Creating HR policy is a complex matter that often gets stuck in the conceptual stage-and ends up benefiting neither the employer nor the employee. To progress, HR professionals need to learn how to apply a few practical tips from business strategy when crafting their HR plan: Remember to look at the big picture, consider the end goals, and determine how to achieve them. Sounds simple, right?

Author Stephen Flynn has worked in human resources for thirty-four years, serving as an HR director for the last sixteen. When he got stuck, he had to remind himself to step back and start asking...