A high performing workplace needs a high performance culture – and this is brought to life via HR. However, HR as a role or a function is one that’s full of misconceptions and misguided expectations. Yes, compliance plays a huge part in the contemporary workplace, but HR is so much more than that. I believe that there is no one cookie cutter approach to HR that could be rolled out, regardless of sector. Instead, my approach here at Unscripted HR is exactly that – unscripted, but intentionally aligned to the goals of the people I’m working with.

I describe Unscripted HR as HR with heart and pragmatism. I believe that HR is a secret weapon that empowers people to do their best work, which in turn gives a competitive edge and so I support HR professionals to create great workplaces that enable this environment. Here’s the kicker – HR leaders within organisations often fly solo as they navigate their organisation’s challenges and opportunities. As their mentor and advisor I become their strategic thinking partner as they develop HR strategies that are aligned to the broader goals, commercial priorities and vision of their organisation.

I’ve walked their path as a HR leader and I know the obstacles they face in helping companies improve their bottom line, recruit and retain amazing people and cultivate an engaged and productive workplace. HR practices must be flexible and responsive. Like in every industry, there are trends that can be leveraged, or at least considered. However, when you’re creating an inclusive workplace, one where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribution, trends will only go so far.

Here’s a quick brushstroke of how I support HR professionals:

• Talent management
• Employee engagement
• Leadership development
• Diversity and inclusion
• Compliance – yes, it might be unsexy, but it underpins everything we do.

Those are, as I say, brushstrokes of what I do, but the specific problems clients experience often interweave through categories. Sometimes, it’s through the act of mentoring that challenges are articulated and then reframed into opportunities. So, can you see why the unscripted approach is much better than a cookie cutter one, where we try to retrofit solutions to problems? My extensive experience and expertise allows me to provide tailored, personalised guidance and support across many different ways to help HR leaders achieve their goals. For organisations that want to build high performance teams, the ‘standard’ recruitment process won’t provide a good, long term solution to them. Instead, we might work together on exploring selective sourcing. This is just one example of my flexible approach.

When I work with people, they discover very quickly that unscripted is not just my business name, but rather my philosophy of HR in action, where I don’t work in black and white, but in shades of grey. If you’re working with me, you’ll know that our shared goal will have people at the centre of every decision, process and policy and will be pragmatic and solutions-focused without complexity or high costs. While I may apply relevant tools such as Strengths Profile or DiSC these will be used in a way that’s aligned to both the needs and goals of the HR leader as well as their broader organisation. Nothing cookie cutter!

If you’d like to know more about the Unscripted approach that I use in my work with HR professionals, please reach out. I’d love to talk to you about how I can be of support.