Issue #19 - HR Leaders: Stop Being Strategic. Be This Instead.

Find out what unforgettable HR leaders do differently.

Alan Collins

Jul 11, 2025

Welcome to today’s issue of Success in HR!

Now let’s get to it.

Every HR LEADER is told to “be more strategic.”

In every performance review.

At every HR conference.

In every HR competency model.

But here’s the brutal truth…

Being STRATEGIC is just the price of entry.

👉 Being UNFORGETTABLE is what really advances your career in HR.

No, I'm not full of crap.

Let me explain.

🤔 Everyone is strategic now.

We’ve reached a point where every HR professional speaks the same language.

Here are some examples I’m sure sound familiar:

“Align HR to business outcomes.”
“Use data to drive talent decisions.”
“Partner with senior leaders on major transformational change."

Is this necessary for you to do? Absolutely. Positively. Yes!

Does this differentiate you? Not so much anymore.

Everyone at the mid to senior level in HR already does this — or says they do.

It no longer sets you apart. It just helps you survive.

So what makes you an HR Leader unforgettable?

Here’s what unforgettable HR professionals do differently:

1. They solve problems no one else wants to touch.

-Toxic leaders.
-Broken cultures.
-Undiscussables.
-They walk toward the fire when others walk away.

2. They leave fingerprints on major business wins.

-When the company lands a huge deal, saves millions, or avoids a lawsuit— their name comes up in the postmortem.

3. They have a signature move.

-Whether it’s revamping onboarding in 30 days, helping teams bond and max out their performance, running senior-level succession planning like a pro, or delivering the best all-hands ever—they become known for something.

4. They’re talked about when they’re not in the room.

-And it’s not just because of their results. It’s how they made people feel trusted, inspired, challenged, and better.

So, want to advance your HR career faster?

Then change the question.

Instead of asking:
“How can I be more strategic?”

Try asking this:
“How can I make an impact so bold, real, and human that people REMEMBER me?”

That’s how you build an unforgettable career in HR.

Not just by knowing the strategy.

But by leaving your mark.

🔥 Here’s what you should consider in the coming weeks:

✅ What’s one thing you’ve done in HR that made you unforgettable?

✅ Or what’s one bold move you want to be remembered for?

Then start making your move.

Onward!

Best,

Alan Collins
Success in HR

📌 P.S. #1 - Want more proven ways to get others to rave about you as an HR pro?

Then check out my book: WINNING BIG IN HR: 100+ Powerful Strategies For Accomplishing Great Results Faster & Getting Your Clients To Rave About You As A Human Resources Professional!

📌 P.S. #2 - Want to deepen your network of relationships? Then pass this on.

Feel free to share this email with your HR colleagues or others who may benefit from this guidance. I'm sure they'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.