Today I’m in New York for meetings with potential clients and partners. Among the group is a start up with a few years of great success and another is an industry giant that you have no doubt interfaced with today on numerous occasions.

What do these firms have in common and what can I credit as a factor adding to their success?

A commitment to their people.

I love HR because it really is the heart of an organization. No matter if big or small, companies that understand that people matter show it. And it shows. It’s an honor to even have meetings with such great firms and share my HR Leadership and professional development strategies but their employees should be honored to work for a company that puts people first.

Remember that your company doesn’t work unless your people do. If your people aren’t happy, motivated and clear on objectives then they won’t be engaged.

Never forget that people make your organization. Not a motto or product or sales goal.