HR Business Partnering

When we talk about HR transformation, the first and foremost part is to be a trusted partner of the business. Most business schools do churn out theoretically strong HR folks, but the key area that creates trust and enable other HR functions to properly is a good HR business partner. The role is akin to a sales guy who understands the customer needs and customize the products and services. The wall street journal reports that among the large companies that hired CHRO's in the last 5 years , about one third picked up a non HR executive for the role. This is an increase from the past years and the key driving factor s could be an eye opener to see what would be the generic competencies required for an HRBP role ( with CHRO being the highest level of HRBP). Below are some factors that i have seen to be the most essential factors in being an HRBP.

• Trustworthy

• Practical

• Data oriented

• Relationship builder

• Business knowledge

• Facilitator

• Global Manager

The role primarily would require competencies under business, HR and consulting which means it has to be broad range and agility is the key for the success. My good friend and colleague William Todd who is our HRBP for the global R&D team has outlined his journey as an HRBP very well. Below is his journey which is summarized as a few steps . Anyone who wants to be an HRBP , especially in organisations where this is a new role would deeply benefit from the steps outlined by him.

One of the factors that has to be kept in mind is that HRBP is one part of the larger HR organisation and can be effective only if the following conditions are set,

• A good HR team which has an effective HR service delivery ( HR operations ) and a good Centre of excellence ( COE) with subject matter expertise.

• A business leader who is ready to commit to people development and considers people as his key assets not in words but in actions

• A company culture which supports the above two.

 All the above three points can be developed and hence if you do not have it currently take it as an opportunity for you to build and leave a legacy.