What makes a Legendary Leader? 🙌🏻
The top five must-have qualities for the modern Head of People
In the ever-evolving landscape of the technology industry and startups, the role of Head of People is more critical than ever. As market volatility and competition for talent evolves, the need for exceptional strategic leadership in managing and nurturing that talent becomes paramount. A great Head of People (HoP) possesses a unique blend of skill sets and qualities that not only attract top talent, but help their organizations thrive by retaining & developing that talent longterm. Here are the top 5 qualities that set a legendary HoP apart:
1. Strategic Vision
A great Head of People is not just focused on the current reality but is constantly looking ahead to a better future. They possess a strategic vision that aligns the company’s talent with its long-term goals, enabling effective prioritization & resource deployment. This involves understanding the company’s mission and objectives and developing a people strategy that ensures the right talent is in place to drive innovation and growth. With a deep understanding of the talent marketplace, they anticipate future needs, identify internal skill gaps and develop actionable plans for workforce acquisition, development and succession. They have a unique cognitive ability to balance fine detail AND the 30,000 foot view simultaneously.
2. Tech-Savvy
In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s essential for the Head of People to have a solid grasp of their industry’s specific tech stack as well as current HR cheatcodes (AI, anyone?). Not only can this help build capacity when more headcount isn’t in the budget, but it enables them to “speak the language” of the business. They understand the specific skills and competencies required for their team’s technical roles and are up-to-date with the latest trends and emerging technologies fuelling development. This tech-savviness enables them to build trust and engage in meaningful conversations with both tech teams and leadership, but also ensures their HR initiatives stay aligned with the company’s goals and product roadmap.
3. Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Diversity and inclusion are not just trendy buzzwords; they are critical drivers of business success and innovation. A great Head of People knows the business case inside-out and continuously champions diversity, working to create an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered. They implement inclusive hiring practices, promote diverse talent pipelines, and foster a culture of belonging. In tech, where gender and racial diversity challenges persist to this day, their commitment to diversity can be a game-changer for building resilient, high performing teams.
4. Exceptional Communicator
Effective communication is at the heart of great leadership and collaboration. A legendary Head of People possesses exceptional communication skills across all mediums, as well as in one-on-one interactions and at various organizational levels. They are adept at not only listening to employee concerns but translating those concerns into actionable solutions. Furthermore, they excel at conveying the company’s values to their team via their actions, fostering greater trust and alignment with the organizational culture.
5. Adaptability and Resilience
The tech industry is known for its rapid changes and disruptions and 2023 has proven no different. Looking ahead, a great Head of People will only have to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of constant change. They pivot quickly to address new challenges, whether it’s scaling up teams, managing remote work transitions, or responding to unforeseen crises. Their ability to maintain composure and guide through turbulent times can make or break an organization’s future.
As technology continues to reshape the world, having a leader who excels in these five areas can make all the difference in a startup company’s journey to success. In today’s fast-paced business world, the Head of People is not just an HR leader but a strategic partner in achieving the company’s mission and driving innovation. Their qualities and capabilities can shape the future of the organization and help build an organizational culture that becomes a game-changing competitive advantage.
Could your business benefit from having a fractional Head of People or Chief People Officer?
Get in touch with us to arrange a free consultation — we’ll be happy to provide some high level advice as well as work with you to develop a plan for how we can bring value to your People strategy.
Disclaimer: All views contained therein are solely those of the author and do not represent the interests, views or values of any employer, client or partner-current, past or future. Portions of this article were written with the assistance of AI composition tools.
© Jaguara Consulting 2023, All Rights Reserved.
