Playbook
Beginner 6–8h4 modules · 9 lessons

I’m new to HR

Learn what HR actually does and the modern people-ops mindset.

Your curriculum

Read in order

Each module is a pillar of the role. Finish one before opening the next — you’ll always know exactly what to read next.

  1. 1
    Pillar · HR Fundamentals 1.5h

    Module 1 — Understand the role

    Outcome: You can explain in one sentence what HR actually does in a modern company.

    1. 1.1
      What HR Actually Does (And What It Doesn't)
      22 min read
    2. 1.2
      Modern People Operations: The HR-as-Product Mindset
      22 min read
    Next up → Module 2 — The employee lifecycle
  2. 2
    Pillar · Lifecycle thinking 2h

    Module 2 — The employee lifecycle

    Outcome: You can map attract → hire → onboard → grow → exit and see where HR adds value.

    1. 2.1
      The Employee Lifecycle, Stage by Stage
      24 min read
    2. 2.2
      Onboarding: The First 90 Days That Retain People
      10 min read
    Next up → Module 3 — Core people systems
  3. 3
    Pillar · Operating systems 2.5h

    Module 3 — Core people systems

    Outcome: You understand how hiring, performance and comp connect as one system.

    1. 3.1
      Structured Hiring: A Framework That Works
      11 min read
    2. 3.2
      Performance Reviews People Don’t Dread
      12 min read
    3. 3.3
      Writing a Compensation Philosophy You Can Defend
      12 min read
    Next up → Module 4 — Behind the curtain
  4. 4
    Pillar · People operations 1.5h

    Module 4 — Behind the curtain

    Outcome: You know what HRIS, analytics and the ops layer of HR really do day-to-day.

    1. 4.1
      Choosing an HRIS Without Regretting It
      13 min read
    2. 4.2
      The 12 People Metrics That Actually Matter
      10 min read
Go deeper with the full roadmap
HR Foundations

From zero to a working mental model of HR in a modern company.

8h · 4 stages