
Personal Reflections: The Roots of Influence
My journey in mastering influence and negotiation began long before I stepped into the corporate world. Growing up across different cities in India due to my father’s transferable job and under the guidance of my grandfather, I encountered diverse environments that required constant adaptability. At a young age, navigating family dynamics taught me valuable lessons about relationships, communication, and the power of empathetic negotiation.
These early experiences shaped a unique lens — one that today enables me, as an HR professional, to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, navigate organizational complexities, and influence outcomes strategically.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, HR Business Partners (HRBPs) must elevate their capabilities, becoming more strategic and digitally adept to remain indispensable influencers and negotiators in a rapidly evolving world.
The Expanding Role of HR Business Partners
Traditionally seen as facilitators of people-related processes, HRBPs today play a pivotal role in steering organizational strategy. They act as trusted advisors, mediators, and negotiators between leadership and employees.
In an AI-driven world, the demands on HRBPs have only intensified. Leaders expect data-backed recommendations, employees seek equitable outcomes, and stakeholders demand alignment between people strategies and business goals.
Key Areas Where HRBPs Must Influence and Negotiate
1. Stakeholder Alignment: HRBPs often need to bridge the gap between business objectives and workforce needs. AI tools can provide actionable insights into workforce trends, but HRBPs must craft compelling narratives that align people strategies with business priorities.
2. Compensation and Talent Strategy: Negotiating compensation frameworks or talent acquisition strategies requires both a deep understanding of market dynamics and the ability to advocate effectively for equitable outcomes. AI-driven compensation analytics can provide insights, but the final negotiation often hinges on the HRBP’s ability to balance fairness with business pragmatism.
3. Change Management: As organizations undergo digital transformation, HRBPs must influence leadership to adopt change while negotiating with employees for smooth transitions. AI-based tools can predict change resistance, but it takes a skilled HRBP to mediate and manage stakeholder concerns.
4. Ethics and Governance in AI Adoption: HRBPs play a key role in ensuring that AI-driven decisions remain ethical and unbiased. They must influence leaders to adopt transparent AI practices and negotiate for safeguards that protect employee interests.
Enhancing Influence and Negotiation Through AI
AI empowers HRBPs with data-driven insights that strengthen their ability to influence and negotiate effectively –
Predictive Analytics: Forecasting workforce trends allows HRBPs to proactively negotiate solutions for attrition, engagement, and productivity challenges.
Sentiment Analysis: AI can gauge employee sentiment, helping HRBPs frame negotiations with empathy and foresight.
Talent Analytics: Understanding skill gaps and workforce capabilities positions HRBPs as strategic advisors during talent strategy discussions.
However, data alone cannot sway outcomes. Successful HRBPs blend AI-driven insights with human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness to influence decisions and negotiate meaningful outcomes.
Tips for HRBPs to Thrive in an AI-Driven Landscape
1. Develop Data Storytelling Skills: Present data in compelling narratives that align with stakeholder priorities.
2. Balance Data with Empathy: While AI provides insights, the ability to listen, empathize, and build trust remains irreplaceable.
3. Champion Ethical AI: Advocate for transparency and fairness in AI-driven decision-making processes.
4. Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on AI advancements and negotiation best practices to remain a valuable business partner.
5. Proactively Navigate Change: Use AI insights to anticipate resistance and influence stakeholders toward smoother transitions.
The Future of HRBPs: A Harmonious Blend of Data and Human Insight
Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBP’s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I’ve realized that early lessons in navigating complex dynamics have shaped my approach to stakeholder engagement. Just as adaptability and empathy were crucial back then, they remain essential today.
As HRBPs navigate this evolving landscape, those who master the art of influence and negotiation will not only drive strategic outcomes but also shape the future of work itself.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHRWorld will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.
