Transiting into a new role, especially that of a leader, can be overwhelming, which is why many leaders end up underperforming or not making a lasting impression. The key to speedy efficacy and a successful transition is to have a plan and strategy in place. Also, the role of CHRO in a company is no longer associated with administrative tasks only. Today, they stand as an advisor to the CEO, are entitled to a seat with the board of directors, eligible to give inputs during core decision-making, and are responsible for managing human and talent capital. So, inherently, expectancy from the role of a CHRO would be sky-high. Although the first few months are the transition period, only CHROs with a plan, broader business perspectives, and good communication skills can counter the challenges and outshine their peers competently.
Eight strategic moves to help elevate the role of a CHRO in a new firm
Study the company’s status quo: Research is as crucial as making a plan. Take a few days to evaluate the company’s state of affairs, recognize the existing barriers, political environment, and invite inputs from the HR leaders and team to understand the company’s status quo. The role of a CHRO is also to explore the business side of human resources. Hence, they should assess the stance of the HR team in the company and propose new strategies against potential challenges for the next 12-24 months.
You might also be interested to read: ‘CHROs Already Have a Seat at the Table in All Progressive Organizations’ – Priya Gopalakrishnan, CHRO, Arvind Fashions Limited
Create a cordial bond with the CEO: The role of a CHRO when it comes to CEO is undefined compared to that of a CFO. Several surveys have concluded that the CEOs are unsatisfied with their human resources or the role of a CHRO in their company. Hence, new CHROs must aim to cement their position as key advisors to the CEO by presenting plans, strategies, and business strategies that touch both local and global markets. Also, the CHRO must connect with the CEO to learn more about the significant personalities and stakeholders before arranging an informal meeting with the board members. These learnings would inadvertently help the CHROs to channel their attention towards the right people and leave a lasting impression.
Prepare for the first-time meetings: Let not all those first-time meetings be about hellos and handshakes. To make them constructive, new CHROs must plan their stance for these meetings in advance. They should list queries that’ll help identify the strong and weak links amongst the shareholders and throw light on matters that need immediate attention. These first-time meetings with board members, shareholders, team leaders, HR staff, and employees are crucial for the CHRO to identify the challenges and strategize for the next annual year.
Connect with the top leaders: The role of a CHRO or the efficacy of a CHRO’s opinions during decision-making solely depends upon the first impression they make. Hence, making a powerful and lasting one is ideal. Connect with the CEO and company leaders before meeting the board members to comprehend what the board will be expecting from the role of a CHRO. Also, learn what kind of an association the CEO would want the CHRO to build with the board members. In the meeting, reach out to the leaders for views on the human resources and invite suggestions and expectations from talent and human capital. Moreover, CHROs must present their views, plans, and strategies for the next 12-24 months pertaining to the human resources as well as the business to indicate their dedication.
Build value with good communication: The role of a CHRO does not end at planning, strategizing, and advising, but also communicating strategies across all divisions. A CHRO should not only devise a plan to achieve new HR or company goals but also how these goals can be achievable by all.
Think beyond local markets: Although responsible for exploring how human resources can contribute to business growth, the role of a CHRO is also to think global and beyond the local, to help the business thrive. Moreover, the CHRO must utilize the current trends, tools, and human capital to speed up overall productivity and efficacy.
Transparency with the HR team: The role of a CHRO is to bridge the gap between the CEO, board members, and the human resources. But that’s not all; a CHRO should also build an amicable relationship with his team, so transparency should be maintained while relaying ideas and missions top-down. Also, the CHROs should involve HR leaders and teams while making new plans and strategies for the company. They should be open to feedback and pay heed to suggestions made by the HR team to make them feel included in the process. Additionally, CHROs should evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their team by conducting pressure tests or performance reviews, before assigning a leader or team to the new HR strategy. Besides this, the CHROs should be open to queries, concerns, and feedback to strengthen their bond with the team.
Teamwork over personal ambitions: Lastly, while focusing on achieving goals, making plans, and building relationships with the top management, the CHRO must devise constructive goals for the HR leaders and team as well. Furthermore, the role of a CHRO also involves identifying and eliminating the barriers that can obstruct productivity and the company’s growth. Also, keeping people above profits is another mantra that can make the CHRO outshine its peers in no time.
Those were the eight strategic moves every CHRO must make to map a smooth transition into a new company. Although transition into a new role is never a smooth process, a good plan can make the task easier, effortless, and quicker than for those without a plan. Also, with great power comes huge responsibilities. The CHROs must hit the ground running and with a plan that’ll back their communication skills, talent management skills, and organization skills while helping the company reach new heights, locally or globally. Therefore, it’s fair to state that the role of a CHRO is to look beyond the administrative tasks of human resources to make a lasting impression in the company.
References:
- 6 Traits That Make A Top CHRO | Skornia Alison
- 9 Ways to Make Your Mark in a New CHRO Role | Mary Baker | 10 March 2021
- How to Be a Respected and Successful CHRO | John Schwarz
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