Influential HR – Lucy Adams

Influential HR: Why leaders aren’t listening to you and what to do about it

The latest book from Lucy Adams, CEO of Disruptive HR and former HR Director at the BBC.

What if the biggest barrier to changing HR isn’t our policies, processes or operating models, but our ability to influence leaders?

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why won’t they listen to me?” this book is for you.

HR can redesign performance management, simplify policies, improve onboarding, rethink talent, launch leadership programmes and create brilliant new approaches to employee experience. But none of it really works unless leaders are willing to lead differently too.

And that’s where influence comes in.

Influential HR is a practical, honest guide to why HR struggles to be heard and what we can do differently. It explores why leaders often dismiss HR, why we sometimes undermine our own influence, and how we can build the confidence, credibility and authority to shape how people are led.

Influential HR will show you how to:

• change the power dynamic with leaders and move from parent–child to adult–adult relationships
• stop rescuing managers and start building their judgement and confidence
• design HR products leaders actually want to use
• sell and market HR change in ways that create real buy-in
• replace rigid process with trust, principles, choice and accountability
• build the courage to challenge, influence and say what needs saying
• develop the skills to move from technical expert to trusted advisor

Drawing on Lucy’s own experience as an HR Director, her work with thousands of HR professionals around the world, and practical examples from progressive organisations, Influential HR is a playbook for HR professionals who want to have more impact.

“This book is a masterclass in HR leadership from a master HR leader. Packed full of practical tips and insight it is a must read for any HR leader or aspiring leader looking to enhance their impact and build their influencing skills. You couldn’t get a better guide than Lucy Adams.”

Professor Chris Bones

Chair, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

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