I was recently asked by a colleague, “So, what exactly does a strategic HR consultant do?”
It got me thinking… I realized that sometimes I get so caught up in the details of how I help organizations, that I tend to skip over the big picture of what I actually do. So, if you found your way to this page with questions about who I am and how I help companies, you are in luck!
As a strategic HR consultant, I am often called a fractional CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer). Basically, that means I do three main things for my clients. One, I help organizations with their HR structure and process. This might be in the form of helping build an HR foundation for a start-up company or a larger company that needs an “HR compliance clean-up.” Second, I act as a fractional HR professional on-call for clients who need the advice of a CHRO without having to employ one. And lastly, I help organizations who are having “people problems,” whether it is an employee conflict or general disengagement.
Here are 3 real-life stories about how I’ve worked with actual organizations in each of these capacities…
1. Supplemental HR Expertise
I assist organizations with the structure and process of their human resources function. Whether it’s a specific legal requirement or the goal is project based, I help streamline and overcome the obstacles utilizing modern HR solutions.
I recently worked with a client whose organization was steadily growing. Their internal HR lead worked hard, but she was also responsible for other areas of the organization. She was responsible for tasks from office management, payroll, HR and supply management. Without formal HR training, although she wanted to do a good job the role was a challenge for her.
I went into the organization and was able to complete a full compliance review while developing this employee to ensure future compliance with all labor laws and HR processes. I left the organization with a competent HR lead who now knows when and how to call for help. I was able to build trust with their internal team so they could feel comfortable reaching out to me in the future as their fractional CHRO. Now, I can support them in an ongoing capacity whenever they need support.
2. HR On-Call
As a strategic HR consultant, I act as an on-call fractional HR professional. For clients who need the advice of a CHRO, but don’t really need to employ one, I am available.
I have a client who I’ve worked with for a number of years. I’ve built a strong relationship with their senior team to their point where they reach out to me on a regular basis to brainstorm, problem-solve, and build HR strategies for their organization.
While they are a small organization, they have certainly had more than their fair share of internal employee conflicts and other HR challenges. They appreciate the easy access they have to an CHRO and the value and advice I’ve been able to provide. More importantly, we always find a way to resolve the issue at hand.
3. People Problem Solutions
I help organizations who are having “people problems”. Whether there is personal conflict or a distinct lack of engagement, by diagnosing and setting a treatment plan as the “Nurse of HR,” we work together to figure out the issue and solve it.
I recently went to meet a new client who was referred to me. They were having internal challenges and disagreements among their organization’s leadership. Even daily conversations became contentious, and it quickly became evident that this situation needed to be remedied…and fast!
By using conflict resolution strategies and utilizing personality testing and analysis, I was able to assist the leaders to communicate more effectively with each other. We developed a plan to help them better understand each other’s communication styles, allowing for more fluid, frequent, and thoughtful communication. This seemingly simple solution helped them address their internal conflict and better collaborate as a leadership team.
The Devil’s in the Details
So, these are 3 common examples of what I do as a strategic HR consultant. Of course, the specific problems I come across are too many to list, but in general I help my clients with their HR function, act as an on-call fractional HR professional, and help organizations who are having “people problems.”
If you need assistance with human resources or would like some advice on how to smooth out some of your company’s concerns, please reach out to me. I’m happy to offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and see if Flynn Barrett Consulting is a good fit for you. Let’s talk!
