HR’s Contribution to Leadership Impact
- 27 augusti 2025
- Artikel
- Ledarskap
At Novare Leadership, we recently brought together a group of talented and engaged HR Business Partners in one of our leadership programs. Together, we explored a vital question: what is HR’s true contribution at the leadership level, and what are the biggest misconceptions about it?
Novare Leadership
What are the biggest misconceptions about HR’s contribution at a leadership level?
This conversation was enriched by the insights of Lars Häggström, Senior Advisor at Novare Leadership and a seasoned HR leader with experience across global organisations. Lars’ perspectives struck a chord with our participants. However, the real focus was on how Novare Leadership’s program empowers HRBPs to challenge assumptions and lead transformative change.
Challenging the misconceptions
One of the most common misconceptions is that HR is merely an administrative function. Our program underscored a different truth: HR’s real value lies in shaping leadership, culture, and business outcomes. If HR leaders focus solely on admin tasks, they risk being confined to the admin corner indefinitely. Instead, the strategic aspects of HR – building trust, shaping a supportive leadership culture, and fostering intrapreneurship – must take precedence.
Three key principles of HR leadership
Throughout our sessions, three fundamental principles for HR leaders emerged.
- Build trust. Especially with managers and peers, as trust provides the foundation for driving meaningful change.
- Manage expectations. It’s often better to be initially unpopular than to overpromise.
- Track impact. You can’t measure everything in HR, but showing progress is crucial to demonstrating value.
Courage and transformation
A recurring theme in our program was courage. The courage to stand up for oneself, to challenge outdated processes, and to pivot the conversation towards what truly benefits the business. When people understand the “why,” they often exceed expectations. Local HR teams, being closest to the ground, are vital in making these transformations a reality.
These are the most exciting times to be in HR… because what you do is darn important.
The road ahead for HR
Our HRBP participants also highlighted future priorities. Mental wellbeing is increasingly central to the HR agenda. Recruitment is evolving, with candidates wanting to know if companies genuinely care for their people. And to lead effectively, HR must maintain a strategic outlook, looking beyond the immediate to understand the broader business landscape.
Final reflections
This program reaffirmed why we at Novare Leadership believe HR’s role in leadership is more crucial than ever. As Lars Häggström aptly put it: “These are the most exciting times to be in HR… because what you do is darn important.”
At Novare Leadership, we’re proud to partner with HR leaders who are ready to challenge old misconceptions, embrace their strategic role, and drive the transformations their organisations need.
Christina Andersson, Managing Director
Novare Leadership
