Kiran Tandon

Perfect recipe for HR-achaar! A bridge too far? Few years back, I attended a meeting where the HR head presented his thoughts on a new people engagement strategy. It was detailed, data-driven, and incorporated the latest HR trends. However, as his presentation went on, I noticed furrowed brows and befuddled expressions of the line managers in the hall. During the Q&A session, one gutsy manager stood up and asked, "This all sounds great, like it did last year, but I am unable to see how does it help me with the daily challenges my team faces?" Those few moments of pin drop silence, before the HR head spoke again, struck me. Have you noticed that most of the ‘gyaan’ (aka insights) about people and team dynamics, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, comes from HR leaders? While there is no denying that HR as a function plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and people policies, it’s often the line leaders—those on the shop floors, managing teams day in and day out—who have the most direct and practical experiences of their people. Imagine the richness of perspectives if we heard more from the business leaders and managers who interact with employees on a regular basis. Their real-world views could provide genuine and firsthand insights into the nuances of team dynamics, employee motivations, and the everyday challenges faced by the employees. One of the biggest misconceptions in many organisations is the belief that the HR understands employees better than their direct managers. This illusion creates a disconnect, where HR sees itself (and is conveniently seen) as the sole custodian of people, rather than a business partner in supporting line leaders to manage their teams effectively. In successful and mature organisations, the HR strives to understand how to run the business WITH people instead of merely running people FOR the business. This involves real business partnering by collaborating more closely with line leaders, gaining a deeper appreciation of business operations, and leveraging this knowledge to enhance people experience and productivity. It's time for leaders to coach more HR managers to step out of their ivory tower and into the real world. By doing so, they can better support managers, foster a more inclusive culture, and ultimately drive organisational success through a more realistic approach to people management. Let’s hear more perspectives and insights on people from the line leaders. Together, HR can create a more balanced and effective approach to managing the most valuable resource - people. Let’s bridge the gap. #humancapital #HR #peoplemanagement #linemanagers #leadershipunplugged

10

3 Comments

A Perspective of A Young Professional. A recent dialogue with the CHRO of a rising startup shed light on the evolving priorities of today’s fresh graduates when choosing an employer. A budding HR professional provided key insights that reflect a shift in what young workers value: First Contact: The first interaction with a potential employer is crucial. It sets the tone, showing whether the company is welcoming and patient, and if it values understanding and nurturing new talent. Researching the Company: Young professionals thoroughly investigate potential employers, focusing on the longevity of the founders, managers, and peers. This reflects the company’s culture and stability, which are vital for those seeking long-term opportunities. Workplace Logistics and Safety: Practicalities like commute distance and workplace safety are significant. Accessibility and a secure environment are essential for maintaining work-life balance and well-being. Understanding Personal Space and Time: Corporates in India must recognize the growing importance of personal space and time for young professionals. This generation places a high value on work-life balance and seeks employers who respect and support their need for personal time and space. I believe these observations was an eye opener for me as it underscores the need for companies to align their practices with the expectations of the young workforce, focusing on transparency, cultural fit, and respect for personal boundaries to attract and retain top talent.

23

🌿 On this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s reflect on the timeless wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi and its relevance to the HR world. 🌿 “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As HR leaders, we have the power to create cultures of empathy, inclusivity, and respect. Here are key Gandhian principles we can embody: 🌱 Truth & Transparency 🔺 Build trust through honest communication. 🌱 Non-violence 🔺 Foster a safe and positive workplace. 🌱 Self-discipline 🔺 Lead with integrity and accountability. 🌱 Equality 🔺 Embrace diversity and create equal opportunities for all. 🌱 Empathy 🔺 Listen, understand, and support employees genuinely. 🌱 Service 🔺 Put people first, prioritize growth and well-being. 🌱 Patience & Persistence 🔺 Drive long-term change through steady efforts. 🌱 Simplicity 🔺 Focus on what truly matters and lead with humility. Change begins with us—let’s lead by example and create the future we envision. ✨ Let’s lead by example and be the catalysts for positive change. ✨ #GandhiJayanti #Leadership #HRTransformation #BeTheChange #Inclusion #Diversity #Empathy

5

After reading a pertinent article, I further reinforced my belief that every manager is responsible for hiring and training people. Managers don't focus too much on headcount. Instead, they focus more on talent that can add and preserve economic value for their organisation.

5

To ensure humane holistic well-being, we need to be intentional about rest and we may even go a step ahead to specify the particular kind of rest that we seek depending on need. This has scientifically been proven to correlate with our performance in different areas of life i.e. at work, social interaction, mental well-being, etc., and helps with work-life integration or is it work-life balance (a debate for another day)😁 but of importance is that rest ensures that we not only add days to life but also we can add life to days. 7 Types of rest as detailed below were studied and put together by Dr.Saundra Dalton who noted that if we find ourselves exhausted even after "resting" then we may be missing out on one of the components of rest. The 7th type of rest that I have deliberately left out is spiritual rest (feel free to study it further). To optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life, it is important to have recess from time to time and best to know what kind of rest you are having.

5

1 Comment

Dear People Pro! Are your Teams feeling safe enough to go all out, to ace their BIG Goals? In this pic is a 3 minute read you may be looking for.. ** DYK Ravi Sundaram leads the BELBIN Accreditation Course - 2 Day In Person Physical Class - Mumbai - on July 26 - 27th? To know how Belbin can be of value in your People Practice, or to enrol, DM me #leadershipdevelopment #diversityandinclusion #learninganddevelopment #personaldevelopment #psychologicalsafety #employeeexperience

8

Risk, curiosity, wonderment, spontaneity, delight, sweat, blood, tears and so many experiences that embody the true human spirit - all rolled into one. What a journey! This one's a special milestone 💙🩵 Muchas Gracias to the #OGTribe, you know who you are 😎 Wouldn't have done it without you! Check the service stack out : http://tribefortalent.com/ Big Thanks afaqs! for the feature. #TribeForTalent #TribeConsulting #HR #LaunchDay

315

93 Comments