Why did you decide to become a Human Resources Manager?
For many of us “I’m a people’s person and I like helping others” was the motivational drive. But let’s face it: the fact that the median salary for HR Managers is over $100K also made a difference.
These are good reasons to start. Being good with people and wanting to help them find the jobs they deserve will push you forward. The financial motivator will do the same thing.
Will these factors make you a brilliant HR manager? Not necessarily.
It takes something more to be a true professional in HR management. Here are 10 things to consider:
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. It’s 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.
HR managers represent the rules and needs of the organization. That’s why they appear as dry, cold, and distant most of the time. When you rediscover your passion, you’ll overcome that flaw. Your own drive will inspire the people you’re trying to recruit, as well the current workers in the organization.
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, you’ll be able to manage them well.
Do you know how most workers perceive a call to show up in the HR office? Scary. That happens when the HR manager acts like a principal, who talks to people only to warn them about something. You want to change this attitude.
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 you’ll create a better working environment. That’s what HR management is all about.
Personalization is the key to effective human resources management. When you’re communicating with someone from the staff, it’s important to take their preferences, personality, age, and goals into consideration.
As a HR manager, you have to keep tabs on everyone. You can’t inspire them to do a better job with generalized motivational talks. If you push them towards their personal goals, however, you’ll be on the right track.
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.
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.
Mentoring should not be improvised. It should be a clear program based on plans, goals, and monitoring of results. The HR manager is responsible for appointing department training managers and line supervisors.
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!
Human resource information and applicant tracking systems are constantly being upgraded. You have to stay on top of new technologies, so you’ll keep improving your effectiveness as a HR manager
You can’t 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.
Find your vision, which involves not only your growth as a HR manager, but the growth of the entire organization as a result to your work. Keep suggesting your ideas, developing new skills, and trying new practices.
It’s not easy to become an extraordinary HR manager. It takes a lot of work, experience, and consistent experimenting with new techniques. The tips above will help you start your journey towards greatness in this profession.
