[http://knowledgeinfusion.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/ki15.jpg]In waking this morning reading the news of a possible merger of US Airways and Delta, the first thing that crossed my mind was "How is US Airways going to pull off another major merger?".  This question came to mind not because I am not a fan of either airline, because I couldn't imagine a large, mega airline or even that a company with alot of money would buy a company without a lot of money.  This crossed my mind because of the workforce planning and labor issues that always arise.

America West and US Air joined forces in October of 2005 to become US Airways and to most industry spectators, has been a successful merger.  To someone who flys everyday and listens to many flight attendants talk while handing out peanuts (or pretzels these days, or nothing these days); it seems to have gone well also.  One of the things that I have asked a few flight attendants is about culture and the merging of the organizations.  More than once I have heard, "our HR department has done a great job communicating and keeping us motivated.".

As organizations are focused on talent management including inventorying their talent, building talent, looking for talent gaps and understanding succession plans, it is also important for HR to always be thinking about days like today.  What happens when we announce a merger?  What happens when we are about to be acquired?  Do I have the information that I will need on the fly to look ready and prepared to assist in the process?

Mergers and Acquisitions are becoming more and more part of daily life in business.  As the knowledge economy continues to dominate economic growth, the information about the workforce, not information about machines is what will drive the price of a company, and the ease of integration of workforces.

Human Capital Management is much more than recruiting and paying people.  Human Capital Management is the strategy around people tied to organizational goals and initiatives.  The M&A example of today with US Airways and Delta is a perfect example of the agility that HR needs to show when called upon by having accurate, timely and relevant data about the people assets within an organization.

When building your HR strategy, keep this in mind.  What are these perfect storm moments that you may be called upon to deliver in that will change your career forever?  The VP of HR at US Airways and Delta are thinking about that tonight.   Are you?

Here is a link to a good story about todays news.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15732042/

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