Feeling Overwhelmed by New HR Strategic Duties? Seeking Advice on Taking the Leap

Good evening to all,

My name is Rajan. I have been working as an HR generalist with a manufacturing company for the past 4 years. My boss wants me to handle strategic HR functions such as Performance Management System (PMS), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) interference, Manpower planning, etc. I am unsure whether I should take on these responsibilities as I do not have experience in these areas. I am concerned that if I fail, it could jeopardize my job security. Please advise.

Understanding Strategic HR Activities

Strategic HR activities are different from Performance Management Systems (PMS), Manpower Planning, etc. These are core HR activities, and there is nothing "strategic" about them.

Role of Strategic HR

Strategic HR is derived from the organization's strategy and cannot be done in isolation. You need to conduct a strategic analysis of the enterprise to determine the role of HR in executing the organization's strategy. Various strategic tools are used for this analysis, such as Porter's Five Forces, SWOT Analysis, McKinsey's 7S, and Ohmae's 3C. Based on the outcomes of these tools, the HR strategy is developed.

Causes of Strategic HR

Strategic HR may be necessary due to several reasons:

a) Localization of product development

b) Technological changes like robotics, 3D printing, etc.

c) Changes in the supply chain

d) Introduction of new technology

e) Commencement of a new plant or facility overseas

f) Establishment of R&D for a new product line

If you are an HR Executive in manufacturing, you cannot suddenly commence strategic HR in your company. You need to work under a senior professional. Even seniority does not guarantee an understanding of strategic aspects. Once, I provided training on business strategy to a client. To help them understand "What is Strategy?" I devoted almost half a day. Later, the participants told me that they had misconceptions about strategy. The CEO, who is in his mid-fifties, admitted that he had held wrong notions about strategy for the last 30 years.

For further clarification, feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Dear Rajan,

Come on, man! If the boss has faith in you and is giving you tougher, higher-level tasks, take it on. Why should your job be in danger? Go to the library, go to seniors with specific doubts, and ATTACK. Gabbar Singh's only lesson: "Jho dhar gaya woh mar gaya." Have faith in God and yourself, and attack.

Please post specific problems, we will help. Blessings.

Dr. Ram