Commercial drive is about applying a business and customer-focused approach, and demonstrating the commitment to deliver results that create value for organisations.

As people professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure we focus on the things that create the most value for people and business. This means identifying and delivering on the people issues, opportunities and risks that will have the most impact on the performance and success of organisations. It also means partnering with customers, understanding the financial implications of work, proving the business case for change, and taking responsibility to deliver it.

We also have a personal responsibility for our own self-care, to help us stay motivated and resilient in the delivery of our work.

This behaviour particularly supports the Core knowledge areas of Business acumen and Change.

Commerical drive standards

Each standard progresses through four levels of impact. Which level do you most embody in your day-to-day work?

Foundation level Associate level Chartered Member level Chartered Fellow level
At this level you will: At this level you will: At this level you will: At this level you will:
Commercial focus Show a keen interest in your organisation and its performance Identify and focus your attention on people issues that impact on business performance Prioritise people practices, opportunities and risks that drive sustained commercial success and value for people Focus on driving value through the alignment of people strategy with commercial strategies
Customer focus Demonstrate that you are customer- focused in your work Engage with customers to understand their needs and improve their experiences Partner with customers to understand their current and future needs, and contract effectively Create a culture that prioritises the understanding of customer needs to enhance customer value
Financial acumen Demonstrate that you are cost-conscious in your work Carefully consider the financial and operational implications of your choices Develop and present robust business cases using evidence to demonstrate a return on investment Evidence the strategic value of investment in people to a wide range of stakeholders
Delivery focus Identify the steps to achieve agreed goals and demonstrate drive to deliver to a high standard Take responsibility to provide pragmatic and timely advice and deliver solutions that meet business needs Take responsibility and demonstrate commitment to deliver business outcomes and benefits Take responsibility for the creation of shared value through people strategy
Personal resilience Maintain motivation and resilience through self-care and know when to ask for help Maintain motivation and resilience through self- care and personal responsibility Demonstrate motivation and resilience through self-care and personal responsibility Model motivation and resilience and create a culture of self-care and personal responsibility

Tools and resources to help you develop

Assess your level, choose
your learning

Use our self-assessment tool to assess yourself against any area of the Profession Map. We’ll recommend relevant learning and resources to help you create your own professional development pathway. 

Full self-assessment tool (exclusive to CIPD members) Try our 'lite' self-assessment tool (free for everyone)
Callout Image

Next: Passion for learning

Demonstrating curiosity and making the most of opportunities to learn, improve and innovate

Continue to Passion for learning

The Profession Map

Download the full set of standards
491.7 KB
Download a one-page overview of the Profession Map
PDF document 686.8 KB

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Connect
and learn

We offer a range of ways to stay connected,from events to networking, workshops and webinars.

Get involved

Explore our related content

Podcast

HR People Pod

Listen to our new fortnightly podcast providing expert insights from HR leaders on the topical issues impacting the world of work

Listen now
Thought leadership
HR operating models

Our series on current practices, future models and successful transformations

Thought leadership
Do current HR operating models serve future needs?

We look at what’s driving change in HR structures, what emerging models look like and what to consider when evolving your current model

Podcast
HR's next top operating model

Is the traditional HR operating model still fit-for-purpose or do we need to consider a new model?

See all resources
The Profession Map

Make the most of the Profession Map

The Profession Map is for everyone in our profession – individuals and teams, members and non-members. Learn more about the Profession Map and how you can use it. 

Profession Map
Explore the Profession Map

Explore the purpose, values, knowledge and behaviours at the heart of our profession

Profession Map
The Profession Map

How the international standard works for all people professionals

Profession Map
Find your level with the Profession Map

Find your current level of knowledge and experience and the next step in your career

Profession Map
The Profession Map FAQs

Check out our FAQs on the Profession Map, membership, and qualifications

The Profession Map overview