It takes something more to be a true professional in HR management. Here are 10 things to consider:
1. Focus on the big picture
This is a common flaw of HR managers: they get so focused on hiring the best new people that they forget about the ones they already have.
The engagement of the current employees is part of the big picture. Its just as important as getting the best workers on board. Are your recognition, review, and growth policies on a par with your recruiting efforts? They should be.
2. Maintain the passion
HR managers represent the rules and needs of the organization. Thats why they appear as dry, cold, and distant most of the time. When you rediscover your passion, youll overcome that flaw. Your own drive will inspire the people youre trying to recruit, as well the current workers in the organization.
3. Take a positive approach to communication
Each change and transition the company goes through affects the employees. It affects the connection between them. A professional HR manager must keep the communication lines within the entire organization functional at all times.
Communicate with the employees not only when they are facing transitions, but on a day-to-day basis, too. When you know what issues they are facing, youll be able to manage them well.
4. Show up where they work
The employees will appreciate a more human contact. Get out of your office and show up where they work. Ask questions and let them suggest ideas. Show some support and youll create a better working environment. Thats what HR management is all about.
5. Show a genuine interest in each employee
Personalization is the key to effective human resources management. When youre communicating with someone from the staff, its important to take their preferences, personality, age, and goals into consideration.
As a HR manager, you have to keep tabs on everyone. You cant inspire them to do a better job with generalized motivational talks. If you push them towards their personal goals, however, youll be on the right track.
6. Collaborate with all departments
You have a responsibility to choose and support the right workers for each department. For that purpose, you have to learn what the individual needs of each department are. Work close together with the managers to develop appropriate HR ideas and practices.
7. Develop a mentorship program
Through the process of mentoring, a newly acquired worker gets proper guidance for personal and professional development. They learn how to do their job well. When they get effective supervision and support, they are less afraid to be creative.
8. Stay flexible
A research study in multinational firms in Hong Kong showed that flexible HR practices and employee behavior flexibility had a positive effect on the adaptability culture. Another study showed that organizations with strong culture adaptability had higher organizational commitment. Thus, your flexibility as a HR manager has a lot to do with the overall commitment in the organization.
How do you develop such flexibility? Be on top of all new trends. Analyze the events and culture within the organization. Consider their ideas and try new methods to support the workers development. Your profession involves learning and influencing change. Remember that!
9. Use the right technologies
Human resource information and applicant tracking systems are constantly being upgraded. You have to stay on top of new technologies, so youll keep improving your effectiveness as a HR manager
10. Know your vision
You cant wait for your organization to define what your role is. You know what human resource management is all about. You need to do everything you can to become your own expert. This is an important role within the organization. The leadership team will expect you to grow and suggest new ideas.