Most HR and Talent professionals are familiar with the day-to-day tasks of their job: hiring and onboarding new employees, managing employee benefits, and organizing company events. But what about the big picture? How can HR and Talent professionals think strategically about their role and how they can contribute to the success of their organization?
In this article, I'll share some tips on how to develop your strategic thinking skills as an HR and Talent professional.
1. Stay up-to-date on industry trends
The first step to thinking strategically is to understand the landscape of your industry. What are the latest trends? What are your competitors doing? By staying up-to-date on industry trends, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your own HR strategy. I try and accept one demo from a vendor I don't currently use on a monthly basis to stay aware of how HR technology is developing. (Vendors...this is not me begging for additional LinkedIn InMail and Email offers for demos. I can hardly keep up with the amount I currently receive.)
2. Take a holistic approach
Don't just think about HR in isolation. Instead, take a holistic approach and consider how HR can support the overall goals of your organization. For example, if your company is trying to grow, you'll need to make sure you have the right talent in place. That means having a strong recruiting and onboarding process, as well as a comprehensive employee development program.
3. Analyze data
Data is a powerful tool for strategic thinking. By analyzing data, you can identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help you make better decisions. For example, you could analyze employee engagement data to identify areas where you need to improve. Or, you could analyze turnover data to identify factors that are leading to employee departures.
4. Think outside the box
Strategic thinking often requires you to think outside the box. Don't be afraid to come up with new and innovative ideas. For example, you could develop a new employee onboarding program that uses virtual reality technology. Or, you could create a peer-to-peer mentorship program to help employees develop their skills.
5. Be a strategic partner
HR professionals should be seen as strategic partners to the rest of the organization. That means being involved in strategic planning discussions and providing input on how HR can support the company's goals. By being a strategic partner, you'll be able to make a real difference in the success of your organization.
Recap: Developing your strategic thinking skills will help you become a more valuable asset to your organization. By following the tips in this article, you can start thinking strategically about your role and how you can contribute to the success of your company.
Bonus Tip: One way to develop your strategic thinking skills is to read articles and books about strategic thinking. There are also a number of online courses and workshops that can help you learn more about this topic. Looking for a good book to read? Take a look at my bookshelf to take a look at some of the books I've read so far in 2023.
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