Every CHRO must have a good solid relationship with the board of their company. The CHRO must also be aware not to get caught in the middle between the Board and the CEO when it comes to strategy and performance issues with his boss. As you know, this happens more than is written about.
HR leaders need to tread carefully when dealing with issues of their CEO such as compensation, executive perks, performance, abusive behavior, and management of talent just to name a few. If the CHRO does get into the middle it could be a career ending situation wither with his/her CEO or with the Board itself. I have a friend in Missouri who was in this exact situation and had to relay to the Board that his CEO was wrong for the job and had issues with the CFO what was hurting the company. He turned out ok, the Board trusted him and the CEO left the company.
Word to the wise, when you are sitting at the table and I mean the Board table, be careful on how you interface with them when your CEO is there. Also word to the wise, never try to cover up anything.
Have you been in between the Board and your CEO and how was your outcome?
