Keeping a Human Touch Crucial To Success: Kiran Ahuja, Director, Talent Acquisition, Smith & Nephew
For Kiran, challenges at work are an opportunity to build something. Whether it be managing a crisis or human problems at work, her focus has always been on leading people through strategies that drive change, growth and excellence. She credits a big chunk of her success as an HR leader to her organisation for giving her the opportunities to work in complex work environments.
“My organization has given me a career path full of critical experiences through various roles within the wider HR domain, she says.
Applying people strategies at work
Dwelling upon what has worked for her, Ahuja stresses on the importance of purpose-driven communication between everyone in the organisation. As an HR leader, she is driven by her responsibility to enable employees to become the best version of themselves. She also believes that keeping a human touch to solving employee issues builds trust and a sense of ownership amongst employees.
“To the team, I have always provided this clarity – The 3 W’s – Why, What and When to help each one understand every situation and the steps they need to take to overcome the challenges.”
In her view, the current generation of workers want flexibility and her effort remains directed towards tying the workforce through a common set of values and beliefs. For her, striking the right balance without having to enforce any norms is critical to achieving individual and organisational goals in the longer run.
Building a talent pool crucial
Part of BW People 40 Under 40 Awards for HR Excellence, her dream is to make her organisation an Amazon for talent.
“It will be a platform where every employee owns his career journey - showcase their strengths, buy into skill building projects, give and get feedback”, she explains.
While she remains focused on building a more inclusive workplace, she is also working towards leveraging AI to enable the new world of work. Her long-term goal, if you may ask, is to strengthen the employee proposition and make Smith and Nephew an employer of choice for everyone.