“,”next_sibling”:[{“msid”:117329593,”title”:”These companies have already embraced AI! Whatu2019s next for workplaces in 2025?”,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”link”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/these-companies-have-already-implemented-ai-in-the-workplace-whats-more-for-discussion-in-2025/117329593″,”link_next_mobile”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/these-companies-have-already-implemented-ai-in-the-workplace-whats-more-for-discussion-in-2025/117329593?next=1″,”category_name”:null,”category_name_seo”:”trends/ai-in-hr”}],”related_content”:[],”seoschemas”:false,”social_share”:{“fb”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”x”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”whatsapp”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=wapp&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”linkdin”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”telegram”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”copy”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=copy&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”},”cat_msid”:75142872,”cat_sub_msid”:false,”msid”:118152967,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”title”:”The art of influencing and negotiation: The expanding role of HR business partners in an AI-driven world”,”synopsis”:”Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBPu2019s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.”,”titleseo”:”trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world”,”status”:”ACTIVE”,”authors”:[{“author_name”:”Komaladevi Velumani”,”author_link”:”/author/479268312/komaladevi-velumani”,”author_api_link”:”/author/479268312″,”author_image”:”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/authorthumb/479268312.cms?width=250&height=250&imgsize=12664″,”author_additional”:{“thumbsize”:true,”msid”:479268312,”author_name”:”Komaladevi Velumani”,”author_seo_name”:”komaladevi-velumani”,”designation”:”HR Leader – Asia Pacific, Solutions & Services Group, International Sales Organisation (AP SSG ISO)”,”agency”:false}}],”Alttitle”:{“minfo”:””},”next_promo_stories”:[{“id”:”114676637″,”type”:”next_article”},{“id”:”117205139″,”type”:”next_article”}],”artag”:”ETHRWorld Contributor”,”artdate”:”2025-02-11 22:37:18″,”lastupd”:”2025-02-11 22:37:19″,”breadcrumbTags”:[“HR Business Partners”,”influence and negotiation”,”AI-driven world”,”human resources”,”change management”,”data-driven insights”,”komaladevi velumani”,”Expert Speak”],”secinfo”:{“seolocation”:”trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world”}}” data-authors=”[” komaladevi data-author-list=”Komaladevi Velumani” data-category-name data-category_id data-cat_msid=”75142872″ data-date=”2025-02-11″ data-index=”article_1″ data-keywords=”HR Business Partners, influence and negotiation, AI-driven world, human resources, change management, data-driven insights, komaladevi velumani, Expert Speak” data-type=”news”>
Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBP’s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.

Personal Reflections: The Roots of Influence
My journey in mastering influence and negotiation began long before I stepped into the corporate world. Growing up across different cities in India due to my father’s transferable job and under the guidance of my grandfather, I encountered diverse environments that required constant adaptability. At a young age, navigating family dynamics taught me valuable lessons about relationships, communication, and the power of empathetic negotiation.
These early experiences shaped a unique lens — one that today enables me, as an HR professional, to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, navigate organizational complexities, and influence outcomes strategically.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, HR Business Partners (HRBPs) must elevate their capabilities, becoming more strategic and digitally adept to remain indispensable influencers and negotiators in a rapidly evolving world.
The Expanding Role of HR Business Partners
Traditionally seen as facilitators of people-related processes, HRBPs today play a pivotal role in steering organizational strategy. They act as trusted advisors, mediators, and negotiators between leadership and employees.
In an AI-driven world, the demands on HRBPs have only intensified. Leaders expect data-backed recommendations, employees seek equitable outcomes, and stakeholders demand alignment between people strategies and business goals.
Key Areas Where HRBPs Must Influence and Negotiate
1. Stakeholder Alignment: HRBPs often need to bridge the gap between business objectives and workforce needs. AI tools can provide actionable insights into workforce trends, but HRBPs must craft compelling narratives that align people strategies with business priorities.
2. Compensation and Talent Strategy: Negotiating compensation frameworks or talent acquisition strategies requires both a deep understanding of market dynamics and the ability to advocate effectively for equitable outcomes. AI-driven compensation analytics can provide insights, but the final negotiation often hinges on the HRBP’s ability to balance fairness with business pragmatism.
3. Change Management: As organizations undergo digital transformation, HRBPs must influence leadership to adopt change while negotiating with employees for smooth transitions. AI-based tools can predict change resistance, but it takes a skilled HRBP to mediate and manage stakeholder concerns.
