The Veritude study titled Working Together, Working Apart: When It Comes To Workforce Planning, HR and Business Leaders Agree Their Working Relationship Needs Work sounds like the marriage counseling conundrum, “He said, she said.”

There’s no question that the focus of HR and business leaders differs operationally – that’s why they have different jobs! But to drive effectiveness, it is instructive to understand the view from the other side.

There’s long been concern about HR not measuring up, yet we also see opportunities in HR’s evolving role. The Veritude study found alignment between the two groups in identifying talent acquisition and recruitment as the top strategic business challenges and provides these top line recommendations for HR:

1. Be Strategic
2. Develop Strong Working Relationships by Setting Goals
3. Keep Your Eye on Operations

Current business challenges such as cost cutting, rapid growth, increased competition, and entering emerging markets all have talent dimensions. Success requires strategic talent management practiced as a partnership by HR professionals and business leaders.