Episode 93: Bridging the HR Credibility Gap

This podcast episode features Karen and Ilona Charles delving into the challenges HR professionals face in gaining credibility and trust within organizations. Ilona is the CEO of HR consultancy Shilo People. She's a very experienced C-Suite executive and she works with CEO's, founders, executives and boards on how to get the best from their people. She's also the author of the book ‘HR for Impact’. 

Key Takeaways 

Perceptions of HR 

Negative Stereotypes: HR is often perceived as bureaucratic, overly cautious and disconnected from the business. 

Lack of Business Acumen: HR professionals are sometimes seen as lacking understanding of the business's financial and operational goals. 

Ineffective Execution: HR initiatives are often perceived as slow, cumbersome and lacking tangible impact. 

Building HR Credibility 

Business Acumen: HR professionals should strive to understand the business's financial performance, strategic goals and operational challenges. 

Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to inform decisions and measure the impact of HR initiatives can enhance credibility. 

Strong Relationships: Building strong relationships with business leaders, employees and other stakeholders is crucial for trust and influence. 

Effective Communication: Clear, concise and persuasive communication is essential to influence decision-makers and drive change. 

Accountability: HR professionals should take ownership of their role in driving business outcomes and be accountable for results.  

Self-Awareness and Continuous Improvement: HR professionals should be self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses and continuously seek opportunities for improvement. 

Overcoming Challenges 

Challenging the Status Quo: HR professionals should be willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for innovative solutions. 

Building Trust: Trust is earned through consistent delivery, demonstrating integrity, transparency and ethical behavior. 

Demonstrating Value: HR professionals should highlight the value they bring to the organization. The tangible impact of their work ideally includes improved employee engagement, reduced turnover and increased productivity. 

Self-Care: HR professionals should prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout and maintain effectiveness. 

Connect with Ilona Charles on LinkedIn now! 

Connect with Karen Gately on LinkedIn now!