Keep reading for HR Director of RSPB Anne Harley’s insights into that “can’t win” feeling and the inspiration offfered by Charles Darwin.
6. Will HR survive outsourcing and changes to service delivery?
In RSPB? Definitely, at least for the foreseeable future. We want to maintain the feeling of belonging that we hope is embedded in our culture, and to outsource services such as HR would change us in a way that we do not see as desirable.
7. What’s the new skill set of HR?
Oh heck! I tend to believe that getting the basics right is the key to effectiveness – and stopping to think about the health of the organisation. I wouldn’t worry too much about qualifications either. I know this is heresy, but how good you are is as much to do with you and how you behave as it is to do with your training.
8. What’s the worst thing about working in HR and the best?
The worst thing must be that ‘can’t win’ feeling and knowing that some people will always think you are a cow. The best thing must be feeling that you are making a difference to something that matters. And chocolate cake.
9. What are the key issues preventing HR professionals from getting a seat on the board?
This isn’t a problem I’ve experienced but I would guess that the problem is to do with whether HR is seen as:
10. If you have a mantra or motto what is it?
Well it varies. Always treat people as you would want to be treated. Or ‘life’s too short….’ My previous boss used to say ‘Always be nice to people on your way up, because you might meet them again on your way down’.
11. What are you currently reading?
I never have time to get beyond The Guardian.
12. What would be your desert island disc?
Moondance by Van Morrison
13. If you could have lunch with three famous people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
14. If you’d like to be remembered for one thing what is it?
Being decent to others, but effective.
Previous career profiles can be seen on the How Did I Get Here? page.
