In episode 146, Gabriela Norton and Coffey discuss whether HR is meant to protect the interests of the company or the employees. They discuss the challenges faced by HR in finding a balance between the two; whether HR professionals can be friends with employees; how feedback, coaching, and mentoring can help to bridge the gap and drive results for both employees and employers; the importance of shared vision and goals; HR’s role as a risk advisor to leaders; and how the "great resignation" has presented an opportunity for transactional and strategic HR to find a compromise. Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest: Gabriela established People Performance Resources (PPR), a full-service Human Capital consulting firm, in 2010. Since then, Gabriela and her team have continued to expand their reach in providing strategic and best practice expertise with a proven track record of enhancing operational excellence. Gabriela is a highly regarded and sought-after trusted advisor to many local, national, and international organizations and their decision-makers.  Here are a few of Gabriela’s areas of focus: bilingual/bicultural expertise, organizational analysis and development, C-level business continuity planning, executive coaching, executive compensation, change management, strategic planning, employment compliance, executive searches, board governance guidance, and more.  Gabriela serves as North Texas Board Chair for Out Teach, a mission committed to educating children in less fortunate communities through school gardens. In addition, she supports several local and national causes that empower education, social justice, women’s causes, children at risk, and conservation efforts. In 2022, Gabriela was nominated and accepted into The Dallas Summit, a group of purpose-driven women leaders. When not enjoying her professional adventures, Gabriela is a foodie who loves traveling, running, hiking, snorkeling, and spending time with her friends, family, and rescue dog, Harley. Gabriela Norton can be reached at:  https://www.pprhr.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielanorton  https://www.facebook.com/pprhr  https://www.instagram.com/ppr_hr About Mike Coffey: Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council. Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know. Learning Objectives:  1. Evaluate the challenges HR faces in balancing company interests with employee advocacy. 2. Impl