Most HR teams want to be strategic. But few are built to operate that way. It’s not a mindset issue. It’s a systems issue. Strategic HR isn't one program or a single playbook. It’s a layered design - built intentionally from the ground up. - Only 24% of HR teams use analytics to shape strategy (Harvard Business Review) - And just 31% of employees believe their company lives its stated values (McKinsey) You can’t scale what you haven’t systematized. And you can’t lead what you haven’t designed.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness here. Research continues to show that HR must evolve to meet the changing needs of organizations, yet many teams remain stuck in an administrative loop. This isn’t just about HR needing to build better systems for strategic partnership, it’s also about the broader system in which HR operates. Organizations must decide the value they place on HR and make the structural and cultural shifts required to elevate performance without it always feeling like an uphill battle. Yes, HR leaders must influence and demonstrate the ROI of that investment, but the responsibility for reimagining how HR shows up should be a shared one.
This post is definitely worth your time. Clear role definitions provide not just structure, but a strong sense of purpose, driving both efficiency and accountability across the HR function. What stood out most to me is how the framework clearly separates strategic and operational HR. When every layer is aligned and empowered, HR moves beyond a support role and becomes a true enabler of business growth.
Helpful insight, Casey. About my experience with HR https://youtu.be/QSifjkeHI48?si=tWYK8H2KdM_-hzt7
Design beats intention every time. Strategy only works when the system supports it.
decades ago when they decided to outsource HR they set many companies on a trajectory to automation... really we need more of you to turn back the tide.
Values only matter when they show up in daily actions, not just posters 💜
Interesting take on HR. It’s true most seem stuck in the operational weeds while wanting to be more strategic. Systematising HR to free up that capability feels like a big step forward.
Casey - Love your use of the word "design" - yes, there is forethought and intentionality!
Love this - so many good points. I’d also add designing HR products like a product manager and in an agile way. It’s important shift our craft needs to make and not enough teams are doing it!
Future Focused HR®, USA•15K followers
9moPersonally, I think it’s a skill and fit issue. HR teams are often filled with thise who are comfortable doing administrative tasks. They aren’t strategic thinkers, they don’t comprehend strategy. They comprehend and perform tasks. They are very good at that - they are administrative champions. As a result, they do not fit into a strategic model. That may seem harsh and is not intended to be critical. It is a simple statement of how things are. Leadership’s challenge of perception blocks real chances to change that.