The role of the CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is no longer confined to administrative and operational work. Today’s CHROs are expected to act as strategic partners and help with critical business decisions and driving organizational growth.
HR Professionals who don’t evolve and develop meaningful business strategy skills are often left out of critical company conversations. This guide will lay out where to begin and how to overcome common obstacles for anyone looking to transition from an HR practitioner to a strategic leader.
What Is a CHRO of a Company?
First off, what is a CHRO? CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is a senior executive who oversees an organization’s human resources strategy. This includes hiring or firing staff, employee performance, leadership development, and aligning HR initiatives with company goals. The CHRO is critical in shaping company culture and ensuring the employees are prepared to meet quotas and perform necessary tasks.
Why HR Professionals Are Often Left Out of Business Strategy Discussions
Despite their critical role in attracting top talent and developing company culture, HR professionals are frequently excluded from key company conversations around strategy.
This happens for several reasons:
- Perception of HR as Administrative: Many organizations view HR primarily as an administrative department rather than a strategic one.
- Lack of Business Understanding: HR professionals may struggle to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions if they don’t have a deep understanding of core business principles.
- Limited Influence: HR departments may not have the same authority or visibility to impact decision-making at the executive level compared with other upper-management roles.
HR professionals can overcome these barriers by changing how they and others perceive HR roles and positioning themselves in CHRO jobs for expanded influence.
What Does It Mean to Get a Seat at the Table?
A seat at the table means earning a place in strategic conversations with the organization’s key decision-makers. For HR professionals, this will require demonstrating how HR initiatives align with and support business goals; contributing to discussions on growth, innovation, and competitive advantage; and establishing trust and respect among senior leadership by providing strategic insights.
HR representatives can’t afford to settle for traditional responsibilities if they want to move into a more influential CHRO human resources position.
How to Transition from HR Operations to Strategic Leadership
There are several simple, actionable steps for HR professionals to start progressing toward CHRO jobs.
- Develop general business understanding. Start investing non-productive time learning about financial logistics, market dynamics, and business operations. The more you understand about how your organization generates customer value, the better equipped you’ll be to participate in strategic conversations.
- Build relationships across the organization. Start networking with leaders in other departments, not just HR staff.
- Improve communication skills. Strong communication is essential for influencing leaders and helping others understand the value of HR initiatives.
- Learn how to work with data. Use available HR analytics to measure the impact of talent strategies on business outcomes. For example, tracking metrics like employee retention and productivity can help the business better understand the fallout of different initiatives.
- Focus on new strategic initiatives. Take time to think of new projects that align with organizational goals. For instance, organizing a leadership development program can help ensure long-term company success.
Learn How to Qualify for CHRO Jobs with HREN
Transitioning from an HR practitioner to a strategic CHRO is a challenging process, but will pay huge dividends. By developing business acumen, building cross-departmental relationships, and pursuing continuing education, CHROs can position themselves as an invaluable partner in the organization’s success.
To help you on this path, HREN offers a comprehensive course tailored for HR professionals aiming to become strategic leaders. This program provides actionable insights and skills to elevate your career and secure your seat at the table. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your role and drive meaningful impact.
