Success story

We worked with the HR team of a global company who are active in product development, manufacturing and retail. Their CEO and their new head of HR wanted to move from a transaction-based approach to a more business- focused one. They needed to support the business through a major change programme. Talking about how they could contribute wasn't going to be enough - they needed to show it through actions that made a difference in the business.

First, we did a '360' stakeholder assessment with their clients to see where they were currently successful, and where there were gaps. Then we ran an 'off site' to set out the plan and future targets One crucial thing that emerged was that they would only be successful if they focussed on a few things that would really make a difference to the business. And they would have to invest in gaining the specific skills needed to deliver those things.

Over three years, we've run a series of events - heavy on participation - to help them stay focussed. We've also helped them to keep updating and adapting their approach as the business (and their own role within in it) changes. And we've worked with them to develop their own skills. We've visited them periodically to see how well they've managed to change their client's perceptions about their real worth.

The difference has been an inspiration. They're now seen as business partners in the truest sense. They work closely with other business leaders and their CEO talks convincingly about how he needs the strategic insight of his HR team.