“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Jeff Rich
Creating an effective HR strategy in smaller businesses doesn’t require complex formulas or 100-page slide decks. Simplicity and impact are the keys to success. Here are 7 tips to help you streamline your approach to achieve great results:
ONE: Perfect is the enemy of good
Striving for perfection can often lead to paralysis. Instead of aiming for flawless strategies, make sure that it’s good enough to be effective and then stop planning and start doing.
TWO: You can’t have it both ways
Be comfortable making decisions about what not to do as well as what to do. Resources, money and time are all finite and you will achieve greater success by focussing on fewer things.
THREE: KISS (Keep it simple, stupid)
Complexity breeds confusion. Keep your HR strategy straightforward and easy to understand for all stakeholders. Clarity will ensure buy-in and commitment from employees at every level.
FOUR: Find 10,000 ways that won’t work
Explore many options before committing to your plans. Too often people get sucked in by the tractor beam of their first idea and miss the chance to find an even better one.
FIVE: Avoid the HiPPOs (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion)
Decision-making should be driven by insight, not hierarchy. Base your HR strategies on evidence from employee feedback, industry trends, and organisational metrics. Avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on the opinions of higher-ups with louder voices.
SIX: There are many ways to skin a cat
Recognise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to HR challenges. Be open to exploring diverse approaches and methodologies that suit the unique needs and dynamics of your organisation. Adaptability and flexibility are essential traits for strategic HR leaders.
SEVEN: Follow all 4 steps of the process
Define, Create, Activate & Execute and in that order. Too often the activation stage gets skipped and leaders wonder why their brilliant plans aren’t coming to life.