Last month, I had the opportunity to attend an HR tech networking event. With the rise of HR digitalisation, there’s much talk on how HR functions drive change and own enterprise systems.
It was great to speak with so many professionals working across people and technology. Many conversations centred around the changing (technology) face of HR but there was also much discussion on the “human-centric”skills. These events not only offer opportunities to connect, they also provide a safe space to talk about sticky issues.
At the break I joined a small group for coffee.
One HR leader working for a medium-size business in Singapore asked, “Have you ever had to go over someone’s head to get the business on the right track?”
That’s a big question to ask over coffee.
As digitalization puts HR and Tech at the same table, it’s never a good idea to go over someone’s head. This particular HR leader recognized a business need to revamp the enterprise resource planning software, but could not get the Chief Technology Leader to consider the data.
Over several cups of coffee, more of the story unfolded.
I suggested, “Going over the CTO’s head may not offer the outcome you’re looking to achieve.”
Another person piped in, “Such a move is called, ‘wounding the king’”
All of us suggested, “Take a different approach”
