Are you pro-company or pro-employee?
Leaders have asked me this question, “Are you pro-company or pro-employee?” This is not a very good question to ask a Chief People Officer. The question reveals management’s love/hate relationship with employees.
My mindset is different - If you are pro-employee, you are also pro-company. I am for both.
A leader may ask, “But shouldn’t you side for the employer since you are part of the management team and have our best interests at heart?”
Well, no, not really.
The company’s best interest are served when I make an unbiased, fair and honest decision when employee relations issues arise. This is why most Chief People Officers are in a precarious position. Certain types of executives want to win every battle with employees. In the world of human resource management, when executives win it likely means the company will eventually lose. Winning a battle with employees may cause a company to ultimately lose the war on talent, productivity, customer service and increased profitability.
In reality, it should not be about winning or losing. During times of conflict or issues that need to be resolved, the focus should be in making an honest and fair decision while building trust with employees.
A human resource professional who is serious about their role as a strategic member of the leadership team must be willing to make unpopular decisions with employees and management. Making the right decision, regardless of direct pressure from either side, is our role.
Kevin Kennemer, the founder of The People Group, is a great workplace advocate, consultant, speaker and writer who blogs daily on relevant workplace issues regarding company culture, leadership, worklife trends, and how companies can exceed their financial performance expectations by treating employees with dignity, trust and respect.
