There are plenty of articles written about strategic HR. This one is about just HR. If you really understand human resources, you’ll know that adding “strategic” before it is superfluous. Because HR, by its very nature, is strategic – if you’re doing it right. And strategic HR isn’t just reserved for executives of HR. Whatever your function within the department, you should be approaching it with a broader view. Yes, there are many HR departments that don’t act strategically. But that just means they aren’t doing the job right. Or aren’t empowered to.

Citywise by GenetecMarch 17, 2015 Comment

How to Survive a Startup

If you’re an executive and you’re thinking of joining a startup, know what stage of a startup to join. If the company is in its first year or so, don’t expect to make significant changes. If you join after the company is somewhat established and mistakes have been made and learned from, you’ll likely be more successful from the outset. If the founder has stepped aside, well, by then, the company is likely not considered a startup anymore. It won’t be functioning like a big company yet, and it won’t have all the structure in place that it needs, but it will be run with more practicality and with less emotion. Timing is everything so choose it well.

Citywise by GenetecJanuary 31, 2015Comment

A Word (or two) to the First-Time CEO

Knowing whom to trust, knowing when to make difficult decisions, learning to make those decisions void of your emotional attachment to an idea or individual, how you treat your assets, and the image you portray, are all critical to your long-term success and to the company’s. The culture you create, deliberately or otherwise, will have an immense impact on your company’s ability to attract, retain, and harness employees.

Yes, it’s lonely at the top. Make sure you are ready for the spotlight.