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What Roles and Activities Should be Added to HR?

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May 12, 2011

Editor’s Note: Dr. John Sullivan has been a provocateur and strategist in the field of human resources and talent management for over 30 years. His specialty is HR strategy and designing world class HR systems and tools for Fortune 200 firms, and he’s never been shy about telling it like it is.

That’s why TLNT asked him to share his thinking in a video series titled “$#*!@ Dr. John Sullivan Says!” Look for these videos twice a week here at TLNT.

Today’s topic: Things HR should take on

There was a time, Dr. John Sullivan remembers, when a group asked him what he would like to talk to them about.

Here’s what he chose: “What are roles, or processes, or activities that do not occur in HR? In other words, they’re not done poorly … they’re just not done at all, (and) that you would add?”

He came up with this list:

  • Non-monetary motivation;
  • A way to identify and get rid of bad managers;
  • Risk analysis;
  • Failure analysis;
  • Productivity improvement consulting;
  • Directing internal staff movement; and,
  • Recognizing and rewarding great people management.

Dr. John gives a great many details on why these are critical areas to add to HR, and he also talks about other issues as well — like integrated solutions, lean HR, and calculating the value of collaboration.

He also talks about one company — Zappos — and their unique “risk management advisor” approach to HR that’s worth examining — and perhaps putting in place in your organization.

Did you miss the last segment of$#*!@ Dr. John Sullivan Says!” on “A Seat at the Table? ‘It Does Not Guarantee That People Listen to You’ ” You can see it here.