From the book, The Talent Masters by Bill Conaty and Ram Charan.

1. Understand your business and industry dynamics

  • Financials and key operating levers that affect your business

2. Build your HR vision and strategies around the business model

3. Become problem solvers versus problem identifiers

  • Remove issues from the plate instead of adding to the existing pile

4. Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously

  • Stay cool/provide a sense of balance and calm in the storm

5. Have the personal independence, self-confidence, and courage to push back or challenge the system when necessary

  • Don’t salute every command..But pick your spots.
  • Stay true to your personal values and convictions, those moments can make or break your career.

6. Never forget why you’re at the table

  • Obligation to balance strong business partnership role with employee advocacy role
  • People implications of decisions
  • Never forget the “human” in human resources