT |?It is not whether people like you, it is whether people respect you. If they like you, they may listen to what you have to say, however if they respect you, they will value what you say - and that is a huge difference. Therefore, it is better to be respected than liked.

DON’T WAIT TO TAKE THE LEAD?| CEOs often ask for a strategy to support our people, the business goals and objectives. However, what they really want is a strategy which will 'LEAD' and drive the business objectives and goals. In essence they want leadership from you, not support.

TOUGH DECISIONS ARE NEVER EASY |?In many situations making tough decisions is not about how quickly they can be carried out, to get through to the end result faster. However, it is about how professionally they can be carried out, especially when it is about people decisions and their destiny.

NEVER STOP LEARNING?| Every day one learns something new, in order to enhance themselves personally or professionally. The day you stop learning is the day you need to stop and find out why. Most important is, the moment you do learn something new, find as many people to share this with.

MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SAFE |?Many employees do not seek their social and source of happiness in the workplace, and that is ok, as they may gain this outside the work environment. However, there should be zero compromise on making employees feel safe, secure and supported in the workplace.?

IT IS MY ROLE TO TELL YOU?| At times one must tell the CEO and senior stakeholders news and feedback they?just do not want to hear; however, it has to be delivered regardless. I always based these conversations on the opening comment… "It is my role to tell you this." And it is!

DIVERSITY IS KEY |?To move forward on strategies and actions you need to gain as much input as possible from as many different thinkers. I have always been a huge supporter of diversity; being comfortable sharing viewpoints, debating, and collaborating on a solution together.

LEAD WITH EMPATHY |?Everyone is a human being with feelings, emotions and challenges. What happened minutes before they started the workday for many is a mystery, and will remain one, don’t judge people on the occasional bad day, we all have them!

CULTURE IS A LIVING THING?| No matter how 'like for like' one organisation is to another; culture will always be the dividing difference. Culture is not over complicated, it is simply?‘everything, that everyone does and says’. If an organisation small or large, can have all employees at all levels genuinely living the values; then, a great culture will manifest.

Thank you to all my great teachers and mentors...

About Mark Lindley:

An accomplished Human Resources Leader with extensive local, regional and international experience; progressive and innovative, a true developer of People & Culture. Having led large scale organisational transformations and HR blueprint implementation, successfully delivering results within high impact environments.

Bringing demonstrated strategic and operational skills, combined with a strong capability to cultivate, manage and lead local and geographically dispersed teams. Setting clear vision and at the same time having a very hands-on ‘role up the sleeves’ approach. Operating within complex matrix and diverse cultural structures across top tier multi-nationals, established homegrown, through to new market starts.

Has a highly commercial focus on sustainable growth of an organisation and their people; a proven leader, trusted advisor, respected coach, mentor and HR entrepreneur.

Mark is a firm believer that business sustainability, growth and success is obtained through focusing on the development of tomorrows future leaders.