HR - By The Book

Has your HR department created clearly stated policies that define what is and isn't acceptable within your company? Do some of those policies defy common sense and logic? What are those policies costing you in terms of employee turnover?

Many companies and HR departments have opted to replace effective leadership and sound judgment with black and white "foolproof" policies that even the weakest leader can read, understand and point to in lieu of making a sound judgment call. Apparently it's quicker and easier (and probably less expensive) to write a rule than it is to institute strong leadership development initiatives.

A recent article by Elaine Varelas entitled "Law & Order: strict policies may be bad business" sums up this trend. In her article Varelas states, "Gifted managers often get into trouble under strict policy regimes. Good managers look at individuals, not policies. When necessary, they make exceptions-and get caught. This is where HR needs to step in and give managers back that control. Instead of insisting they "arrest" employees for breaking "laws," give them the skills, tools, and authority needed to assess particular situations. Let them make decisions based on what is best for the individual employee, the department, and the organization. Train managers to think strategically and globally, and help them develop their people and management skills."

Let's stop "dummying down" the leadership process, get back to developing leaders and then letting them lead.

To read Varelas' article as posted on bostonworks.com, click here: Law & Order

Posted by Denise Knutson, Senior Consultant, The H.S. Group