DERGEL Executive Search

Helping great companies hire successful leaders

Strengthening the CHRO’s Strategic Role

by Leave a Comment

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

Over the last two decades, the market has indicated a rise in number of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), while the adoption of automation tools has caused a decline in the retention of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs). Despite the increase in CHRO retention, there still remains some pushback from CEOs in regard to their strategic acumen.

According to recent data presented at the Visionaries Summit by Professor Rick Smith, Johns Hopkins University, Faculty Director, Human Capital Development Lab:

  • 55% of CEOs view CHROs as being a key player in strategy.
  • 48% of CEOs view CHROs as having strategic business skills.
  • & only 36% of CEOs think that the CHRO role is clearly understood by fellow leadership.

What steps can be taken to help the CHRO role become more strategic and more clearly defined?

Understand the business as a whole. The main focus of a CHRO lies with the people inside the organization. One of the most beneficial ways to support fellow colleagues is to understand the challenges they face. Ask guiding questions regarding the situations and people that affect their role in the workplace, whether that be: co-workers, clients, Sales Goals, etc. This will aid the CHRO to better understand: What are the different viewpoints? Are there cultural/religious differences? How do they communicate best? How can I best guide them to connect on the same level?

Sit with the different teams and learn from them. Sit with different team members in all of the departments to fully grasp the full scope of their role. Understand any and all challenges they may be facing, the different team dynamics, realistic timelines for operations, and what tools each team utilizes. Additionally, through attending department meetings, there will be a deeper understanding of all operations to better navigate and strategize strengthening the team.

Create a growth roadmap for employees. Take the initiative to help develop employees’ career path. Offer continued learning opportunities to further enhance your teams’ skills. Speak with team members regarding their career goals and make a plan with them to achieve each victory on the road to success.

Throughout each of these steps, it will be important to understand “why” colleagues operate in the manners they do and how to best support them. Employees will find a new appreciation for their CHROs as they will be considered more of an active member of the leadership team. Adapting small changes to include the Human Resources more in the day-to-day of all departments can help close the disconnect between their team and other leaders in the organization.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Core Focus & Letting Go Of Secondary Investments

by Leave a Comment

Focus on what is most important, steer the ship towards success.

99197681 © Publicdomainphotos | Dreamstime.com

It is important chart a course that resonates with the majority of the team in order to receive organic buy-in. Here are some good strategies to implement & grow along this path:

Regularly Assess Core Strengths and Company Wide Focuses

Check in with and evaluate the organization’s core strengths & competencies, values, mission, and vision, on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance. Market dynamics can change, and what was once a focus may become less relevant, or more.

Resource Accounting

Have we made sure to take an accounting of our workforce, our digital, physical, & financial assets, as well as our personal and team wide energy levels? To be aware of the status, condition, and availability of these (and any other relevant resources) allows for proper and intentional allocation and application towards the organizational mission and vision. Keeping up with resource status and maintenance protects the resource condition and usage potential.

Communicate the Vision

Clear communication is key. Leaders should articulate the vision and why streamlining focus to it matters to the organization’s success. Transparency & high quality communication engenders buy-in, not only from the team, but from the public as well.

Avoid “Shiny Object” Syndrome

Resist the temptation to chase every new opportunity that arises. Especially when the opportunity is particularly tempting, evaluate the opportunity carefully to determine if it aligns with the company core strengths and overarching vision.

Anticipate and Limit Distraction

Just as one would take care to turn their phone notifications off before engaging in uninterruptable work, one could also anticipate when those “shiny object” temptations may cross our paths. If it is known that a skilled salesperson calls each year with a compelling and relevant pitch, direct that call to a teammate who is better equipped to politely decline the “shiny new development” that the salesperson is presenting.

Perceive Limiting Secondary Opportunities as Risk Management

When a presented focus divergence or new opportunity is brought to the table, it can be easy and natural to see the situation as an investable opportunity.

However, it may be helpful to adopt an additional perspective on the matter.

We only have a finite amount of energy available to our organization at any given time. By choosing to pursue a new opportunity, we can no longer invest that same energy into the regular operation that the organization stands upon and provides. It may be that the new opportunity develops upon the core output of the organization, and it therefore may be worthwhile to say yes and invest. However, it could pay off to be initially critical and see a new opportunity as a secondary usage of resources, a risk and liability, or even as a threat to the organization’s highest value creation.

Sharpen your focus & divest from secondary pursuits.

Keep to the core strengths of the organization, and only intelligently and intentionally make divergences, to further enhance your ability to focus, develop growth, and sustain success.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Building a Solid Team for Long-Term Success

by Leave a Comment

“A players attract A players. B players attract C players.” – Steve Jobs

Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels

When it comes to building a strong, high performing team, the hiring process is key. Skills can always be taught; however, attitude and experience cannot be bought. Inexperienced companies tend to look at which skills a person has and discards the attitude. So, what are some of the best attributes to look for when hiring A players?

