Taking Off In 1..2..3

Compensation has always been a passion of mine.  It started with my first Human Resources job when I was a college senior working in a job share for a defense contractor.  I still remember reviewing my first merit increases.  I will date myself here, but they were provided to me on carbon copy forms.  The magic of the numbers was thrilling. The logic of them.  The rationale behind them.  I loved the way the budget balanced or it didn’t.  It was right or wrong – no in between.

I tend to live my life the same way - in black or white.  I don’t love grey – except for clothing (I am a huge fan of neutrals).  Grey always seems indecisive to me.  Numbers don’t lie and I like that.  I appreciate the reassurance of the bottom line.

Over the years, I have tended to lean towards the analytical side of Human Resources – even in Recruitment.  I like looking at metrics and statistics.  I love a good spreadsheet.  And it has served me well.  I have been able to make a career out of it! 

As I matured in my career, I realized that there was more to compensation than the numbers just adding up or balancing.  Those merit increases were a way to reward and recognize.  Annual incentives meant financial goals were reached and all of those rewards meant growth for the company.
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I have been very fortunate to have worked with and for some great business minds.  Those mentors showed me how to find meaning in the numbers.  How to use the analysis of those numbers to find ways to motivate the organization’s biggest asset (people) to grow the business.  In the end, if the organization doesn’t grow, there will not be any people to worry about.

I have met many HR professionals in my time in the industry.  Many seem very focused on compliance or being employee advocates.  That isn’t me.  I see HR as the consultant to the management team around how to get the most out of the employee base in order to spur growth.  We live in a capitalistic society.  Companies are present to make money and increase their financial position.  Respected HR leaders assist with that mission.

So this blog will not be about the touchy-feely HR “stuff”.  It will be about how to use numbers and data to get the most out of employees in order to see corporate growth.  We will talk a lot about compensation (my fave), but also automation, process efficiencies, and data analysis.  We will talk about ways to minimize time spent on administration in order to focus on employees to better understand what makes them tick in order to get the most out of them.  And in so doing, keep them happy and fulfilled and thriving so that they want to help their organization succeed.

Oh and we will have some fun too!  I love what I do and since we all spend so much of our time working, shouldn’t it be fun??  You will get to know me – I tend to be pretty straightforward and very transparent!  You will know exactly what I think on any given topic.  So join us on this journey as The Comp Chick blog is taking off!