CHROs: The Secret Weapon in Your C-Suite You Need to Leverage Now

CHROs: The Secret Weapon in Your C-Suite You Need to Leverage Now

The Strategic Shift is Happening

I just came across a recent report from The Conference Board about CHROs becoming key strategic players. It states that 70% are more engaged with boards now - and while I'm definitely seeing some of this positive shift, we've still got room to grow!

This stuff gets me fired up because I truly believe in what the CHRO role can be. Through my work, I'm noticing more CEOs starting to reimagine what they want from this position - which is super encouraging! The good news? We're moving in the right direction. The not-so-good news? We're not moving fast enough.

I truly believe in what the CHRO role can be.

The Strategic CHRO Vision

My vision of the CHRO role?

CHROs shouldn't just be joining the strategic conversation, they should be leading it! And as the report highlights, CHROs should have their fingers in everything: business strategy, financial planning, workforce innovation, operational efficiency, succession planning, and even M&A support. They're not just people experts anymore - they're full-blown business leaders.

CHROs shouldn't just be joining the strategic conversation, they should be leading it!

The Right-Hand Partner

The most successful companies have CHROs who are basically the CEO's right hand. CHROs who don't just understand people, but understand business. Leaders who can connect talent decisions directly to market outcomes. Strategic partners who earn their seat at the table through business impact, not just HR expertise. Big difference!

The Untapped Potential

What I find interesting is how many CEOs still don't fully leverage their CHRO's potential. When asking board members "When was the last time your CHRO presented directly to the board on strategy topics?", the silence often speaks volumes!

What I find interesting is how many CEOs still don't fully leverage their CHRO's potential.

Beyond Administration

Remember when HR was seen as purely administrative? Those days should be LONG gone. CHROs today should be true business leaders who happen to specialize in talent strategy. If your organization still sees the CHRO role as mainly about compliance and benefits administration, you're missing a massive opportunity. The talent landscape is too complex and changing too quickly to not have a strategic talent leader at the table for every major decision.

CHROs today should be true business leaders who happen to specialize in talent strategy.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Marion Heil is the founder and managing director of Board+CEO Advisors. She is based in Vienna.