Shifting
Focus
Meaningful results take many different forms. Miki Katayama, Vice President
of Human Resources and Member of the Management Board at Japan Communications,
Inc., a mobile data and communications service provider for corporations and
individuals, recently attended U-M EEs Human Resource Executive Program (HREP)
and walked away with a new perspective on the role of human resources in her
organization. Exceed got a chance to catch up with Ms. Katayama to learn more
about the impact her participation in HREP has had.
"Through my experience at U-M EE, I gained an in-depth knowledge and
understanding of the link between human resources and business strategy.
Upon returning to the office, my focus shifted from my companys internal
work environment to one paying closer attention to our business strategy,
how HR supports this strategy and its relationship to the surrounding
business landscape. With this new perspective, I set out to hire a HR
manager with the ability to apply this philosophy within our organization.
Instead of searching only for an individual with HR experience, I expanded
the search to include individuals with a strong mobile data and
communications business background. As a result, I hired an individual
with little HR experience, but extensive software programming and business
development experience. His understanding of the business environment will
enable him to implement a strategic HR plan that closely aligns with our
objectives.
This shift in focus has not only led to a new HR model at my company,
but I have earned personal accolades as well. I was recently promoted as a
result of my innovative thinking and ability to re-shape HR and recruiting
at JCI in support of the companys business objectives. I encourage all
those who can to challenge their current thinking, look for new ways to
take their organization to the next level, and consider tapping Michigan's
HR programs."
Learn more about the
Human Resources Executive Program at U-M Executive Education, and
discover how to experience a change of your own at work.
Have you experienced positive results from implementation of U-M Ross
Executive Education tools and concepts? We want to feature you in an
upcoming issue of Exceed. Share your real-world experiences, highlight
results and even brag a little. E-mail us your story today at
gbugala@umich.edu.
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