What Differentiates the Leading-Edge HR Executives?

Last week at the Strategic e-HR Conference, Tod Loofbourrow, Chairman of Authoria, shared his view about those HR executives that “get it”.  I think they were spot on.  I am paraphrasing them, but the three critical skills he sees as differentiating progressive CHROs from the rest of the class are:

• Business acumen.  They have a true understanding of their own company, its business, the products and the industry it operates.  Too many HR executives don’t even know the products their company sells and at what price or margin.
• Analytical mindset.  They think in numbers not emotions.  They leverage data to make decisions and measure their business proactively.
• Accountability.  They are will to make hard, critical decisions independently and will to put their proverbial “ass on the line”.  Accountability also means they have a favorable reputation within the organization and can garner support throughout.
• They know what they don’t know.  This really means they know the right questions to ask and surround themselves with smart people, experts and knowledge. (yes, I said 3…the fourth is mine).

Does your HR executive have these skills?