How to hit the ground running in a C-suite team

Entering the C-suite can be the pinnacle for many HR professionals. That’s why getting it right is so important.

Whether you’re entering a role as a first-timer or an experienced chief human resource officer (CHRO), learning and improving skills is the key to staying efficient.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure you’re getting off on the right foot from day one. HiBob discussed the first 90 days for a CHRO and the top five things that should be done in this time.

1. Build a great relationship with your C-suite colleagues

Relationships are built through communication. So, communicate. Talking, listening, and engaging with colleagues can help build trust and strengthen bonds that will only benefit your career.

Confidence is an attractive trait in a C-suite executive. Leverage this through communication.

2. Define your HR business goals

It always benefits to have a plan. Mapping out goals can be a great way to keep on track and maintain progress.

HiBob listed some ways to keep goals on target:

• Develop a company-wide change management strategy.
• Improve leadership training and effectiveness.
• Invest in people-centric, flexible work culture.
• Ensure your compensation and benefits are competitive.
• Automate processes with modern HR tech to increase efficiency.

3. Identify the HR metrics that matter

Data plays a significant role in measuring success and outlining processes. Leaders should take advantage of this power when stepping into a position.

Some of the best metrics to consider, as outlined by HiBob, are:

• Recruitment metrics like quality of hire and time to fill and time to hire, and employee growth rate
• DEI metrics like gender pay gap and gender diversity ratio
• Retention metrics like your employee net promoter score (eNPS), career path ratio, salary change, L&D, and absenteeism rates

4. Leverage HR tech to interpret the data

Tech is the future of work, and HR is no exception. Use this to your advantage, especially when deciphering data, to remain as efficient as possible.

By allowing tech to automate and analyse data, you’re removing the chance of human error interfering with the results, and you’re freeing up time for more pressing matters by reducing the time spent on mundane tasks.

5. Build your HR action plan

As discussed earlier, plans matter. HiBob noted that identifying challenges and coming up with solutions is a great way to prepare for any possible speedbumps that may be encountered.

According to HiBob, an effective HR roadmap will make or break an executive, which is why it should not be understated just how crucial it is to get right.

The way you start off will shape the effectiveness of your time in the position. This is why it’s important to begin strong and maintain momentum.

Similar to HiBob, Spencer Stuart highlighted the importance of a strong start. Eight tips for doing this effectively are:

1. Prepare yourself during the countdown
2. Align expectations
3. Shape your human resources team
4. Craft your strategic agenda
5. Start transforming culture
6. Manage your boss
7. Communicate
8. Avoid common pitfalls

Gartner put it plainly: “While transitioning to the CHRO role presents unique challenges, it also presents unique opportunities.”

“Through careful planning and with the advice of tenured CHROs, new CHROs can excel in the following roles:”

• Board’s leader of human capital
• Creator of talent strategy
• Enterprise change leader
• Driver of culture and purpose
• Trusted adviser and coach