Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Approach 'Outsourcing' as a potential opportunity, not as a threat to HR's existence;

Think about why HR would want to outsource, as well as why not...'brainstorm' the issues. What are the shared objectives?;

Talk your way through the decision process with non-HR business colleagues, as well as your own peers. Don't enter into what is, at least initially, a sizeable work-effort just because someone in the 'corner office' says you have to cut costs;

Talk to professional outsource providers first, before making internal recommendations and decision committments. Check references carefully. It is helpful to ponder the approach and build a business plan, as well as a detailed project plan, around outsourcing activities;

Schedule resources and activities carefully. Don't be unrealistic. It's better to get the job done right first time, instead of sometime later than planned in 'panic mode', at a higher cost;

Appoint one project leader to take the responsibility for this task. Ideally, the nominee should be excused from other daily responsibilities;

Include representatives from internal audit, communications and systems in your 'steering committee'. These folks (and others) need to be committed to your project, too;

Plan major milestones, key dates etc. Don't accept mediocrity from any participant and stay with deadlines rigidly, unless there is an absolute business need to be distracted from the planned schedule;

Take a leadership role in managing the project. You will live with the consequences and the benefits;

Anticipate a setback or two, initially. Then enjoy the relative freedom you have to do other pressing, more 'value-added' HR services to your clients.

Timetable 2000 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave