Report Launch: Leadership in HR

LONDON - Jan. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- The HR profession is rapidly changing.  Shifting demographics, new patterns of working, new technology, and increasing use of data analytics are redefining the role of HR in the business. HR professionals must invest in leadership development, corporate culture, and employee engagement if they are to meet these challenges.

These are among the conclusions of Twelve Winds Consulting’s new report, Leadership in HR: Developing the Leadership Capacity of HR Professionals, which launches today. The report is based on a workshop held in December 2015 in conjunction with Partners Employment Lawyers. Download the report at http://twelvewinds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Leadership-in-HR.pdf

The strongest point to emerge was the tension between HR and other managers.  Increasingly, HR is moving from being seen as a cost centre to being expected to serve as a driver of productivity.  Most CEOs still do not believe that HR is fulfilling this function.  But belief is not necessarily fact.  Often the problem lies in the communication between HR, finance, and the CEO.  As they are the bridge between management and employees, HR professionals must build trust across all levels of the organisation.

It was also evident that HR has growing role as the architect of a high performance culture:  defining and nurturing an effective workplace culture, building employee engagement, promoting employee wellness and work-life balance, choosing an appropriate performance management system, and effectively managing change.  This role requires HR professionals to be innovative and to be constantly developing themselves.

The good news is - as the event clearly demonstrated -  these challenges are not insurmountable.  Considering the huge range of changes taking place in business, developing strong and strategic leadership among HR professionals will be critical to the future success of many businesses.

Toby Lindsay, Executive Director, Twelve Winds Consulting, said: “In today’s rapidly changing business environment, there is no doubt that HR professionals are faced with the challenge – and opportunity – to become the architects of a high performance culture. Leadership in HR sets out the key investments that must be made for HR to fulfil this new role.”

Over 30 people attended our event held at the City Business Library in London.  Participants included HR Directors, Recruitment Specialists, and Finance Directors.  The organisations represented ranged from charities to public agencies to large multinational corporations.

What followed was a lively discussion specifically designed to identify the challenges faced by HR professionals, to get them thinking about solutions and to create practical tips for future discussions.  What started off as a discussion around the definition and practice of leadership in the HR profession evolved into discussions around the need for transformative leadership at the executive level, with HR as a strategic partner that can drive organisational performance.

About Twelve Winds Consulting

Twelve Winds works with you to develop sustainable growth - by aligning your people with your values and strategy.  Our management consulting services focus on our clients’ most important challenges and opportunities: strategy, organisational change and development, performance measurement, and corporate citizenship.  We work across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, bringing deep expertise and a holistic outlook.