Redefining HR - by Lars Schmidt (Paperback)

About the Book

Understand how HR teams can drive organizational performance and prove their business impact by rethinking their people practices and processes with this practical guide.

Book Synopsis

In these times of change and disruption, HR must adapt, fast. But how can HR professionals critically assess their current processes and activities to identify what areas they need to think differently about in order to drive business results? This book provides the answers to enable all aspects of the people function to perform to their full potential.

Redefining HR is a refreshing take on the evolution of the field of Human Resources and People Operations. It's an in-depth guide to the fundamental components of modern HR, and provides a tangible framework of progressive ideas and practices for HR practitioners, people leaders, and business executives. This is not a theoretical examination of HR. This is a book for practitioners, with insights from people professionals at the leading edge of HR's transformation from companies including Hubspot, Reddit, Stripe, Mastercard, Eventbrite, VaynerMedia, Asana.

Written by a leading innovator in the HR industry, this book illuminates new perspectives and approaches for rethinking recruitment, talent management, performance and reward to save time, reduce costs and achieve greater business success. It covers key HR practices including diversity and inclusion, people analytics, learning and development (L&D) and employee experience and is supported by global case studies from organizations including Siemens, Upwork, CVS, Schneider Electric, Delivery Hero, and more. Redefining HR is an essential resource for all HR professionals business leaders wanting to create an exceptional people management function.

Review Quotes

"Redefining HR is a blueprint for modern HR and people operations. It blends relatable stories, struggles, and practices in a way that only Lars can bring to life."-- "Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, VaynerMedia"

"A book project born out of curiosity, acknowledgement of transformation and need to do better. I appreciate how Lars touches on the varied aspects of serving the people function within the organization without coming across as the authority. He thoughtfully weaves in the experiences and thoughts of others to deliver a read that is sure to add value as we journey to build companies and teams over the next decade."-- "Torin Ellis, Diversity Strategist, torin ellis brand"

"Lars has been at the forefront of redefining what the HR function should be for many years. His ability to collaborate and seek out the input of leaders in this field is unparalleled. I highly recommend reading this book - guaranteed it will open up and challenge your thinking on getting the best out of people in the workplace."-- "Beth Ann Steinberg, Chime, Founder, Mensch Ventures"

"Lars has long been a forward-thinking expert in the people space, so it's phenomenal to see all of that greatness come together in a book that's both informative but practical. It is packed with thought provoking ideas that provide exactly the kind of inspiration that the people space so woefully needs."-- "Ruth Penfold, People Practice Lead, bp Launchpad"

"Lars is a gifted storyteller and harnesses his own unique voice and those of many other people leaders to paint a picture of what great HR can be. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to build people teams for today and tomorrow."-- "Katarina Berg, Spotify, Chief Human Resources Officer"

"Lars is a resource that many turn to when the best practice playbook fails. He cuts through the corporate jargon and helps HR leaders understand the elusive "why" and "how" to implement results-aligned strategies. A rare blend of emotional intelligence and exceptional execution, Lars balances building from both the employer and employee perspective. He is a holistic thinker, a fearless advocate, and a heck of a community builder."-- "Ambrosia Vertesi, Operating Partner, Operator Collective"

"Lars is the compassionate, People & Culture crusader of our time and what he's captured in these 'next' practices is truly a gift to People Leaders in our industry."-- "AJ Thomas, X, the Moonshot Factory"

"Lars Schmidt has absolutely nailed the future of HR. This book is a must-read for business and HR leaders alike. Redefining HR is a fantastic, delightful read, full of insight and innovation. I couldn't put it down and now find myself forever changed on how I think about where we are headed. This is a homerun."-- "David Hanrahan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Eventbrite"

"Lars Schmidt lays the groundwork for transformative people teams and approaches in Redefining HR. This is a bold window into modern people practices including real-world examples and essays from leaders building the future of the field."-- "Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer, Procore Technologies"

"The field of HR is evolving dramatically and it's never been more important to be on the front end of the curve. Lars has pulled together some of the leading minds in the industry to pose the questions we should all be asking ourselves of what it means to great at People"-- "Maia Josebachvili, Former Head of People at Stripe"

"This book has the potential to transform the future of HR. Lars Schmidt is a beacon of light, and his bold vision may well elevate a long-marginalized field into the force for good that it deserves to be."-- "Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Originals, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife"

About the Author

Lars Schmidt is the Founder of Amplify, an HR executive search and consulting firm that helps companies build progressive people teams and capabilities. He's spent over 20 years in the industry working in and alongside a range of leading global companies. He is a writer for Fast Company, co-author of Employer Branding for Dummies and Host of the Redefining HR podcast. He's the co-founder of HR Open Source, a global initiative to accelerate innovation and education in HR, was named a Top 100 Influencer by HR Examiner and included in The Huffington Post's Top 100 Most Social HR Experts on Twitter, and named a top 50 recruiting influencer by LinkedIn. He is based in Herndon, Virginia.