3 Ways to Become More Transformational (Strategic) and Less Transactional in HR

Are you looking to shift from Transactional HR to Transformational (Strategic) HR?

Look for ways to incorporate Transformational HR into your daily Transactional HR role.

Transactional HR is essentially handling the day-to-day administrative functions, such as preparing workplace policies, recruiting and processing new employees, and handling benefits administration and other workplace functions. Transformational (Strategic) HR, however, is more forward-thinking and complements the organizational mission or strategy through long-term goals that are supported by transactional HR steps.

3 Ways to Become More Transformational (Strategic) and Less Transactional in HR. Keep Performing

Don’t underestimate how important it is for you to perform well on the transactional business that you do now. Performing your transactional HR role will aid you when you make that shift to transformational HR. Think of ways to slowly incorporate a more strategic approach to your day-to-day role. For example, if you are a Benefits Specialist, reach out to your senior leaders to find out how they determined what benefits to offer to the organization. When you’re speaking with your employees regarding their benefits, you can draw from the knowledge you’ve gained and explain how the benefits that were chosen were handcrafted just for them.

Build Relationships

Building relationships in HR is crucial to the success of the organization and your professional career. Budling those relationships early on while in your transactional role will help ease your transition to your new transformational role in HR. This is also where having a mentor will come in handy. Mentors can be from anywhere. They can be from your LinkedIn network, professional connections, or people you’ve met at conferences. A mentor can help you navigate difficult decisions to everyday career advice. They can also help guide you throughout your career and with building those relationships that you will need to further your career.

Think Strategic

You become a more transformational or strategic partner when you start to think and behave more strategically. When you start identifying and owning outcomes, you become part of the team. When you join meetings to work on problems and challenges, you move up as a value creator; you become part of the team. When you start proactively finding ways to make a difference, and when you hold yourself accountable for doing so, you become someone with whom it is worth having a transformational or strategic relationship. These are just a few examples of how to start shifting your career from Transactional HR to Transformational (Strategic) HR. Keep striving. Keep learning.