The 3 Flavors of HR -- Which One are You?
Based on our many years of providing analytical and coaching services in the HR arena, we have concluded that organizations' HR functions can be categorized along 3 basic dimensions. (And these same dimensions can often be applied to HR professionals as well.)
1. Corporate social workers: This best characterizes those folks who went into HR because they "love people." Make no mistake about it: every organization (and HR function) needs a good dose of the humanizing element that this breed provides. But troubles surface when this dimension carries too much weight. If you (or your department) are perpetually trying to "earn a seat at the table", it's a good bet that the role of HR as corporate social worker has been overplayed in your organization.
2. Corporate police: Compliance is what makes some other HR folks tick. And, of course, organizations have a legitimate need to avoid fines, penalties, and court time. But all things in moderation. If your HR function is actively disliked within your organization (or is seen primarily as a collection of paper-pushers), it's likely that this dimension needs to be reined in.
3. Business people: These are the gems of the profession - experts in both HR and the business world. They understand and speak the language of business, while providing deep HR expertise to their organizations. They know how to help their company achieve a balance between people as assets and people as costs/risks. These are the folks for whom the term "HR business partner" means exactly what it says.
Those HR professionals who can demonstrate significant skills along this third dimension have naturally always been in great demand. In recent years, the growing importance of HR analytics has further elevated the status of HR people (and departments) who fundamentally understand the world of business. HR professionals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle their organization's HR-related business challenges are increasingly central to an organization's overall success.
What's the best way to ensure you're able to demonstrate value along this third dimension? Develop your analytic skills and know-how to ensure that you can make useful contributions to people-related business decisions.