Human resources professionals can serve as true business partners by aligning HR programs and metrics with organizational objectives, understanding the business, and helping employees reach their full potential. As business partners, HR professionals can develop strategic visions, use systems thinking, conduct benchmarking, manage change, and perform cost-benefit analyses. Examples are provided of HR professionals partnering to reduce product cycle times, improve margins, increase customer satisfaction scores, boost sales to minorities, reduce student attrition, and shrink budget overages.