At all stages, and not only at the initial stage, you need to have the following qualities:
1. **Commitment:** You need to involve yourself in your job with your heart.
2. **Efficacy:** You need to approach your job with your head, meaning you need to do the right things and do things correctly by applying reason, rationale, and prudence.
3. **Empathy:** You need to wholeheartedly listen to your employees to understand them and address their grievances.
4. **Promptness:** Reply and redress promptly. Queries must be answered, grievances must be addressed, and time schedules must be met promptly. Sometimes a delay can be embarrassing and lead to things going out of your control.
5. **Organization:** Organize your work through proper planning and prioritization. Urgent tasks need to be completed immediately.
6. **Responsiveness:** Be responsive to the external environment but avoid being reactive. This could involve handling persistent queries from other employees, among other things.
7. **Inquisitiveness:** Develop an appetite for learning new skills and acquiring knowledge in your field of operation.
The above qualities will surely help you in your development. To equip yourself with basic knowledge in your functional area, the best approach is learning by doing. If any problems arise, try to solve them independently first, and if necessary, seek guidance from seniors. Read materials relevant to the area of your function.
Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai