"HR Mastermind," a book by Harjeet Khanduja, Senior VP of HR at Reliance Jio, presents itself as a resource for those interested in talent acquisition.

The book covers a broad range of topics, structured into sections on hiring, employee retention, and management. Khanduja's industry experience is evident in the practical advice and insights offered throughout the book.

Beyond its informative content, the books boast a visual allure, thanks to its graphic illustrations. These visuals not only enhance comprehension but also add an artistic flair to the reading experience.

Key insights, like the adage "You can win only when the entire team performs," highlight the importance of cohesive teamwork in organisational success. Khanduja's model for building high-performing teams offers a helpful framework for HR professionals seeking to improve team dynamics.

HR Mastermind' presents a fresh approach to HR literature, combining insightful narratives, practical advice, and engaging visuals. Author Harjeet Khanduja shared his inspiration for the book and the unique perspectives it offers in a recent interview. To delve deeper into the essence of the book, we conversed with Harjeet Khanduja, gaining insights into the inspiration behind the book and the perspectives it encapsulates. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

Could you give us an overview of ‘HR Mastermind’ and what readers can expect to learn from it?

HR Mastermind is the most basic and advanced book series on managing human resources in the contemporary world. It is basic because it uses jargon-free simple language and explains human resources from scratch. 

It is advanced because it comprehensively covers the HRM essentials (Hiring, Retention and Management). Readers can expect not only theoretical insights but also a wealth of practical tips, real-world experiences, and an array of invaluable resources, including a toolkit for success.

HR Mastermind is crafted for Entrepreneurs to build a robust foundation for the organisation on their own. Simultaneously, It is a reference book for aspiring and seasoned HR professionals to significantly enhance their value add to the business.

Could you share some key insights or strategies from the book that you believe are particularly valuable for HR professionals?

There is a common misconception that anyone can handle HR just like anyone can play cricket. That’s true for street cricket. However, if you want to play at a professional level, you need to be skilled in directing a ball travelling at the speed of 150 kilometres per hour. Proper coaching is essential, even for basic fielding to avoid injury.

Similarly, the profession of HR requires knowledge, skills, behaviour and practice to manage the workforce in a fast-paced business environment. The HR Mastermind series bridges the gap offering comprehensive coverage in three books: Hiring Mastermind, Employee Retention Mastermind and Employee Management Mastermind.

What do you see as the most significant challenges facing HR professionals and managers today, and how does HR Mastermind address these challenges?

The primary challenge in Human Resources is the fallacy surrounding best practices. Often misconstrued as universal solutions, akin to multivitamins that anyone can consume, they are not one-size-fits-all. Some best practices address specific common issues and require a discerning approach.

Considering this, would you commence diabetes medication without having diabetes? Absolutely not. It's crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Similarly, in an organisational context, HR acts as a diagnostician, identifying people's business problems and proposing tailored solutions instead of replicating popular best practices. 

HR Mastermind adeptly guides practitioners in precise organisational issue diagnosis and the development of innovative solutions, with the potential to evolve into authentic best practices.

How does HR Mastermind equip readers with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving HR practices and technologies?

Humans learn in four different ways: by reading, visualising, listening, and doing. HR Mastermind is meticulously crafted to cater to all learning styles. It amalgamates research and theory presented visually for easy comprehension. 

The series incorporates hands-on exercises, practical insights, and videos to engage various learning preferences. Additionally, it offers valuable resource links and a toolkit featuring templates, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience for individuals with diverse learning preferences.

HR Mastermind covers complex topics starting from setting up the organisation, defining policies, and designing organisation and jobs. It explains intricate aspects of hiring, employer branding and compensation design. 

It encompasses learning models, leadership development and employee engagement. At the same time, it addresses the entirety of employee lifecycle management, necessary labour compliances and the role of technology in HR. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough exploration of the multifaceted landscape of human resources within modern organizational contexts.

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Is there anything else you would like to add about HR Mastermind or your insights on HR practices that we haven't covered?

You must have heard either of these sentences - HR must get a place on the table and HR must learn business. However, what often goes unspoken is the essential requirement for HR professionals to possess a deep understanding of Human Resources itself to make meaningful contributions. 

In our rapidly evolving world, technological advancements are shaping human behaviour at an unprecedented pace. To compete with new-generation organizations, industries demand adept HR professionals capable of transforming HR practices. HR Mastermind humbly endeavours to cultivate a cadre of excellent HR professionals, recognising the crucial role they play in navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.