Becoming a Good HR Business Partner

Introduction

• Host: Andrea Adams
• Guest: Todd Bassett, Senior HR Leader
• Focus on becoming good business partners in HR

Importance of Partnership in HR

• True Partnership: Emphasizes the necessity to understand and support the business.
• Roles: Includes listening, understanding business problems, and providing HR support.

Understanding the Business

• Listening Skills: Spend most of the time in meetings listening to business leaders.
• Questions: Ask thoughtful and curiosity-driven questions.
• Shadowing: Go out and shadow jobs to understand day-to-day activities.
• Systems Thinking Approach: Understand how different parts of the business are interconnected.

Business Partner Model

• Previous Models: HR used to be more of a policing model, very governance and admin-focused, separate from business.
• Evolved Model: Focuses on business outcomes, interaction with business, end-user focus.

Qualities of a Good HR Business Partner

• Relationship Building: Good communicators and relationship builders.
• Listening: Be intuitive and understand the business and audience.
• Business Acumen: Understand both HR and business drivers.
• Champion and Challenge: Know when to support and when to challenge ideas.
• Influencing Skills: Ability to influence decision-making.
• Conflict Management: Manage conflicts effectively.

Balancing Policing and Partnering

• Evidence-Based: Decisions should be based on solid evidence and fair investigation.
• Influencing Skills: Create a clear case for necessary actions.
• Compliance: Maintain company values and prevent risks.

Advice for New HR Business Partners

• 70/20/10 Development Model: 70% experiential, 20% through others, and 10% formal education.
• Mentorship: Seek mentorship from experienced HR business partners.
• Communication: Practice communicating in business terms and presenting ideas as business cases.
• Personalization: Approach relationships naturally and authentically, tailored to individual styles.

Conclusion

• Importance of being connected to the person you are serving.
• Upcoming episode on performance management.