HR professionals are prone to a little preoccupation with having a seat at the table. Oh, how we want to be taken seriously, join the executive team, be seen as (drumroll) strategic. So it was interesting today to hear from a CEO about what he really wants from his senior HR lead. What he values from the relationship. He said five things.

– understand the business
– provide expert counsel
– have courage to challenge
– be a troubleshooter
– envisage the future.

Seems like a pretty good list to me.

When did you last ask your CEO what he or she wants from your HR team?

If you haven’t, then maybe it’s time.