In an era where organisational dynamics are in rapid flux, Themba Chakela, head of people, culture and change at e-Motion Consulting, told HR Indaba delegates that the key to organisational success lies with human capital, while giving a roadmap for leveraging expertise.
With the workplace changing, so are the opportunities opening up for career development in the professional sphere of HR. Human resources specialists are one category of professionals with peculiar skills that are increasingly in demand in other industries. According to Themba Chakela, head of people, culture and change at e-Motion Consulting, the key insight is using human capital experience to leverage such career pivots.
Themba was speaking at a session at the 2024 HR Indaba, and emphasised that human resource professionals come with great insight and experience in organisational culture, team dynamics, and change management skills, which are essential in leadership. As businesses increasingly realise that human capital plays a strategic role in realising business objectives, he said, HR professionals will be better placed in leadership positions that demand deep insights about people and processes.
This brought into view a vital point: the need to revise habitual approaches toward problem-solving. Most problems in organisations arise from a failure to appreciate the human factor “The true frontier lies between our ears,” he noted.
Themba proposed an attitudinal shift in organisations towards a bottom-up approach, emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration in the work culture. Such an environment develops when people feel wanted, appreciated, and motivated to deliver the best work, he said. This calls for a radically different mindset, which can definitely be better facilitated by the HR profession.
More and more cases exist today where the HR professional has taken up the CEO position, he said, reflecting the broader recognition of human capital as truly strategic. As businesses grapple with talent retention, engagement, and productivity challenges, leaders who understand the subtlety of human behaviour and organisational culture are fast gaining ground.
Another important perspective he highlighted was the interrelationship between technology and human capital. Although technology has an essential role in advancing businesses, human insight can still complete such advancements. For instance, handling AI algorithms highlights the need for human understanding to check data accuracy or enhance decision-making.
The gap between technology and human interaction, which certainly exists, needs to be bridged by HR experience, he said. This will help to increase efficiency and enhance organisational performance while contributing to a more humane approach to businesses.
Themba concluded by noting that in a world that often prioritises technical skills and efficiency, the ability to understand and engage with people remains one of the most valuable assets any leader can possess.
