Survey Says Leadership Development Remains Critical

During an economic downturn when money is tight and many organizations are in survival mode, it is nevertheless critical to look closely at investing in employees.

That was the result of a recent survey, conducted by Indianapolis-based HR Dimensions. The company asked human resource professionals from across the state to identify their top three concerns in human resources for 2011.

Leadership development was the overwhelming highest priority with 77% of respondents signifying it was their No. 1 concern. Second on the list was compensation/reward management at 49%, followed by recruiting at 46% and team building at 42%.

“We were not surprised by the top concern. Enlightened organizations have been investing in leadership development and coaching quite heavily during this economic downturn. They tell us that they feel the need to invest in the development of their ‘high potentials’ in order to retain them and to carry their organizations through and out of the difficult climate,” says Mark McNulty, president of HR Dimensions.

However, McNulty notes the additional results show that “it apparently reflects that companies feel they can no longer afford to freeze pay and that as the economy grows, they will need to react quickly to changing conditions.”

One way for companies and human resources personnel to invest is to take part in various seminars and webinars offered by the Chamber. Upcoming webinars for HR pros include Linking Learning and Development with Organizational Strategy on October 20 and, a week later, Social Media and HR Implications. View a complete list of conferences and seminars.

The Chamber also offers a number of HR-related publications

We’re Looking for the Top HR Person in the State

Human resources professionals probably too often fall in the "taken for granted" category. You know, the dependable, they’ll get done what needs to be done mentality.

I counter that the HR job is probably one of the most dfficult, balancing the needs of the employer while trying to best serve individual employees and their needs. A tough job in any economic environment, but one that’s probably even more challenging in the current downturn.

Ogletree Deakins and HR Dimensions of Indianapolis have recognized leaders in the HR field since 2005 with the Human Resources Professional of the Year award. Nominations for 2009 are open, with an April 3 deadline. The award presentation takes place May 6 as part of the Chamber’s 45th Annual Human Resources Conference & Expo.

Check out the details and nomination form.