‘Identifying the Opportunities amongst the Obstacles’
This week’s Newsletter focuses on how we can proactively respond to today’s ever-changing work context and overcome hybrid leadership challenges by exploring new avenues of possibility on this journey of transformation. While the economy may be on an upward trajectory since the vaccine rollout and fiscal stimulus of the past several months, the pandemic’s disruption on our workforces appear far from over. How can we find new ways to restore gender balance in our organizations after the adverse effects of the pandemic on working women? How can HRBPs continue delivering market value for businesses in our unpredictable settings? We need to work with the changes to overcome the challenges and learn from our fellow leaders as we experiment with new working practices.
In other news, BeNext is also excited to announce its partnership with the the Spanish Association of Human Resources Directors (AEDRH), to enhance the development and the acceleration of impact of HR professionals and talent managers globally. We look forward to extending the BeNext learning experience to our fellow leaders in Spain and Latin America! Read on to find out more…
Quickfire Interview with Marianne Thomas
Every fortnight we feature a top, highly-engaged BeNext learner for a quickfire interview on their experiences of their program. Here, we speak to Marianne Thomas, Associate Director — Human Resources at IBEX, who took part in BeNext’s soon-to-return program, ‘Women in Leadership: Lead, Influence, Transform’.
- What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
The pandemic has really changed the dynamic of how we operate as a whole. We have had to learn to adapt to what is now the new normal while doing our best in managing/leading our teams to success. Personally, I believe one of the biggest challenges for leaders today is engaging their employees, especially with so much of the workforce based at home. There isn’t that personal feel anymore due to social distancing, curfews and lockdowns. It is really hard trying to engage a team virtually. I miss the days when I could have my entire team in a room and we could eat and talk and just socialize and have fun.
2. What is one book, article or podcast on leadership or the world of work you’ve enjoyed recently?
‘How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life’ by John C. Maxwell. I read this book in 2011 and to date, the concept still resonates with me 10 years later. How we think determines the outcome of everything, as such good thinkers will always be successful.
3. How has your experience of the BeNext certification program empowered you?
I am more empowered to be my true authentic self, without feeling the need to play in to societal norms - to stand up for myself and others and not be afraid to send the ladder/elevator down for the next woman to climb. Smash the glass doors by removing the stereotypes associated with women!
4. What have you enjoyed most about the learning journey?
Let me first say, the program was more than I expected. The sessions were interactive and we had great support from the team. I also truly appreciated the inputs from my cohort - they read my submissions and commented on them with great insight.
5. What is one innovation that you believe will transform the way we work?
The past year and a half has been trying for all of us. However, one thing I believe that came out of this that is changing the way we work is “working from home”. While it is much harder for us to engage our work teams and socialize, it has proved that we don’t need to physically sit in the office to get the job done. For me personally, I actually get more work done when I’m working from home and put in more time, as I eliminate the commute to and from work and I don’t have to think about leaving the office to get lunch. Working from home has also afforded me the opportunity to spend more time with my children while still getting my job done.
6. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Know what you want and do it on purpose.” I have often been told I am too passionate or too emotional and — at times — I would question myself as a leader and HR professional. But, when I reflect on this advice, it pushes me to continue doing what I love as I have learnt that my passion and emotion has propelled me to get to where I am now in my career. Looking out for people is my life passion and I will continue doing that on purpose!
Thank you for talking to us! You can connect with Marianne on LinkedIn here.
What we’re doing…
Over the coming weeks, People Matters BeNext is offering a whole suite of Cohort-based certification programs designed to set your skilling strategy on a new trajectory:
Women in Leadership: Lead, Influence, Transform
Designing Employee Experience in a Hybrid World
Diversity & Inclusion: Overcoming Unconscious Bias
Webcasts:
Ahead of our returning program, ‘Women in Leadership: Lead, Influence, Transform’ BeNext’s Virtual Learning & Development Manager, Cindy Scholts, was joined in conversation by one of our expert speakers from the program, Ewa Widlak, Consultant, Gender Equality & Female Leadership. Here, Ester and Ewa discuss the effect of the COVID crisis on gender balance in today’s working context, how to potentially limit exisiting inequities, and the specific skills, tools, and behaviors that women leaders need to confidently lead others and drive the performance of their team or organization.
In light of our currently running program ‘HR Business Partner in the New World of Work’ program, Ester Martinez, CEO of People Matters, spoke with Dave Ulrich, speaker, author, professor, and co-founder of the RBL Group. Here, Ester and Dave discuss how the role of the HRBP has shifted through the transforming contexts of the last 18 months to become less tactical and more strategic overnight. Join this session to hear from Dave Ulrich himself on the role of the HRBP today in delivering market value for the business and learn more about our BeNext program.
What we’re reading…
BeNext and AEDRH team up to provide HR training with impact
Read on to find out about BeNext’s partnership with the Spanish Association of Human Resources Directors, AEDRH, to enhance the development and the acceleration of impact of HR professionals and talent managers globally.
“Innovation happens when we are put under constraints.” Opening up to Opportunities for Hyrbid HRBPs
Hear from our expert program speaker, Saurabh Nigam, on identifying opportunities for HBRPs in our ongoing transition to remote and hybrid works contexts.
‘Balancing All 3 Legs of the Stool’: Today’s Triple Transformation Facing HRBPs
In our recent panel discussion for ‘HR Business Partner in the New World of Work’, our expert speakers explored the evolving role of the HRBP in today’s post-pandemic context.
