It was the Great Recession, and Cisco Systems’ long run of strong business results was in trouble. Sales were shrinking at the data communications pioneer, and executives were keen to cut costs. Out of the crisis emerged a new way of doing the business of HR at Cisco. About two years ago, the company effectively split human resources into tactical and strategic wings. The move put the company at the forefront of HR design and has yielded other significant benefits……It hasn’t been easy. The overhaul has required a new mindset among both HR professionals and Cisco’s workforce of 75,000 people...