HR Career Advice: An Inspiring Guide to Growing Your World Class Profession in Human Resources

Posted by Martha on Jun 3, 2012

How to Build a Fan Base

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to interview Paul Bianchi, then PeopleSoft’s senior vice president of HR. And he made an observation that has stuck with me since: HR’s power inside the company is measured by its ability to influence, not its ability to enforce. I suppose the same can be said of all positions that encompass leadership. But the corollary is equally true: Because HR must depend so...

Posted by Martha on May 13, 2012

Better Questions Lead to Breakthrough Change Leadership

Researchers and IT professionals know this simple, but profound, truth: Better questions lead to better answers. Do your own people know this? The question they bring to you may not be the question that will lead them to the success scenario that would really help your organization fulfill its potential. So, as a leader tasked with taking your company to a better future (the ultimate better...

Posted by Martha on May 6, 2012

Catching the Wrong Candidates? Could Be Your Bait

Depending on your industry and your geographic location, you spent the last 10 years or so positioning your company as a fun place to work. Maybe your company isn’t so much fun these days, but it’s still nice to have that reputation that yours is a company where time flies. In fact, maybe that feel is still in your online careers tab. One company I’ve worked with was so committed to being a...

Posted by Martha on Apr 29, 2012

4 Ways to Make HR Essential to Your Business

HR is critical to organizational health. Every successful HR leader knows that. But almost everyone outside of HR needs to be constantly reminded of that essential truth. No amount of hollering “Respect me!” is going to help HR turn that corner. You’ve got to take the lead. This requires an essential shift in attitude to being an active player in the long-term business strategy of...

Posted by Martha on Apr 23, 2012

Turn Your Passion for HR into Your Job Search Advantage

I love my job. Why? I interview people who love their work for a living. I interview all sorts of people (CIA spy, hair stylist, bank chairman, nurse, accountant, airport director, animal shelter worker, secretary, beekeeper, you name it, I love it). I especially love talking with HR leaders. There’s something very cool about getting these folks to open up and talk from their hearts! (Don’t...

Posted by Martha on Apr 16, 2012

They Lay Off HR Too, Don’t They?

I’m sure you’ve heard at least one story of the hapless HR person who, after having plowed through a stack of lay-off packages and sending employees tearfully on their way, is told, “You have one more package to prepare.” What’s worse? The feeling of betrayal? Or the self-recrimination that you should have seen it coming? Actually, does it really matter? Either way, it sucks. As far as your...

Posted by Martha on Apr 2, 2012

Three Ways to Ignite “A Player” Engagement

Here’s the problem with having a company stocked with A Players: You get a cadre of mouthy, talented people who are happy to follow your leadership. But you have to work hard to deserve it. This is especially true in the case of younger generations of great employees, who weren’t necessarily raised to have automatic respect for their seniors. But it’s also true among all A Players – regardless of...

Posted by Martha on Mar 29, 2012

The One Policy Policy Manual

I know it’s bad for me but I just can’t help myself. The minute I wake up, I press the little glowing button on the remote control that’s buried under my pillow (like how movie cops and spies keep their guns). And then I catch up on the news, while I scratch a sleepy cat chin or two. This morning I discovered that a Wisconsin school custodian was fired because of a bumper sticker. Here’s what the...

I love HR. I love hearing your stories. I love sharing your success stories with your colleagues to help build the body of knowledge around what makes a great HR career. I'm your biggest fan.