The Transition

I recently worked with the HR staff members at a major university to assist them to further develop their consultative skills. The group read recommended books, did case studies which I developed, and met periodically for discussions over eighteen months. The group called the sessions, “Hamlet.” This title was loosely developed from “the do or die” attitude of the group about making the transition.

Recent questions in the Human Resources Community Connection Forum sparked my interest in sharing this resource with other HR professionals. The post which prompted my thinking follows.

"Hi All: As a placement student working in the HR department of a large multi-national, I am interested in the use of self-service HR and the changes it will bring to the HR department. In my organization, which uses some elements of self-service HR, and is rapidly developing and launching more, I can see a gap forming between those who see themselves as "HR consultants" and those that are "process owners.” It is the process owners who were previously the admin team, and I can see disparate opinions forming as to the future of this team.

If you are making the transition from a more traditional administrative role to a more consultative role, this resource is for you. Can an HR professional make this type of a transition without a class and some external assistance? I think the outside help makes it easier. These recommended resources, however, will help those of you with little convenient access to other professionals and educational settings. You might also consider working with a small group, your local Society for Human Resource Management chapter, or a university class. We approached the learning as a series of sessions or concepts. I have highlighted the concepts covered as well as the resources.

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