This post was originally posted at RPOAssociation.com.

I often define HR as “everything people”, therefore the essence of HR has to be strategic. As HR expands beyond its traditional administrative role, that shift provides a significant impact on an organization’s value creation. To properly align HR with the business strategy, the structure must support having the senior HR leader involved in the strategic planning process. It’s then that HR leader’s responsibility to ensure the entire executive team understands that it is human capital that impacts all areas of an organization. In turn, the HR function needs to ensure the human asset is effectively aligned with the business strategy. The focus on business strategy needs to be addressed within every department of HR – Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits, Performance Management, Employee Development & Employee Relations.