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Why Is the Chief People Officer Missing from the C-Suite?

Guest post by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Article Overview: The CEO, CFO, CIO and the list continues are recognized acronyms for executives in the C (Chief) suites. Yet what makes companies successful is people. So where is the Chief People Officer?

Why Is the Chief People Officer Missing from the C-Suite?

Have you ever heard the child’s or nursery tune – Oh Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? I was reminded of this tune after reading a post about 40% of the workforce is looking to change jobs in the Fall of 2010. Given the instability of the current US and probably world economy not to mention the high unemployment rate (almost double of what is was in August of 2001), this is a significant percentage.

Then another posting about banning job descriptions seemed to only add to this employment pot of discontentment. So what is the answer?

Possibly from the 30,000 foot view, why not try consider having a Chief People Officer sitting at the C-Level or C-Suite executive table. How can any company or organization say that people are their greatest assets when their actions demonstrate just the opposite or truly demonstrate a committed focus on talent management?

When we have a Chief Information Officer, a Chief Technology Officer, a Chief Operations Officer, a Chief Procurement Officer, a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Executive Officer all sitting around the table and ignoring human capital (human resources) what makes all of that happen is almost as ridiculous as having an agrarian educational system in a 21st century global technology driven economy. Oh, wait, I forget the U.S. is still operating its K-12 educational structure on that farming economy. Please excuse the digress.

Until people are recognized for the value they bring to any organization by having an authentic voice through that Chief People Officer, people through human capital along with talent management will not be recognized by all the other executives. Organizations will still have people anxious to leave and this is beyond the current control of human resources since they are not at the executive table. Bottom line retention in employees provided they are performing is just as critical as retention of external loyal customers who are also high performing because of their repeat business. By taking such action will not only demonstrate innovative leadership, but will continue to keep the organization in the black and not the red.

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Article Tags: ceo, cfo, chief people officer, csuite, human capital, innovative leadership, talent management



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canada resources - I used to have a connection to a franchise consultant in Canada at "Franchise Officer" in Toronto. I wish I could remember his name ( but I can check my files at the office tomorrow). Anyway, he had a lot of connections to banks in Canada. He may know of them and may be able to offer some feedback. If you are looking for a business loan, Canada has similar business loan programs to that of the USA's Small Business Administration (SBA). I think its SLBS in Cananda, and I probably have the list of it's lenders in my office also. Do you think either can be helpful? If so, I can get back to you with this information tomorrow. Let me know!
Re: Kevin's Case Study #3 - Promoting something you can't try - I agree with ltrahan. People generally have to see it to believe it these days. I know I would want to.
Re: What's in a Name? - First of all your brand name should be short and speaking. People should remember your name and associate it with your services.
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