Future-Proofing the Next-Generation HR through Executive Coaching

As we move into the next decade, it's clear that the world of HR is changing. And, as with any major shift, there's a lot of confusion about what this new world will look like.
 
Five Key Priorities
 
In a rapidly changing business landscape, it's more important than ever for HR leaders to stay ahead of the curve. Here are five key priorities for the next-generation of HR:
 
1. Employee Experience
 
The number one priority for HR is to focus on the employee experience and engagement. HR needs to create a work environment conducive to employee engagement and satisfaction.

2. Diversity and Inclusion
 
Another key priority for the next-generation HR is to focus on diversity and inclusion. Businesses need to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees, regardless of their background or identity where their views and opinions can be expressed without judgment.
 
3. Talent Management
 
Talent management is critical to reducing attrition. HR needs to review and adapt to new ways of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. 
 
4. Workforce Planning

HR needs to ensure that the workforce is composed of the right mix of skills and experience to meet the needs of the business. This is to be complemented with the right executive coaching to help leaders and managers build high performing teams.
 
5. Data-Driven HR Function
 
Data is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of HR. HR leaders must be able to collect, analyse, and use data to drive decision-making. This data can be used to improve HR strategies, programs, and policies. Additionally, data can be used to identify trends, issues and measure the impact of HR initiatives.
 
Future-Proofing the HR Function through Executive Coaching
 
The Human Resources (HR) function is responsible for a company’s most valuable asset – its people. To be successful, the HR team must constantly be evolving and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the business.

One way to ensure that the HR department is always moving forward is to invest in executive coaching. Executive coaching can help HR professionals develop the skills and knowledge of the organisation’s leadership team to better equip them for constant change.
 
Here are four ways that executive coaching can help future-proof the HR function:

1. Develop a Strategic Mindset
 
The first way executive coaching can help future-proof the HR function is by developing a strategic mindset. In order to be successful, the HR department must be able to think strategically and align its goals with the overall business's goals. E.g. having an outdated policy mandating set days in the office across the board may not be efficient for certain teams and therefore impact company wide objectives.
 
Through executive coaching, HR professionals and the broader leadership teams can learn how to identify the key factors that will impact the success of the business and make decisions that align with the company’s overall strategy.
 
2. Build a Strong Team
 
Executive coaching can help HR by helping them build a strong team guided by handbooks that future-proof the HR department. It’s imperative there are clear, documented and socialsised practices from talent acquisition, on-boarding to managing the complete employee lifecycle.

3. Improve Communication Skills
 
The HR department must communicate effectively with all stakeholders inside and outside the company. Through coaching, HR professionals can learn how to listen to others, understand their needs, and communicate in a clear, concise, and persuasive way.
 
4. Increase Emotional Intelligence
 
Executive coaching can help by increasing emotional intelligence across the board. The HR department must be able to deal and manage so many emotions, both their own and those effectively of their employees. This is a key skill for managing conflict, difficult conversations, stress levels and burnout. 

Conclusion

The role of HR is constantly evolving, and HR professionals need to stay ahead of the curve. One way to do this is by utilising executive coaching. Executive coaching can help HR professionals build high performing teams, become more strategic and influential leaders.

Are you interested in executive coaching as a business leader? Stuart Andrews can help. Stuart supports executives and business leaders through leadership coaching to ensure that your teams perform at the highest level. Contact us today!

The Leadership Shift: How to Lead Successful Business Transformations in the New Normal offers further information on executive leadership and transformational change. Get your copy here!