Shaun McCarthy CFHRINZ
How did your career in HR begin, and what was the journey like to get to where you are now?
My career in HR started somewhat by accident! As a newly minted BCA graduate from VUW in 1974, I applied for a Wellington based graduate role being advertised through the recruitment company Sheffield Associates. I was interviewed by Sheffield’s’ founder, Malcolm Sheffield, and after 3 hours of interviewing and lunch with Malcolm, I was offered a job as a consultant in the Wellington office of Sheffield Associates. My job was to review their use of psychological tests, contribute to their renumeration consulting offering, and of course, recruitment.
By the late 1970’s we began building the Human Synergistics businesses in New Zealand And eventually Australia and over time, as the businesses grew, I transitioned from being a consultant to becoming a manager.
What do you love about having a career in HR?
The people. I have been privileged to work with some extraordinary people - from CEO’s to front-line operators. From global corporations whose brands are part of our everyday language, to small private companies that constantly seek to grow their offerings. I have had the honour of working with world leading academics who literally ‘wrote the book’ on organisational behaviour.
What are some defining moments from your career journey so far?
The first defining moment for me was sitting in a lecture hall in 1972 listening to George Hines lecture on organisational behaviour. I was captivated. Organisational behaviour became my passion. The next of course was being hired by one of the NZ’s original consulting companies. Macolm Sheffield mentored me for 5 years and in that time, I learned so much. The next major moment came in 1978, when, along with Roy Lynch we started Human Synergistics in New Zealand. Then 1990, when we started Human Synergistics in Australia.
What advice would you give to someone early on in their HR career?
Look for opportunities to learn. Build commercial literacy – be able to show people how HR contributes to organisational performance. Study the research. Keep on top of evidence-based solutions and know what works and what doesn’t. Build a great network of people who will help you, guide you, and challenge you. And join HRNZ – it will accelerate yo9ur learning!
Why is HRNZ important for the HR community?
I’ve been a part of HRNZ since its early days as the Personnel Management Association. Around the mid 1970’s I think. Obviously, that reflects the importance I see in such a body. A professional body sets standards, monitors those standards, provides advice, offers professional and personal development opportunities, advocates on behalf of its members and keeps members aware of global trends and their implications at the local level. They provide opportunities for members to network with like-minded people, allowing members to learn from each other and support one another.
What was your path to Chartered Fellowship like? What did you enjoy about the process?
As part of the implementation of the accreditation process, I was asked to apply for Fellowship. On completing this, much to my surprise, I was offered Chartered Fellowship.
I am also a Fellow of the Australian HR Institute (FAHRI). I sit on their Research Advisory Panel.
What is next for you in this chapter of your career?
Since 1978, Human Synergistics has grown to be a major contributor and leader in the field of organisational behaviour (particularly organisational culture and leadership). We offer sound research-based consulting and measurement/feedback tools to thousands of organisations – commercial, non-profit, governmental etc.
My role now is Chairman of the NZ and AU businesses and Director of the international Human Synergistics organisation in Chicago Illinois.