Struggling with HR Roles and Qualities: What Should an HR Professional Truly Embody?

Dear Members,

Good afternoon. Many people are joining as HR Executives, but HR qualities are not seen in them. I am facing a similar situation. Having experience as an HR, I am troubled by questions from my manager.

Could you please provide insights on the following:
1. What exact qualities should an HR professional possess?
2. What roles should an HR professional fulfill?
3. How should one approach HR strategy?
4. What do performance appraisals and performance management entail?

Your comments on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Warm Regards,
Ramu
HR Executive
ESN Tech

Dear Ramu,

Further to your comments regarding HR qualities, I would like to add my opinion or inputs on this matter.

At the outset, an HR professional should possess the following key qualities:

1) Job knowledge and qualifications
2) Assertive communication skills
3) Good listening skills and convincing ability
4) Positive attitude and enthusiasm to learn
5) Problem-solving, grievance handling, and situation management (being smart enough)
6) Relationship management and networking skills

Performance Appraisals vs. Performance Management

Performance Appraisal involves evaluating the performance and behavioral aspects of employees annually or as per the company's policy.

Performance Management, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope starting from when an employee joins the company until they resign or leave. It includes all activities related to an employee during their tenure.

Roles of HR

The specific roles of HR may vary across companies, but generally, the following duties are included:

1) Recruitment and selection
2) Induction
3) Training and development
4) Performance appraisals
5) Exit formalities
6) Statutory activities, etc.

I hope I have addressed your query to some extent. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you and stay in touch.

Best regards,
Sharvani

Thank you, Sharvani, for your comment. In performance appraisals, we must develop or design the forms and gather feedback from employees to identify training areas. This task is typically handled by the HR manager. Could you please clarify if HR solely coordinates appraisals?

Warm regards,
Shekar