HR Leaders

Why HR Must Understand the Business First

13 snips
May 8, 2025
Stephanie Werner-Dietz, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at ArcelorMittal, shares her unique transition from the tech sector to manufacturing. She emphasizes the critical need for HR to understand business dynamics and engage frontline workers. Stephanie discusses building trust through effective communication, the importance of immersing in business operations, and the balance between digital transformation and workforce needs. She also highlights the significance of scheduling reflection time for better decision-making and overall well-being in HR leadership.
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ADVICE

Build Trust Through Support

  • Start conversations with leaders by offering support and making their lives easier.
  • Build trust by delivering on promises and working together effectively.
ANECDOTE

Learning by Immersion

  • Stephanie transitioned from Nokia (tech) to ArcelorMittal (manufacturing) and spent months traveling globally to understand the business.
  • She prioritized listening and learning deeply about operations and people to inform strategy.
INSIGHT

Deep Business Understanding Matters

  • Truly understanding a business goes beyond just profits to include daily operations, leadership challenges, and employee realities.
  • HR must tailor solutions to business units rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches.
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