There are two types of HR professionals in the world:

• Those who keep costs down.

• Those who add value.

Unfortunately, far too many human resource pros fall into the former category and not the latter.

If you work in human resources, there are two main things you should be focused on: Recruiting great people, and inspiring them to do amazing work. That’s where you add value. The other stuff – benefits administration, policy writing, dealing with employees who act like children – is necessary, but it doesn’t add value. It keeps risk and costs down.

Whenever possible, you should outsource the stuff that simply manages costs and focus as much of your time as possible on things that add-value. What are the value adding things human resource pros should be doing? Here’s my list:

• Innovative, evidence-based sourcing and selection methods

• Employer branding, using social media technologies whenever possible (see below for more info)

• Onboarding

• Training that engages the audience and influences people’s behavior.

• Performance management, including the use of strategic compensation to motivate people.

• Cultural leadership to create an environment that maximizes employee potential.