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Metal to the HR pedal - HR's role in driving growth within an organisationAlways keeping ahead of industry evolutions; the 11th Annual HR Africa Summit, incorporating the HRD Expo, will be hosted from 27 to 31 October 2014, at The Forum, The Campus, Bryanston, Johannesburg. ![]() The event focuses on only the most relevant topics across the entire HR spectrum, while also touching on and addressing pertinent HR challenges, many are facing in the world of work today. Gillian Smith-Ismail, Human Resources Director at UTi for Africa and the Middle East, is one of the top industry speakers, not-to-be-missed. We asked her to share her thoughts and experiences, on how to build a truly integrated business ecosystem, where HR is invited to participate in driving growth within the organisation. Says Smith-Ismail, "The movement of HR to the top executive team, which makes strategic decisions for the company, is currently taking place. However, we can all attest to the fact that this movement is just too slow. I believe this could be due to a number of reasons:
"We need to constantly up-skill ourselves and keep our foot on the pedal, so that we can positively contribute to our businesses, our profession, as well as the economy. We need to understand our place within the structure; understand our capabilities as subject matter experts; be aware of ourselves and also be sure of our own story. "My key lessons learnt include:
"There are a number of benefits for playing an integral role in any management team, but we cannot be complacent enough to think that this does not take a lot of work on our part. Ultimately, I concur with the CEO of Euro Disney, Philippe Gas, when he outlined: 'For me, human resources are the nuts and bolts of the business.' So let's rise to the challenge and ensure that there is movement in the right direction," concludes Smith-Ismail. The 11th Annual HR Africa Summit, incorporating the HRD Expo, promises the following:
Register today! **** TO REGISTER:Call: +27 (0) 11 771-7000 | Fax: +27 (0) 11 880-6789 | E-Mail: az.oc.rii@snoitartsiger | Website: www.hr-africa.com FIND OUT ABOUT OUR GROUP BOOKINGS DISCOUNT E-Mail: az.oc.rii@sgnikoobpuorg |