New HR Role: How Friendly Should I Be with Employees Without Losing Authority?

Hi all, as an HR professional who is new to the role, I would like to know how to interact with employees. Should I be friendly with them? In my opinion, being friendly might lead to them not taking me seriously due to my young age. Can anyone provide guidance on the type of response I should give them?

Regards,
Khushi

No strategy, nothing. Be with them as you have been with your friends in college days!
Regards,
Santosh

Hey cool dear, Thanks to both of you for the supportive answers . I can't seem to find the meaning as Prashant is suggesting to use a strategy, and as per your advice, not to apply a strategy. I am unable to understand what to do. I am also asking for more tips and suggestions.

Regards, Khushi

Just be your natural self. Don't put on a mask. You need to be strict, yet firm and sensible at all times so that people are friendly to you but should not try to take advantage of your youth and newness. Be good friends with all levels of employees and maintain decorum in the office. Being strict does not necessarily mean being shrewd. You can be polite and firm at the same time.

Be the boss, not the therapist. You're right. Walk the walk: Your employees will take their cues from you. If you refrain from getting all heated up over small issues and maintain your good humor and reasonable attitude at all times, your employees will follow your lead.

Hi Khushi! There is no fixed formula for behavior; it's very dynamic, and you learn best through experience. Try to practice "empathy" and more "listening" – this way, you will be in a better position to gain respect. Avoid impulsive responses. Wish you all the best for your endeavor.

Regards,
Subrat

Since you are new, yes, you should be friendly with employees, but remember to set boundaries for yourself. No one should cross your job responsibilities and freedom. People may not always listen, but your job knowledge, commitment, soft tone, and fast actions will compel them to listen to you.

Regards,
Ajay Mehta

I'm happy to see lots of helpful suggestions! Thanks a lot to Subrat. Now, I will practice more to be a listener and will also avoid impulsive responses. Thanks to Manthena, I will follow your suggestion. Thanks to M.R.S. Sastry for your great and fruitful suggestion. Thanks to Kartee for your support. Thanks to Shivani and Nikhil for business and friendly attitude suggestions. Thanks to Ajay Sir for your grateful tips to be soft-spoken and have a fast action with job responsibilities commitment attitude, and also thanks to Naveen Kumar for your great idea and thoughts for HR!

I would like to suggest just observing them, like having lunch, taking tea with them, and inquiring about their education, experience, and family background. Start by calling everyone by name, not just the senior persons. Be polite, firm, and respond promptly. If you maintain this, you could acquire their goodwill. You need not be involved much, just listen from the outside.

Regards

Dear Mr. Khushi,

As an HR professional, be nothing more than that. Don't fumble; be as you are. You have already been selected for the HR position, so the management considered your suitability for the role, not your age. Your age doesn't matter to them. Therefore, please concentrate on "what is the HR role in a company." This will simplify your job. All the best.

Regards,
Daniel Prabhakar

Employee Behavior Presentation

I am attaching a PowerPoint presentation on employee behavior. Please take the time to understand it and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Regards,
Alphonse
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Understanding Employee Relations as an HR Professional

As an HR professional, you need to understand the feelings of your employees, treat them as your family members, and fulfill their requirements in line with the organization's policies. HR serves as the link between employees and the organization, so it is important to maintain a balance between both.

With your positive attitude and wholehearted support, you will definitely gain the confidence of your employees. This will lead you towards achieving your goals as well as those of the organization.

Regards,
Vijay Jadav

First, put yourself in the position of an employee and ask yourself what type of behavior you expect from your HR.

There is no harm in being friendly, but at the same time, maintain some distance lest they start taking undue advantage. Be professional in your official dealings.

Hi Khushi, as you are working in HR, you must maintain good relationships with the employees. During times of difficulty, you will be their primary point of contact. If you have good relationships, they will easily understand you, and you will be able to communicate effectively. However, it is important to maintain decorum both within and outside the organization.

Regards,
kksharma

How to Be Assertive in the Workplace

The best way to be assertive is to listen more than you speak. When you do speak, smile and be to the point. During office hours, avoid chit-chat, yet greet everyone you meet by name and in a statement. Don't just say "Hi." Use "Good morning," "Good afternoon," etc.

"Good morning, Tripti. How are you today?" "Good morning, Tripti. Hope you are enjoying your day," or "Good afternoon, Tripti. Have you had your lunch?"

A simple yes or no question is enough to let them know you are friendly but not necessarily their friend. When you greet someone by name, that person respects you for it. Later, you can add, "How is your son?" "How is your mother?" "How is your new accommodation?" etc.

Just in case they start to complain about something, give them an appointment to meet you in your office. Don't have any discussion outside your office. An appointment shows who is in charge, and since it's inside your den, you are the king/queen.

More importantly, practice your "Hello" smile in front of the mirror. It should be different from your natural smile—pleasant but professional.

All the best!

Dear Khushi, No need to change your behavior. No need to wear a mask. An HR job is like any other job. Everybody is responsible for their job to be done according to policy in an organization. If somebody does not carry out their job properly, they will be negatively evaluated. You are not different from them. Think of your organization as your family or campus. Maintain relationships with everyone, but make decisions according to policy as it is your job. Be aware of nepotism.

During official hours, just turn on your red light for a little flexibility. Outside of official hours, turn on your green light (act as a friend). That is all in my idea as an HR professional with 5 years of experience. One thing to note is that it directly depends on your organization's culture as well.

Good morning, all of you,

@ Daniel, thanks for giving such hidden compliments. They will help me elevate my role to meet management expectations. Thanks, Sunny, for reminding me about Nivedita's point. @ Alphonse, thank you for your helpful ppt. It will not only benefit me in the corporate field but also in social life. Nice. @ Vijay, thanks for suggesting treating employees as my family members. @ Kksharma, thanks for informing me about the negative impact of not displaying nice behavior towards employees. @ Avinash, thank you for the simple habitual tips. Also, thanks to the remaining 5 people whose names were not written. I kindly request members to write their names next time so I can thank them by name.

Regards,
Khushi

The suggestion given by Nivedita is appreciable. You can also look over the below important points regarding the formation of behavior and attitude:

1. Be courteous and polite while talking with colleagues, seniors, and juniors. Aggressiveness might give a negative impression of you to others.
2. Never try to show that you are smarter than others; this may also diminish your positivity.
3. Make sure to go through all the facts before expressing any aggressiveness towards others.
4. Strictness is necessary in some cases but should not be excessive.
5. Approach situations with respect and humility.
6. Foster positive thinking by reducing stress through synergistic thoughts.

Thanks and Best Regards,
Vikas Ranjan

Balancing Professionalism and Friendliness

Do not form personal relationships with anyone, but be friendly to all your employees. This approach encourages them to come forward and share any problems they face.

Hi all, as an HR professional who is new to the role, I would like to know how to interact with employees. Should I be friendly with them? In my opinion, being friendly can help build relationships and understand their needs. Having offline discussions can aid in comprehending their expectations. Your conversations should revolve around HR policies and employee requirements, making you approachable.

It is also essential to be assertive and straightforward when necessary, irrespective of age not being a determining factor.

Regards, Khushi

Thanks to all for giving the right suggestion to Khushi. I would like to add my views.

Khushi, as you are new to this profession, you have to analyze them to see if they are good. So, you should be friendly and polite with them. If they are not, then you have to be strict with them.

But of course, a friendly nature will help you to build a healthy relationship; it is also important as an HR.