What does it take to lead employees through uncertainty? After more than 30 years at General Mills, CHRO Jacqueline Williams-Roll has learned that employees can handle difficult news better than unclear communication. In the latest episode of Lessons from the Field, she reflects on leading through crises, including economic downturns, the pandemic, intense racial tensions and fears around AI adoption.
Listen to the full episode: CHRO.org | YouTube | Spotify
Episode highlights:
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Giving HR a strategic voice (10:29): What it takes for HR leaders to gain influence and establish credibility with business leadership.
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Developing and retaining talent (5:53 and 27:23): General Mills’ approach to collective ownership of talent and identifying high-potential future leaders.
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Preserving culture through change (17:08): How to integrate outside talent without losing the qualities that distinguish an organization’s culture.
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The personal cost of leadership (22:25): Why Williams-Roll describes the CHRO position as the loneliest job in the C-suite and emphasizes protecting time for family and personal well-being.
Listen on: https://www.chro.org/-lessons-from-the-field-podcast