BANGALORE, INDIA: SoftBrands Inc., a global supplier of enterprise application software in association with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest professional association devoted to human resource management, hosted the 'Next generation HR Leadership' panel discussion. The forum provided a platform for HR professionals to gain perspectives as the industry veterans engaged in effective knowledge sharing and focused debate on the future of HR leadership.

The panelist comprised Binu Mathews- Vice President and General Manager, SoftBrands India, C. Mahalingam- Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Symphony Services Corporation, Giridhar Boray- Country Manager, Kodiak Network Solutions, Murali Santhanam- Vice President, Walchand Talent First, SHRM India, Assessments and Consulting, Pranesh Anthapur- Chief operating officer, Yahoo Software Development India, Renee Conklin- Vice President Human Resources, SoftBrands Inc., and Shamin T- Director Human Resources, Zinnov, The discussion was moderated by Pari Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer, Zinnov.

The panelists observed that it has become critical for HR to partner with operations and engage themselves in strategic roles. According to SHRM HR should spend 80 percent of their time with CEOs and line managers understanding the business and creating HR strategies that enable business to achieve its objectives.

As companies evolve, they run the risk of growing around the skills of the people they have instead of the skills they need to be successful in their businesses. The panel focused on how leveraging implicit knowledge through efficient skill mapping would help address this emerging issue.

"Employees have clarity of what's expected of them as we define the degree of knowledge needed for each role. Using a competency-based performance management system, we can create a detailed coaching plan to prepare employees for the changing needs of the business", said Renee Conklin, Vice President, Human Resources, SoftBrands Inc. "This process is built on honesty and consistency – it will make the company stronger, healthier and ready for the next phase of growth. There's tremendous opportunity for employees to grow professionally through this process."

Another highlight of the panel discussion was on emerging markets driving global HR trends. Binu Mathews, Vice President and General Manager, SoftBrands India, opined: "Globalization along with emerging markets are contributing significantly to the best practices for next generation HR leadership. It is inevitable that HR not only understands the strategic operational goals but also knows how to do business in a global environment across varied cultures."