What’s key to leading HR during a difficult time for a
client organization?
JB: If the business revolves around client services, the focus has to be
on the client experience exceeding expectations. If you want your clients
to be happy, take care of your employees first and enable them
to do their jobs. Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines said, “Give
individuals the tools they need, outline some parameters to work
within and then just let them get on and do their stuff.” Who on
the senior leadership team is most capable of doing that, if not HR?
HR is at the very core of the people construct and culture. HR
drives recruitment, performance management, compensation, training
and development, recognition programs and retention initiatives
– all tied to the success of the business. In a world where the fight
for top talent is fiercely competitive, HR enables the business and
strengthens the brand to establish the company as an employer
of choice. Without HR leadership, organizations put themselves
at risk.
What skills are important for success in HR?
JB: HR leaders need to be business people first and HR practitioners
second. To successfully lead an operation, HR professionals
need to understand the business they’re in. That includes the company’s
challenges, strengths, vulnerabilities and differentiators – for
the company and the competition. The organization relies on HR’s
sound business judgement and the ability to communicate effectively
and often. HR leaders need to be strategic when solving today’s
problems for tomorrow’s victories, and be viewed as change agents
when the business dictates a shift in course.
HR must also be skilled in the use of metrics and analytics as they
are integral to decision-making. HR is expected to provide palpable
evidence between the value of HR and business outcomes. Last, but
far from least, HR needs to execute and deliver results that have a
powerful impact on the business.
What tips do you have for new grads or those in entry-level HR
jobs who want to move up the ladder?
JB: Learn, learn and then learn some more. Never be content with
what you know. Read. Ask questions. Observe. Listen. Secure a
mentor. Take courses. It all helps to stay current and bolster your
own brand. Take on initiatives that highlight your strengths. No
matter who you work for or with, always create value. Understand
the purpose behind what you’re doing and then service the hell out
of it.
The HR field has been evolving. What changes excite you the most?
JB: HR is more exciting now than ever. It continues to grow in complexity
and accountability as well as escalating demands for skill
and leadership. Many organizations seek HR business partners to
contribute to the strategic operations of the business. The HR bar
has been raised. HRPA has lead that charge, creating a progressive
structure of designations that lend credibility and corporate recognition
to the profession. To see what’s been accomplished in my
career is the most exciting of all, as is knowing there is still more
ground to be claimed.
hr influencer
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IN A NUTSHELL
First paid job: I had a full time summer office job at
Revenue Canada. I was 15. HR was not on my horizon at
that time and I fear I may have lied about my age.
Childhood ambition: To be a nurse, until my brother came
home with a cast on his leg, which was terrifying to me for
some reason.
Best boss and why: Ken Levins was my first boss at
Imperial Oil. I had just graduated from university. Ken
provided equal proportions of encouragement, learning
and laughter. He was smart, kind and generous with his
feedback. I enjoyed insightful conversations and learned
a lot but never at the expense of fun. Ken’s counsel and
encouragement gave me confidence and I credit him, in
part, for the professional success I’ve enjoyed by setting
the bar so high.
Current source of inspiration: Making a difference in
people’s lives.
Best piece of advice ever received: “Feel the fear and do
it anyway.” That motto allowed me to acknowledge fear,
but not give into it.
Favourite music: I’ve played in two rock ’n’ roll bands
(electric guitar and vocals) but folk rock is my passion.
Last book read: How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie – for the third time. It never gets old.
I learn something every time I read it and I strongly
recommend that everyone read it at least once. It is advice
to live by.
What’s the future of HR?
JB: Change is the name of the game. Globalization has created a
complexity in managing diverse cultures and businesses. What
works in one country won’t necessarily work in another. There is no
cookie-cutter approach, even though businesses will demand global
consistency that reflects the fundamental essence of the brand.
Much has already changed in how we work, where we work and
why we work as well as how companies attract, incent, retain and
partner with employees. As the workplace continues to evolve, HR
has to embrace new concepts and generate creative solutions in support
of the business and the people. n
HRPROFESSIONALNOW.CA ❚ JULY 2017 ❚ 43
