Communication, conflict resolution, negotiation: What do other C-suite leaders want to see from their CHRO?

The HR profession was historically kept separate from the ‘cool kids’ table of the corporate dining hall, with seats reserved solely for those deemed to have something ‘strategic’ to add.

Poking around with the unfashionably administrative tasks surrounding personnel, and complaint management, HR professionals were left to gaze longingly at the CEO, COOs, and other company leaders perceived as capable of managing ‘big picture stuff.’

Although the past few years have seen a huge amount of progress, with businesses relying heavily on their HR teams for guidance, support, and indeed survival, the ghosts of this frustrating era can still be felt.

Across 2023 and 2024, for example, many HR teams have once again found themselves first in the firing line for budget and job cuts.

It is therefore necessary for HR leaders and those who are currently or aspiring to be CHROs to consider what capabilities they can demonstrate to continue HR’s charge into the C-suite.

Getting to know what expectations leaders from other departments have can help HR professionals to understand and empathise with their peers, to form closer relationships, and to be more valuable partners to their businesses.

What skills and capabilities do other C-suite leaders appreciate from HR professionals?

The Ever-Changing Role of the CHRO, a recent study by The Josh Bersin Company, finds that 84% of CHRO positions are filled externally. An earlier study also found that only 18% of HR departments have an internal development program, and only 19% rotate people between HR and the business.