Balancing Business Needs and Humanity: Jeff Smith’s HR Philosophy

Jeff Smith, who spent more than a decade as BlackRock’s Head of Global Human Resources, believes effective HR leadership requires balancing business objectives with human considerations. This philosophy shaped his approach during a career that included roles at BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, Time Warner, and America Online.

“Courage to make difficult decisions that balance the business needs and are human” ranks among Smith’s top characteristics for excellent HR executives. This balance involves establishing high standards for performance while maintaining empathy for employees’ needs and circumstances.

Smith’s educational background—a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology—informs his approach to leadership. “I think being ‘psychologically minded’ is very helpful in terms of thinking through interpersonal dynamics and not just focusing on the business issue at hand but on the people who are dealing with the issue,” he explains.

Throughout his career, Smith has observed that many leaders struggle with conflict and expect HR to handle difficult conversations. He advises HR professionals to “balance this with developing the capability of leaders to give feedback, to have difficult conversations, to learn to grow and develop their people and to hold them accountable.”

For those facing uncomfortable workplace conversations, Smith offers practical advice: “Take a deep breath. Say what you believe. Don’t expect a standing ovation.” He emphasizes examining your intent before difficult discussions, noting conversations go better “when my intent and motivation was not about myself…it was about a real issue that was either about their development and improving or making a better decision for the company.”

Smith brings this balanced perspective to his current work as a consultant and advisor focused on talent strategy, succession planning, coaching, and assessment. Those interested in learning more about balancing business outcomes with humanity can benefit from his decades of experience leading HR at global financial institutions.

The Brooklyn resident continues to share insights about effective leadership through his work with organizations seeking to build stronger talent strategies.