The relationship between HR professionals and vendors of products and services for HR are often strained and tenuous. Both sides, however, need each other, and therefore it is necessary to seek a common language that enables efficient collaboration. But how?
Why don't vendors like HR? And why don't HR professionals like vendors? Answers to these questions were presented in an interesting article on TLNT.com.
What bothers HR vendors
Vendors often complain that HR professionals are not interested in examining things in depth and avoid communicating. They remain loyal to their suppliers because of inertia and do not let other vendors present their offers. Negotiations with vendors too often end when both sides express many viewpoints but in the end do not agree on anything.
HR people are still struggling with huge volumes of administrative tasks. At the same time, vendors are perceived as a threat that might steal their jobs. The fact that HR people do not have decision-making powers in companies is another common problem according to vendors.
What bothers HR
HR professionals hate when told they are unable to decide. They always have a certain impact on which vendors their company selects. The conviction of many vendors that HR has nothing else to do other than negotiate with vendors bothers them as well. Furthermore, they do not like vendors offering universal solutions without showing an interest in their specific corporate environment.
Another argument is: vendors do not understand HR, they are just trying to sell they products. They do not offer long-term solutions and do not bring long-term values.
How to find a common language
First of all, it is necessary to focus on the relationship, the services are secondary. To become a partner of a company, you must first build a relationship with an HR professional. Forget stereotypes and hard selling. Ask how you can help the company. It is important for both sides to be honest with each other.
Another important thing is that both sides should know the other's business. The more you know about each other, the better you can assess whether you could work together long term. It is always necessary to identify needs first and then offer solutions.
Vendors should become a natural part of the HR community. It means participating in professional events and discussion forums, sharing experiences, getting to know one another - not just selling.
-K-