The opportunity is now: Develop workforce business acumen

Unprecedented change in the world, driven by a pandemic and its devastating impact on our lives, is causing an unprecedented change in the business world. 

In fact, we have never experienced so much business change so quickly. New strategies, new initiatives, and even new visions of a company’s future need to be wisely decided, well-articulated and effectively executed. Senior executives are struggling to find ways to survive in the short-term while setting the stage for tomorrow.

One of the ways for the HR function to respond is to take a firm stance around the development of business acumen, especially among managers and key leaders at all levels. Educating and engaging them to embrace and tackle new financial and strategic goals is vital in most, if not all, organizations today. 

Consider this: How confidently do you think your managers and key employees would respond to these questions?

• I am clear about my company’s biggest challenges right now.
• I understand what my organization is doing to respond to these challenges. 
• I can articulate the new strategies being taken to address obstacles to success in this evolving business environment.
• I feel confident in my ability to discuss financial issues with my colleagues and team members.
•  I know what my company expects of me to help ensure our short-term and long-term success and continued growth.
• I can confidently make day-to-day financial and operational decisions in line with my company’s priorities.

These questions should not be hard to answer, should they? If they are, it’s time to act. 

HR professionals who champion the development of workforce business acumen can quickly and significantly impact the organization’s success.