Working With Humans

In a world obsessed with data, what if HR's true superpower isn't crunching numbers, but something far more intuitive and impactful?This week, we're with the brilliant Toby, who just delivered a powerful message at our annual conference. For too long, HR has been told to "be more data-driven." But Toby challenges this notion head-on, arguing that our unique ability to feel the pulse of the organisation – to hear what others miss – is our undeniable strategic advantage.We discuss the subtle but crucial shift from blindly following metrics to leveraging the "data with soul." Toby shares a powerful anecdote from a Chief People Officer who valued gut feel over spreadsheets in detecting cultural shifts. He highlights the dangers of data-driven assumptions, referencing an AI that recommended not hiring women of a certain age due to maternity leave patterns. This isn't just about ethics; it's about making decisions that truly benefit all your people.Crucially, Toby reveals the Gartner CFO playbook stat: 10% remember