Basic knowledge of your company. Unless they have been coached, or have a long-standing relationship with your company, chances are they will not be well-versed on the organization’s history, operations, and key players. However, as the company’s website, LinkedIn, and listing type are all public, there should be a basic understanding of:

  • With whom they will be speaking and their role(s)
  • The mission of the organization
  • Size of the company/General size of their department
  • The sector the organization lies in
  • Who the target customers are (generally)

Comes ready with questions/notes. A players take their position seriously. More often than not, they will arrive with a list of questions ready and more will arise throughout the flow of the conversation. The more questions, the better – as it represents their level of interest. You’re likely to hear questions such as the following:

  • What does the onboarding process look like?
  • What does the day-to-day look like?
  • Who will I be working with and who would I be reporting to directly?
  • What are the opportunities for growth?
  • What is the salary and bonus structure?
  • Is there a relocation package?
  • Are any additional benefits offered?
  • How does the organization handle overtime?

An open mind. Brand representation is the key driver of market recognition and loyalty. Opportunities for growth lie in diversifying the target audience and employee retention the organization is interested in attracting. Unwillingness to listen to dissenting voices, deeming concerns as minuscule, and attempts to drown out voices who disagree can lead to resentment between employees, yourself and the board, regression in the organization’s progress, and more.

Growth mindset. The world of business is ever evolving. The rate of technological advancement is exponentially faster than ever seen before in history. This has allowed for the fastest speed in communication between peers to share ideas, compare data, and transfer knowledge. To make the vision a reality, top players will be able to see the full-vision and the steps needed to be taken to get there. The ability to recognize and respect that growth is not linear is a great mindset for the business world.

At the end of the day, making the dream a reality is the main goal. We all have good days and bad days. Creating a work environment that is goal oriented through healthy collaboration starts with building a team that is focused on achieving, asks impactful questions and is respectful of each other.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Make Space For Your Team To Outperform Your Expectations

by Leave a Comment

There is a management approach which helps normalize the pursuit of lateral thinking and creative solutions. This strategy also aims to open new doors and opportunities along the way. 

photo credit: 143461650 © Artjuli933

Employee-led projects and initiatives can help develop the creative pulse of an organization, clarify a team’s core functionalities & strengths, and bring about some unexpected success. Let us explore some examples:

1] Google’s “20% Time”

One notable case study is Google’s implementation of the “20% Time” policy. This initiative allows employees to devote 20% of their workweek to personal projects. The results have been remarkable, with products such as Gmail, Google News, and AdSense originating from employee-led projects. By providing dedicated time for self-directed work, Google nurtures a culture of innovation and gives employees the freedom to explore new ideas beyond their routine tasks.

2] Atlassian’s “ShipIt Days”

Atlassian, a leading software company, conducts regular “ShipIt Days” where employees have 24 hours to work on projects of their choice. This initiative encourages cross-functional collaboration and empowers individuals to bring their ideas to life. By fostering a culture of experimentation and creativity, Atlassian has seen numerous successful projects emerge from these dedicated sessions.

3] 3M’s “15% Rule”

3M’s renowned “15% Rule” allows employees to spend up to 15% of their working time on projects unrelated to their primary responsibilities. This freedom has led to breakthrough innovations, such as the creation of the iconic Post-it Note. By granting employees the autonomy to pursue their passions, 3M has created a culture where individuals feel empowered to think outside the box and contribute to the company’s success.

4] LinkedIn’s “InCubator” Program

LinkedIn’s “InCubator” program is designed to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its employees. Through this initiative, individuals can pitch their project ideas and, if selected, receive dedicated time and resources to bring them to fruition. This program fosters intrapreneurship, strengthens employee engagement, and results in innovative solutions that contribute to LinkedIn’s continuous growth.

5] Valve Corporation’s Flat Hierarchy

Valve Corporation operates on a unique flat hierarchy system, allowing employees to choose their projects and work with others in a self-organizing manner. By eliminating traditional management structures and granting autonomy, Valve nurtures a culture where employees take ownership of their work. This approach has propelled the company’s success in the competitive video game industry.

Even before considering these approaches, there are plenty of takeaways to be absorbed. When noticing an individual’s skill set that seems unrelated to their job title, a forward-thinking manager might consider, “How could this be useful beyond its present application?”

When considering what trajectories to position towards, it could be helpful for the organization to conduct an interview of the employee base. This will help expose the organizational leadership to the employees’ view of the company’s core competencies and strengths.