4. Ethics and Governance in AI Adoption: HRBPs play a key role in ensuring that AI-driven decisions remain ethical and unbiased. They must influence leaders to adopt transparent AI practices and negotiate for safeguards that protect employee interests.
Enhancing Influence and Negotiation Through AI
AI empowers HRBPs with data-driven insights that strengthen their ability to influence and negotiate effectively –
Predictive Analytics: Forecasting workforce trends allows HRBPs to proactively negotiate solutions for attrition, engagement, and productivity challenges.
Sentiment Analysis: AI can gauge employee sentiment, helping HRBPs frame negotiations with empathy and foresight.
Talent Analytics: Understanding skill gaps and workforce capabilities positions HRBPs as strategic advisors during talent strategy discussions.
However, data alone cannot sway outcomes. Successful HRBPs blend AI-driven insights with human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness to influence decisions and negotiate meaningful outcomes.
Tips for HRBPs to Thrive in an AI-Driven Landscape
1. Develop Data Storytelling Skills: Present data in compelling narratives that align with stakeholder priorities.
2. Balance Data with Empathy: While AI provides insights, the ability to listen, empathize, and build trust remains irreplaceable.
3. Champion Ethical AI: Advocate for transparency and fairness in AI-driven decision-making processes.
4. Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on AI advancements and negotiation best practices to remain a valuable business partner.
5. Proactively Navigate Change: Use AI insights to anticipate resistance and influence stakeholders toward smoother transitions.
The Future of HRBPs: A Harmonious Blend of Data and Human Insight
Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBP’s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I’ve realized that early lessons in navigating complex dynamics have shaped my approach to stakeholder engagement. Just as adaptability and empathy were crucial back then, they remain essential today.
As HRBPs navigate this evolving landscape, those who master the art of influence and negotiation will not only drive strategic outcomes but also shape the future of work itself.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHRWorld will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.

Personal Reflections: The Roots of Influence
My journey in mastering influence and negotiation began long before I stepped into the corporate world. Growing up across different cities in India due to my father’s transferable job and under the guidance of my grandfather, I encountered diverse environments that required constant adaptability. At a young age, navigating family dynamics taught me valuable lessons about relationships, communication, and the power of empathetic negotiation.
These early experiences shaped a unique lens — one that today enables me, as an HR professional, to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, navigate organizational complexities, and influence outcomes strategically.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, HR Business Partners (HRBPs) must elevate their capabilities, becoming more strategic and digitally adept to remain indispensable influencers and negotiators in a rapidly evolving world.
The Expanding Role of HR Business Partners
Traditionally seen as facilitators of people-related processes, HRBPs today play a pivotal role in steering organizational strategy. They act as trusted advisors, mediators, and negotiators between leadership and employees.
In an AI-driven world, the demands on HRBPs have only intensified. Leaders expect data-backed recommendations, employees seek equitable outcomes, and stakeholders demand alignment between people strategies and business goals.
Key Areas Where HRBPs Must Influence and Negotiate
1. Stakeholder Alignment: HRBPs often need to bridge the gap between business objectives and workforce needs. AI tools can provide actionable insights into workforce trends, but HRBPs must craft compelling narratives that align people strategies with business priorities.
2. Compensation and Talent Strategy: Negotiating compensation frameworks or talent acquisition strategies requires both a deep understanding of market dynamics and the ability to advocate effectively for equitable outcomes. AI-driven compensation analytics can provide insights, but the final negotiation often hinges on the HRBP’s ability to balance fairness with business pragmatism.
3. Change Management: As organizations undergo digital transformation, HRBPs must influence leadership to adopt change while negotiating with employees for smooth transitions. AI-based tools can predict change resistance, but it takes a skilled HRBP to mediate and manage stakeholder concerns.
4. Ethics and Governance in AI Adoption: HRBPs play a key role in ensuring that AI-driven decisions remain ethical and unbiased. They must influence leaders to adopt transparent AI practices and negotiate for safeguards that protect employee interests.
