PSA Peugeot Citroen's HR Director, David Connell, says having non-HR experience is "much more credible"

The best HR practitioners are those that haven't progressed within the function their entire career, according to PSA Peugeot Citroen's HR Director.

Speaking to HR Grapevine, David Connell says: "I think better HR practitioners will provide a more effective service to the business if they are able to talk to the business on their terms." And he believes that this is achieved through varied work experience.

Connell continues: "Having an individual from the HR team stand up and try to explain to managers how to performance-manage a team has an awful lot more credibility if they can look the managers in the eye and say 'I have done this myself, I know it is difficult'.

"Somebody who's lived through the experiences themselves is much more credible when they talk to the manager."

And Connell practices what he preaches. Although he has been with the car manufacturer for 18 years, he has experience in a wide range of roles, including; manufacturing, purchasing, logistics and commercial operations. He began his career as a mechanical engineer.

Connell, who will be speaking at HR Grapevine's annual HR & Talent Management Conference this year, says it's about "being that mirror" and "being able to really challenge effectively, and to credibly add something to the conversation.

"That is what brings value in HR in my opinion. Not being able to apply a dry policy following the rules that are set out by the organisation. An HR function has to add value to the people who work in the organisation."


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