Why HR Matters in Strategic Alignment
I had the pleasure of facilitating a strategic workshop for a not-for-profit last week, and I was reminded just how much I love these sessions.
The passion, dedication, and resilience of the team were palpable. But what truly struck me was the raw emotion in the room as people shared what the organisation means to them, and the ripple effect their work has on young people and the wider community. It was powerful. I was genuinely taken aback by the open displays of vulnerability, and it made me realise this is what working for an organisation or cause rooted in passion, meaning, and purpose is all about.
Having the opportunity to help this organisation navigate current challenges and co-create a purpose-led, solutions-focused strategy, one designed to drive real change, transform how they do business, and positively impact young lives is such an honour. This is exactly why I founded EHQ.
People are the Heart of Strategy
People touch every part of an organisation, which is why it’s critical to have HR in the room when doing strategic work.
If organisations want true strategic alignment—the kind that outlives strategy sessions and embeds itself into the daily heartbeat of the organisation—then the role of HR cannot be underestimated.
Strategic HR professionals with strong commercial acumen, who understand how the business operates, create value, and deliver outcomes to customers, are the architects of your people strategy. They are the bridge between vision and execution and often the first to spot (and solve) the human realities of strategic change.
Risks of Excluding HR
- Developing beautiful strategies that never make it off the page
- Miscommunicating the “why” behind strategic shifts
- Creating misalignment, conflicting agendas, and reduced buy-in from leadership
- Leaving teams confused, disconnected, and worst of all — disengaged
When strategic alignment cracks, frustration, inefficiency, and even internal sabotage can creep into the culture. All that time, energy, and hope invested in building the strategy? At risk of being lost in a whirlwind of firefighting and frustration, with business performance, customer satisfaction, and community impact suffering alongside it.
Are You in a Period of Transformation?
Maybe you’re reimagining your strategy… or maybe you just need a sounding board to sense-check your thinking. Either way, we’d love to help.
At EHQ, we take the time to truly understand your business, your people, and your purpose. We offer tailored workshops, strategic advisory support, and hands-on help to turn your strategy into reality.
💌 Reach out via our contact form, on LinkedIn, call, or email us for a confidential, no-obligation chat.
