By Nathaniel Luce
This week, advice on getting a seat at the table.
“Dear, Skippy: I am an HR Business Partner with all the right credentials (MBA, PHR, etc.), who can’t seem to get a seat at the table. I know all the laws, rules, and policies there are but am not getting the credibility that I deserve. What can I do?”
–Earnest
Dear, Earnest: It is not about spouting off the rules, it is about solving problems and advocating for employees. If you are perceived as a roadblock, no one will invite you to the table. Find ways to say “yes” rather than “no” more often and your credibility will soar. Witness the following scenario:
A manager calls HR and says, “I have a very talented individual on my team that I want to promote as she is taking on bigger and more complex tasks. What can we do?”
HR Business Partner number 1 responds, “Well, we have to write a new job description, send it to compensation for review and placement, get the job approved, post the vacancy in the system, interview a candidate slate, then make an offer. If your person is not selected, then we might have to let her go under a RIF plan. We can get it done in 30-60 days, if all goes well.”
HR Business Partner number 2 responds, “Sure, we have career ladders to handle this type of situation. We can promote her up to two levels on the ladder based on the more complex work that she is doing, and giver her a commensurate salary increase in her next paycheck.”
Which on ofthese two HR Business Partners do you think will be invited to the table, Earnest?
–Sincerely, Skippy
More Ask Skippy:
I hate my job! What should I do?!
Contact Person: Brett Israel Director, Business News & Communications Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
Contact Phone: (615) 322-NEWS
Contact Email: brett.israel@owen.vanderbilt.edu
