Listening, learning and being broadly inquisitive are features that should be at the centre of any HR practitioner’s role
As we move through the recovery phase, executive teams are defining what’s next for their businesses and reflecting on what has worked and what we have learned in our response to COVID-19.
Ceri Ittensohn, Chief People & Culture Officer at TAL, is one of the panellists at the upcoming National HR Virtual Summit talking on the topic of Leading through recovery – ethical, transparent and resilient leadership.
Ittensohn joined TAL in October 2016 as Chief People & Culture Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources both in Australia and Asia.
She has played a key role in organisational transformation, supporting businesses in times of significant growth and turnaround, and through successful re-brandings, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Moreover, Ittensohn has led cultural change programs that have contributed to sustainable shifts in performance and engagement, and partnered with CEOs and business leaders to deliver results through people.
Ittensohn has told HRD that listening, learning and being broadly inquisitive are features that should be at the centre of any HR practitioner’s role.
“I think the most important trait for HR practitioners is curiosity,” Ittensohn said.
“Curiosity about the business and its drivers; curiosity about customers and their expectations, curiosity about emerging trends in technology.”
However, she added a caveat. It’s not ideal to implement ideas without some sort of consensus.
“We need to keep grounded in what’s right and relevant for the organisation instead of falling in love with our own ideas or the latest trend.”
Ittensohn is most passionate about making certain that its people are lined up behind a common purpose, which can make a world of difference for customers, partners and stakeholders alike.
“Our success as a business relies on what our people do every day when they come to work,” she said.
“Ideally, we want them to wake up in the morning feeling inspired to come to work – they should feel encouraged and supported to give their very best while they’re here.”
The National HR Virtual Summit takes place from 11-12 of August. To register, click here.
