Team size: 13

Focus on…Winning the right way

Recent years have introduced significant evolution for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Following the 2015 split of HP into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, referred to at the time as the most significant corporate separation in history, we have executed the spin-off and mergers of HPE’s Enterprise Services and Software divisions and are focused on our transformation to become the world’s leading edge-to-cloud aaS company. In this dynamic, highly innovative and ever-changing business environment, one guiding principle remains a constant: We win the right way.

In my current role at HPE, I lead a legal team of 13 professionals, spread across eight countries and supporting the Latin America and Southern Europe geography. With various internal policies that apply to HPE’s 60,000 team members, governing anything from conflict of interests to non-discrimination, for us as the legal team, a straightforward thought process that encourages ethical behaviour is a highly useful tool: Recognised as one of the most ethical companies in the world, HPE has adopted, as part of its Standard of Business Conduct, the ‘Headline Test’. In essence, we should ask ourselves these three simple, practical questions when facing a decision or taking action. First, is it legal? If it is not, we do not do it. If in doubt, we consult. If the action or decision is legal, we proceed to ask — is it consistent with our company’s policies? The same answer scheme as in the first question would lead to the final one — would others think it is ok if they read it in a news story? If we feel uncomfortable with the answer or in a position to look for excuses, that is a sign to think of an alternative action or decision.

This simple, structured thought process is part of our company’s culture and is instilled in our professional approach as a legal team. As such, it is the first step to stimulating ethical thinking and decision-making – and a basis for the guidance we offer to our internal clients. The starting point is the ethical aspect, whether the country or the issue, be it closing a significant deal, advising a country’s managing director on a business dilemma, interacting with government authorities or supporting HR. Maintaining our business-focused mindset to constantly look for the simple, quick and effective solution to accelerate business is always underlined by a ‘winning the right way’ mentality, which drives much better business results in the long run.