Hr-director, Liantis

In HR, we are constantly striving to find ways to strengthen our organisation and help our teams grow. In a world where change is the only constant, agile teams and strong leaders play a crucial role in creating resilient organisations.

Managers are the bridge between strategy and implementation. Their daily efforts determine the speed of change and the sustainable success of the organisation. By investing in their development and using scientifically based models, we increase their impact.

With her Hr-woordenboek, Charis has created a valuable treasure trove of insights for the field of leadership. She emphasises essential aspects such as trust, psychological safety, feedback culture, team learning and collaboration. Her unique ability to connect science and practice makes this dictionary indispensable for anyone striving for successful teamwork and leadership development.

Ghent University

Jingle-jangle fallacies: the incorrect assumption that two things are the same because they are described using the same (or similar) term, or the incorrect assumption that two things are different because they are described using different terms.

We scientists generally like to define the concepts we work with precisely. Yet these jingle-jangle fallacies are also becoming a very important problem in our field. This is particularly true in leadership literature, where “new” styles are springing up like mushrooms. An explanation? (Some) scientists enjoy being able to launch a new idea; to be able to attach their name to an innovative concept; to be able to leave their mark on a new line of research.

None of this is appropriate, and it is certainly not productive. For those in the field who wish to work with these concepts in a responsible manner, there is a risk of confusion. In addition, it naturally opens the door to bad practice.

Do we need yet another book on HR?

If the intention is to introduce (once again) a number of “new” concepts, then I would be rather sceptical. But this book, which aims to clarify a selection of 50 frequently used concepts, I can only recommend. All the more so because the concise description is always followed by a preview of how a concept can be put into practice. I am already looking forward to the next series of 50.

Ghent University

HR is characterised and plagued by a multitude of concepts that scientists, management gurus and savvy consultants lavishly scatter across social media and sales pitches every year. As a practitioner, are you unable to see the wood for the trees?

Then this book offers you a necessary introduction to 50 commonly used concepts, models and theories, introduced through a number of questions from HR practice.

Written in an inviting and accessible style, without coming across as pushy. Love it!

Lead scientist, Poolstok

Hr-woordenboek is a clear summary of a number of key concepts from the world of Human Resources. More specifically, it covers 50 key concepts that are vital for the development of individuals and teams, a subject that will only become more important in the coming years.

Charis, you manage to make difficult concepts tangible and accessible, and for that alone you deserve all the praise. But you also present a layered story. Kudos for also mentioning the disadvantages of psychological safety, a rather loaded topic today.

In short, a must-have for every HR professional, in my opinion. Congratulations.

Marketing & Communication Manager, Aspiravi

Charis brings together her knowledge and expertise in this powerful and practical book. An indispensable tool for managers and HR professionals, packed with scientifically based insights and applicable models.
The clear language and accessible visualisations make complex theories easy to understand. Learn how to bring different employees together, develop competencies, give effective feedback and choose the right leadership style.

A must-have for anyone who works with people and wants to take their team or organisation to the next level.

Head of Buildings Department, Jan De Nul Group

As a manager, you constantly have the opportunity to influence the learning and performance of both employees and the organisation. Fortunately, this is sometimes successful. However, you may also find that expectations are not always met or that a specified direction is not simply followed. The greatest tension arises when you are a (new) manager of strong teams and/or in a context of a very pronounced and already strongly present corporate culture.

With Hr-woordenboek Charis provides you with a clear and – with 50 terms – very concise guide to a series of decisive dynamic processes and models, giving you the reassurance and comfort that, typical of her vision and approach, it is based on scientific literature.

This book cannot and will not provide all the answers. Its strength lies in the fact that it provides you with a very clear and beautifully illustrated double roadmap. One roadmap leads you to the underlying literature for further study, and the other shows you how the concepts and models relate to and influence each other.

That interaction also holds up a mirror to you. As a manager, you are still someone who has something to learn within the organisation…

Sector Consultant, Commerce training

I had wanted this book for a long time and it saved me a lot of research work. It is an indispensable guide for HR professionals and team leaders, with theoretical insights that are approached in a practical way. It provides the essential basics, which makes it truly valuable.

I will definitely refer back to it often.

Congratulations Charis on this touch of magic!