As you might imagine, there are some downsides when considering such bold directions. It may break the norm & will probably decrease the measurable employee output in the immediate present. That, however, is only part of the picture, which doesn’t include the increase in employee satisfaction & groundbreaking idea potential. Each organization gets to consider whether the time, energy, and financial investment is fitting for their situation. Realistically, not every company has the proper teams and resources in place if major ideas and opportunities came knocking on the door. Those who do see the value in this venture, may join in producing the next generation of fulfilled & loyal teams as well as unheard of ideas.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions from how your organization has effectively made space for your team to outperform expectations? Share with us at: [email protected]

The Visionary Advantage: How Envisioning Fuels Success

by Leave a Comment

Imagine a future where your goals are not just within reach, but already within your grasp.

photo credit: https://bit.ly/VisionaryLake © Artjuli933

In the dynamic environment of today, utilizing intentional visualization to aid in creating your successful reality is paramount. Let us delve into the importance of the practice & how it provides actionable strategies.

What Does Envisioning Actually Do?

This process activates, strengthens and refines neural pathways associated with the envisioned scenario. This means, that mentally rehearsing specific actions or scenarios helps those neural pathways become more efficient and effective over time, which can translate into improved performance when engaging in those activities.

Envisioning is more than mere daydreaming or wishful thinking; it is a deliberate and strategic process of creating a mental picture of your desired reality. Successful team leaders understand that before any tangible achievements come to fruition, they must first visualize and internalize their goals.

Getting Started

  1. Define Your Vision: Start by articulating a clear and compelling vision for yourself and your organization. Be specific about what you want to achieve and the impact you aspire to make. By creating a vivid mental picture, you prime your mind for success.
  2. Set SMART Goals: Once you have your vision, break it down into achievable goals using the SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures clarity and provides a roadmap to track progress.
  3. Visualization and Affirmation: Regularly engage in visualization exercises where you vividly imagine yourself achieving your goals. Pair this with reinforcing your belief in your abilities and the potential for success. It may help to notice what environments and activities aid in clearing and readying your mind, as an artist would prepare a clean canvas to begin painting.
  4. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Network: Seek out mentors, coaches, or peers who share your vision and can provide guidance and support along your journey. Their insights and experience can help you navigate challenges and refine your vision.
  5. Stay Agile: Envisioning does not mean rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan. Leaders must remain agile and open to adjusting their course as circumstances evolve. Adaptability is a key component to own.

Examples of Well-Respected Individuals who Utilize Visualization

Many role models have openly embraced the practice of visualization, and their experiences serve as powerful testimonials to its effectiveness:

  1. Athletes: Michael Phelps, the Olympian with the highest medal count, famously used visualization techniques to mentally rehearse his races and visualize himself winning. Similarly, basketball legend LeBron James has spoken about visualizing game scenarios and making split-second decisions on the court.
  2. Business Leaders: Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, is known to have practiced visualization techniques to manifest her career goals and personal aspirations. Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has spoken about using visualization as a tool for strategic planning and creating a vision for his businesses.
  3. Artists and Performers: Jim Carrey, the acclaimed actor and comedian, famously wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered” and visualized his success long before achieving it. Renowned musician and composer, Mozart, was known to mentally compose his complex musical pieces before putting pen to paper.

Addressing Skepticism and Misconceptions

Individuals may view these practices as odd, magical thinking, or off-limits. Therefore, it is essential to address these concerns and misconceptions head-on:

  1. Scientific Basis: Visualization is not a mystical or supernatural concept and is supported by extensive research. Studies have shown that visualizing specific actions or outcomes activates the same neural pathways as physically performing those actions. This mental rehearsal enhances cognitive processes, boosts motivation, and improves performance.
  2. Practical and Accessible: Visualization is a practical tool that anyone can use to enhance their focus, clarity, and goal attainment. It does not require any special skills or resources. It is simply a mental exercise that harnesses the power of imagination and intention.
  3. Complementary to Action: Visualization is not a substitute for hard work, effort, or action. It is a complementary tool that aligns the mind with desired outcomes, increases confidence, and improves decision-making. Combining visualization with strategic action helps maximize potential for success.

Moving Past Challenges

In addition to preparing for your successful endeavors, consider investing time and effort into proactively addressing potential obstacles and issues before they arise. This may help you tackle them with a more centered composure, calm speech, and possibly even with a solution framework.

Envisioning creates a clear pathway to success. By defining your objectives, mapping out strategies, and visualizing the end result, you create a blueprint for action. When you have clarity and confidence in your craft, it is naturally shared with your team, and propels the whole unit forward.

Do you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Contact us and let’s get started!

+1 (514) 907-0925

or

+1 (888) 510-0511