Ask skippy #2

Q.Dear Skippy, I am an HR Business Partner with all the right credentials (MBA, PHR, etc) who can't seem to get a seat at the table. I know all the laws, rules, and policies there are but am not getting the credibility that I deserve. What can I do?

Earnest A. Dear Earnest, It is not about spouting off the rules, it is about solving problems and advocating for employees. If you are perceived as a roadblock, no one will invite you to the table. Find ways to say yes rather than no more often and your credibility will soar. Witness the following scenario: A manager calls HR and says "I have a very talented individual on my team that I want to promote as she is taking on bigger and more complex tasks. What can we do?"

HR BP # 1 responds, "Well, we have to write a new job description, send it to compensation for review and placement, get the job approved, post the vacancy in the system, interview a candidate slate, then make an offer. If your person is not selected, then we might have to let her go under a RIF plan. We can get it done in 30-60 days if all goes well."

HR BP # 2 responds, "Sure, we have career ladders to handle this type of situation. We can promote her up to 2 levels on the ladder based on the more complex work that she is doing and give her a commensurate salary increase in her next paycheck".

Which one of these two HRBP's do you think will be invited to the table Earnest?

Skippy