Time for HR Leaders to…Be Brave

Are you Brave Enough ?

Bravery is a key word for me.

Perhaps it is the entrepreneur in me who not only is “risk tolerant” but feels that life is not meant to be lived in a pallet of muted pastels but in vibrant technicolour. Whatever the reason, I choose to work with leaders, businesses, organisations that are brave, that choose to stretch out of their comfort zone, are comfortable being uncomfortable.

Now, in my work I come across lots of senior HR leaders in large corporations and organisations, yet very rarely do I come across any that are truly brave, that look to stretch, seek the transformative change, go against the grain.

When I do find such leaders, I look to build relationships that last with them, to learn from them and to support them as they look to drive change for their employer, their people, their customers and other stakeholders.

Again and again, I have been to HR conferences where the talk is of the common complaint that, though people are the greatest asset, many HR leaders are not considered strategic, nor offered a true “seat at the table” in leadership teams, “C” Suites etc.

Unpopular as it may be to some, my belief is that a core reason is that so few will actually champion (and put their own careers on the line, if that is what it takes!) the brave initiatives and actions that need to be taken.

If you are an HR leader and reading this, I hope I am nudging you to consider that…