If senior management and you have both perceived your role as being limited to the traditional transactional view of human resources, it will require rethinking by all parties. You, however, are the catalyst for this change in perspective, and a major step can be to start thinking of your role through a project management mind-set. This does not mean that you divorce yourself from the importance of handling human resource issues efficiently and effectively. It means that you take the time necessary to evaluate and consider in each functional area for which you are responsible how to execute the tasks in a fashion that is responsive and that uses routine processes. In this way, you open up time to devote to strategic planning. This is the first step in “acting tactically, thinking strategically.”

This important step is coupled with your thinking in terms of work you perform as being facets of projects as well as considering the timelines that will need to be met so that you are continually developing processes that are both effective and far more efficient. Periodically you need to pause to measure your progress in each area of the responsibilities you perform to ensure that your project goals are being met and to retarget or refocus efforts where necessary.

As part of this planning process, you need to develop a proactive communication plan to make sure management is aware of and kept abreast of objectives, goals, and relevant project status and milestones for your responsibilities.

When possible, volunteer to lead and/or participate in organizational initiatives, whether they are HR-oriented or intra-organizational, to continue to develop your leadership skills, gain a broader understanding of the dynamics of the organization, and create added value for both the organization and yourself. If projects are not available, volunteer to participate in cross-functional work efforts to continue to develop your knowledge of the business skills required in other work areas or departments and offer to serve as the go-to contact for department heads or professionals who may need to be absent for extended periods.

The use of systemic planning in your daily, weekly and monthly activities should become ingrained in your approach to your job and can yield tremendous dividends in terms of your development as an individual who can readily take on a major task or series of responsibilities and rapidly evaluate these in terms of workload and timelines. Refining these capabilities will result in your being able to undertake new and diverse large-scale projects that enhance the organization’s abilities to meet long-term objectives, which ultimately enhances your value to the organization.

Once you have established your bona fides for being a strategic player and have demonstrated this effectively to senior management, if the organization is still wedded to the idea that human resources serves merely as a transactional entity, it is time to consider finding a better home for your newfound capabilities with a like-minded organization. If your present organization is thinking tactically, and you’re thinking strategically, it is not going to be a mutually satisfying partnership.

Please Note: This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Contact the Knowledge Center for more information.

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