Enhancing Influence and Negotiation Through AI
AI empowers HRBPs with data-driven insights that strengthen their ability to influence and negotiate effectively –
Predictive Analytics: Forecasting workforce trends allows HRBPs to proactively negotiate solutions for attrition, engagement, and productivity challenges.
Sentiment Analysis: AI can gauge employee sentiment, helping HRBPs frame negotiations with empathy and foresight.
Talent Analytics: Understanding skill gaps and workforce capabilities positions HRBPs as strategic advisors during talent strategy discussions.
However, data alone cannot sway outcomes. Successful HRBPs blend AI-driven insights with human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness to influence decisions and negotiate meaningful outcomes.
Tips for HRBPs to Thrive in an AI-Driven Landscape
1. Develop Data Storytelling Skills: Present data in compelling narratives that align with stakeholder priorities.
2. Balance Data with Empathy: While AI provides insights, the ability to listen, empathize, and build trust remains irreplaceable.
3. Champion Ethical AI: Advocate for transparency and fairness in AI-driven decision-making processes.
4. Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on AI advancements and negotiation best practices to remain a valuable business partner.
5. Proactively Navigate Change: Use AI insights to anticipate resistance and influence stakeholders toward smoother transitions.
The Future of HRBPs: A Harmonious Blend of Data and Human Insight
Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBP’s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I’ve realized that early lessons in navigating complex dynamics have shaped my approach to stakeholder engagement. Just as adaptability and empathy were crucial back then, they remain essential today.
As HRBPs navigate this evolving landscape, those who master the art of influence and negotiation will not only drive strategic outcomes but also shape the future of work itself.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHRWorld will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.
“,”next_sibling”:[{“msid”:117329593,”title”:”These companies have already embraced AI! Whatu2019s next for workplaces in 2025?”,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”link”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/these-companies-have-already-implemented-ai-in-the-workplace-whats-more-for-discussion-in-2025/117329593″,”link_next_mobile”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/these-companies-have-already-implemented-ai-in-the-workplace-whats-more-for-discussion-in-2025/117329593?next=1″,”category_name”:null,”category_name_seo”:”trends/ai-in-hr”}],”related_content”:[],”seoschemas”:false,”social_share”:{“fb”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”x”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”whatsapp”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=wapp&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”linkdin”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”telegram”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”,”copy”:”/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967?utm_source=copy&utm_medium={{DEVICE_TYPE}}”},”cat_msid”:75142872,”cat_sub_msid”:false,”msid”:118152967,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”title”:”The art of influencing and negotiation: The expanding role of HR business partners in an AI-driven world”,”synopsis”:”Influence and negotiation remain at the heart of an HRBPu2019s role. In an AI-enabled world, the ability to blend data-driven insights with human-centric skills is what sets exceptional HRBPs apart.”,”titleseo”:”trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world”,”status”:”ACTIVE”,”authors”:[{“author_name”:”Komaladevi Velumani”,”author_link”:”/author/479268312/komaladevi-velumani”,”author_api_link”:”/author/479268312″,”author_image”:”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/authorthumb/479268312.cms?width=250&height=250&imgsize=12664″,”author_additional”:{“thumbsize”:true,”msid”:479268312,”author_name”:”Komaladevi Velumani”,”author_seo_name”:”komaladevi-velumani”,”designation”:”HR Leader – Asia Pacific, Solutions & Services Group, International Sales Organisation (AP SSG ISO)”,”agency”:false}}],”Alttitle”:{“minfo”:””},”next_promo_stories”:[{“id”:”114676637″,”type”:”next_article”},{“id”:”117205139″,”type”:”next_article”}],”artag”:”ETHRWorld Contributor”,”artdate”:”2025-02-11 22:37:18″,”lastupd”:”2025-02-11 22:37:19″,”breadcrumbTags”:[“HR Business Partners”,”influence and negotiation”,”AI-driven world”,”human resources”,”change management”,”data-driven insights”,”komaladevi velumani”,”Expert Speak”],”secinfo”:{“seolocation”:”trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world”}}” data-news_link=”https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/trends/ai-in-hr/the-art-of-influencing-and-negotiation-the-expanding-role-of-hr-business-partners-in-an-ai-driven-world/118152967″>