In chapter 114 of HR Thoughts by Hirint, we spoke with Mercedes Cabrera, Director of Talent Management at Grupo Salinas, on an essential topic: how to align the organization's objectives with the purpose of its people.
Mercedes starts from a powerful idea: when a person understands why they do what they do, they stop working "just because" and begin to connect emotionally with their contribution. For her, purpose is not an abstract concept, but a compass that helps people develop their best selves, increase their productivity, and contribute real value to the organization.
During the conversation, Mercedes explains that many companies have solid strategies, but they don't always manage to mobilize their teams because there's a gap between strategy and meaning. That's why she proposes creating talent models that connect culture, leadership, performance, and personal purpose. Questions like "What am I good at?", "What motivates me?", and "Where can I make the biggest impact?" help each employee connect their talents with the challenges of the business.
The episode also addresses the role of conscious leadership. Mercedes emphasizes that leaders must not only manage results, but also support people, listen, teach, learn constantly, and act consistently. A good leader inspires because they transform, help others grow, and understand that collective success stems from the well-being and motivation of the team.
Another key point is the mental health. Mercedes emphasizes that well-being can no longer be seen as something peripheral, but rather as an enabler of performance. Emotional intelligence, presence, rest, boundaries, and spaces for disconnection directly impact productivity, innovation, and decision-making.
Ultimately, this chapter invites us to rethink work from a more human perspective. Aligning personal purpose and organizational goals doesn't mean romanticizing employment, but rather building cultures where people find meaning, contribute their strengths, and feel part of something bigger.
