What makes an organization a place where everyone feels safe and cared for, and that works with engaged commitment to achieve its mission? Tracy Dunbar, founder and lead consultant of HR ReDefined, says human resources and talent management are critical levers to achieve social justice and equity in workspaces. She explains how HR ReDefined, a new Independent Sector business associate member, works with their clients to design equitable workplaces that thrive.
Your biography states that you’re “not your average HR professional.” What makes you different and how does your organization reflect that difference?
The first 15 years of my career I held various roles — including junior accountant, business analyst, and marketing specialist for Fortune 500 companies. I also participated in corporate leadership rotational programs where I would spend anywhere from three to six months learning a specific function, working on a project, and delivering a specific outcome.
In “corporate speak,” I would be considered a generalist, but I like to consider myself a problem solver who understands how organizations work and the challenges they face. As an HR leader, I use my previous work experience to recognize patterns and build systems. Our consulting firm believes that HR can be both compassionate, innovative, and efficient.
HR ReDefined’s consultants challenge the status quo, bring a wealth of real-world experience in various sectors, and work to build organizations that serve the needs of employees and employers.
What is the process of helping mission-driven organizations create dynamic workplaces that are inclusive, equitable, and trustworthy?
We build deep partnerships with our clients so that we understand their work and how they engage with each of their stakeholder communities. We then use our data to build custom solutions. Each of our clients has different talent systems based on the work they do, the profile of their talent pool, and their mission and core values.
We solicit input from staff, volunteers, and board members and transparently share the decision-making process — both the ultimate decisions and the criteria used to make the final choice for their customized solution.
How do you reimagine and create systems that endure beyond an organization’s individual managers and team leaders?
We reimagine systems by connecting to the values and mission of the organization, rather than only prioritizing the preferences of the organization’s leaders. For example, if an organization is focused on advocacy for children, then we will develop policies and structures that ensure the organization is a parent friendly workplace.
What are your concerns for your organization and the charitable sector as we grapple with tough, challenging times?
I am concerned that the charitable sector may lose compassion and progressive philosophies as they are challenged by funding shortages, demands to merge with other organizations, and cultural and political divisiveness. The wide array of talent and leadership of the sector is what makes it special. The pressure to conform may lead the sector to lose its unique value and create more challenging and divisive workplaces for employees.
Tracy Dunbar, founder and lead consultant of HR ReDefined
How will joining Independent Sector help you better achieve your mission and goals?
HR ReDefined has exclusively served the charitable and nonprofit sector for more than 10 years. As a member of Independent Sector, we hope to better understand the macro and micro trends impacting the sector and use this data to build more effective solutions for all of our clients. Our goal is to be in community with progressive leaders and build ideal organizational infrastructure that enables and sustains leaders to deliver on their missions.
Learn about other Independent Sector members and becoming a member.
