What you have said about HR Managers is true. I would add that what is essential is to recognize the role in terms of its business relevance and not merely from its ‘staff’ perspective. HR Managers are not respected because nobody respects ‘staff’. I am not saying that this is correct or justified. I am merely stating a fact as I see it. People in organizations respect those who have power. Those are the line managers. So a Production Manager or a Finance Manager has more respect. This is where I see your point about becoming or demonstrating (because he already is) your specialist training will earn respect.

I want to add to it that demonstrating an overall business understanding, speaking the language of finance and helping CEO’s interpret reality in a bottom-line sense is the key.