Editor’s note: While Ron Thomas is traveling, TLNT is reposting some of his more popular columns.
“HR must stop being order takers.”
Browsing the Internet this week, I came across this quote from my good friend, Josh Bersin. It caused me to stop as I read the accompanying article.
My first foray into Human Resources was through Training & Development as I eventually ended up running one of IBM’s business units, Catapult. Yes, we took orders. When I eventually moved to an in-house T&D role, I felt that I could change the trajectory.
However, this was easier said than done. Yes, I was the Corporate Training Manager but I was still on the phone from time to time filling request. “Leadership development is what he needs,” I was told. However, six months or so later, there was no change in leadership skills.
Therefore, I decided to change my focus.