My Vision as a People(HR) Leader
By Rodrigo Adanya, VP of People at Glovo
TL;DR: I come to terms with what I value as a leader in the HR function, and how I want to shape purpose in the organizations I am part of. This is based on empowering leaders, creating the right opportunity for people, investing in technology-enabled experiences and steering a strong culture.
This past week, I had the amazing opportunity to spend three days with the Global People Leadership Team at Glovo to take some time to build bonds, cross-learn and plan on how we will shape the future. This also helped me understand and finally put into words what I want to be my Vision for the HR function being in a privileged position to positively impact many lives.
Getting to a professional Vision was an exercise based on what I experienced, occasions where I have seen people genuinely happy at work and what I believe the future of work is going to be. It also guides me when in critical situations, when I take a step back and ask myself “In case of doubt, what is really the right thing to do?”, referring to values and how people feel. I always knew some of my work values were future-oriented, but it has not been until now that I finally understood how to voice it. Here is how I state it:
“I will equip leaders to create an environment in which people will have the job of their lives. It will be fun, challenging and full of learning. Their experiences will be tech-enabled for empowerment, and a non-vanilla culture will generate a distinct and strong sense of belonging.”
The key to shaping a vision is what is inside it, so I want to also express what it means to me:
“I will equip leaders…” — the HR function will evolve to have fewer people over time, more efficiency and a much stronger strategic partnership. The (already) classic HR Business Partner model is evolving from tactical advisory on processes (which is the majority of their role) to longer-term ambition and fulfillment for both leaders and their teams. This also means that the only way I will be able to reach a huge organization is through leaders, as the HR function in itself does not have enough range. Also, leaders are protagonists in this process and the ones that care will be worried about their teams and work for them to flourish.
“…to create an environment in which people will have the job of their lives. It will be fun, challenging and full of learning.” — there will be an environment for those seeking challenges and learning while not taking themselves too seriously at the same time.
“Their experiences will be tech-enabled for empowerment…” — the world is evolving and the same way technology has provided access to information and that generated independence, the same will happen in the workspace. In the close future transparency through technology will allow people to be empowered to take decisions on their own with regards to the way they experience their jobs and careers. Also, leadership will be data informed and management of teams will rely heavily on availability of information through systems.
“…and a non-vanilla culture will generate a distinct and strong sense of belonging.” — people that join will join for the correct reasons as they will value what we value and where we are going. There will be no mid-term: candidates who come to this culture will love every step of the experience, and the ones who do not identify with the core values will select themselves out. The purpose will be the main driver to engagement and happiness, and parting ways will natural when purpose is no longer aligned.
But I also know I am not yet fully equipped as a professional to take all of this forward and for sure I can’t do it on my own. Quoting a good colleague and sparring partner of mine, I know there is a lot of work to get to be a better version of myself to execute on this Vision. Part of the Leadership Team meeting last week was also about feedback from my direct reports to me, my leadership style and personality (Thank You for this gift!), which I am now processing and will get back here soon with my commitments on how will I become better — stay tuned!
