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Michelle Nettles, Chief People and Culture Officer of ManpowerGroup, discusses the bravery required of leaders, shifting workplace culture after COVID-19 and actions toward social justice.
Courage and Compassion Are Hallmarks of Modern Leadership
Lisa Connell: How did you get into HR?
Michelle Nettles: Johann Nel, the former HR Managing Director of SABMiller, convinced me that HR was strategic and a place that I could leverage my strengths, support my community and grow professionally.
LC: Describe some lessons you've learned as an HR professional, even some perhaps learned the hard way.
MN: Many of our own policies perpetuate the challenges we face today. For example, compensation philosophies built on experience-not performance-perpetuates gender pay gaps. Diversity, equity and inclusion roles without resources and distinct from HR responsibilities often excuse accountabilities and placate leaders.
LC: What advice would you give to a rising HR leader?
MN: Be courageous and lead. Early in the COVID-19 era, I heard Tracy Keogh of HP say that when the tide rolls out, you see who is left wearing their swimsuit and who is not. It put quite the visual in your mind but I took it to heart. As HR leaders, we have often been without our swimsuit because we too often want to be liked or please leaders or the famous "business" that we serve but are not a part of.
In today's era, workers increasingly have stronger voices and are unapologetic about exercising their choices. As HR leaders, we can no longer sit on the side lines-we must step up, we must be courageous and we must lead. In an era of social...