A great HR business partner is like a Border Collie, sharp, intuitive, and always a step ahead. Just like the collie guides a flock, balancing direction with trust, an HR consultant helps businesses deal with challenges, making sure people and business strategy work in harmony.
Think about how a farmer and their Border Collie work together. The farmer knows where the flock needs to go, but it’s the collie that makes it happen, reading the terrain, spotting obstacles, and guiding the sheep without causing chaos.
This partnership is built on trust, skill, and a shared goal. Similarly, a great HR consultant works alongside business owners, guiding them in managing their employees effectively, keeping things on the right track, and ensuring no one is left behind.
So, what makes an HR consultant stand out? Here’s our take:
1. Commercial Awareness, Understanding the Hustle
Big companies have dedicated HR teams and plenty of resources. Small businesses? Not so much. That’s why commercial awareness is key. A great HR business partner doesn’t just know employment law, they understand the reality of running a small business. Tight budgets, limited time, and the need for practical, no-fuss solutions mean HR advice has to be realistic and tailored to the business.
2. Influencing Skills, Helping Employees See the Advantage
Working for a small business is different from working for a big corporate. There’s more flexibility, a stronger sense of purpose, and the chance to make a real impact. But not all employees see this right away. A great HR consultant helps shift perspectives, showing employees why SME life has its advantages and helping business owners get the best from their people.
3. Communication Skills, No Jargon, Just Straight Talk
HR can sometimes feel like a maze of policies and procedures, but a great HR business partner keeps things simple. They take complicated employment laws and explain them in a clear, practical way. No confusing legal terms. No long-winded explanations. Just straight, useful advice that business owners and employees can actually apply.
4. Courage: Telling Business Owners What They Need to Hear
Sometimes, the hardest conversation isn’t with an employee, it’s with the business owner. A great HR consultant isn’t afraid to say, “Actually, you might be the problem.” Whether it’s micromanaging, unclear expectations, or resistance to change, real progress happens when difficult truths are addressed. A great HR partner delivers these truths with honesty and respect, always aiming for the main goals.
5. Coaching Skills, Helping Leaders Improve
Pointing out problems is one thing, helping leaders fix them is another. That’s where coaching skills come in. A great HR consultant doesn’t just highlight issues, they work alongside business owners to build confidence, find solutions, and create a better workplace for everyone.
The HR Border Collie: Guiding, Not Herding
Like a well-trained Border Collie, a great HR consultant doesn’t bark orders or chase people around. Instead, they guide, support, and anticipate challenges before they become big problems. They help business owners build trust, align their teams, and get the best from their people, without the drama.
A strong partnership between a business owner and an HR consultant is just like the bond between a farmer and their Border Collie, it’s based on trust, respect, and a shared goal of keeping everything running smoothly. When both work together, the business (or the flock) thrives.
Find your own Border Collie of the business world;an HR consultant who will get the job done and build a partnership that feels like family.
If you believe these qualities are what you need to help manage your business, reach out to us! Book a discovery call with Dakota Blue Consulting and let’s find the right support for you.