4 Essential Keys for Rising to the Top in HR

Knowledge: Participate in social media discussions, forums, roundtable, etc. Subscribe to professional journals. Attend conferences. Never stop learning.

Understand the foundational pillars of human resources.
• Best practices
• Trends
• Typical challenges
• Metrics

Develop Business Acumen – the ability to discern and respond with keenness to business situations.
• Maintain HR principles and functions regarding applicants, employees, peers and colleagues
• Understand and follow fair employment practices
• Know exactly what legal compliance includes

Possess a focused knowledge of the company – what determines and drives success and revenue.
• The why and how of your company’s financial and accounting operations
• Marketing: Who are your customers – name the top three
• Basic operations: at least the last three years sales and profitability

Communication: The ability to communicate the both soft and hard topics, to address both company and employee issues in a respectful manner way that clearly states the objective, while holding to the standard is crucial.

Be an advocate for your company and for the employees – your company’s most valuable asset.
• Create a fair balance between company and employees
• Base decisions on the good of the whole

Learn to listen, giving your full attention to the speaker.
• Listen without interruption before attempting to solve the issue
• Restate what was said to clarify that you understood what they meant
• Listen well enough that you could defend their point of view even if you disagree

Deliver the hard messages, including reprimands, with respect.
• Stress the behavior – don’t attack the person(s)
• Treat the recipient with dignity – give them a place to fall
• Avoid a I win-you lose attitude
• Even when you disagree, thank the other party for their thoughts and contributions

Develop your public speaking skills
• Being able to conduct training effectively is essential
• Be available and able to speak at HR events

Leadership: HR leaders must be able to well . . . lead – be able to see the big picture and then focus on the details, the progress, and most of all the people who will make it happen.

Establish a company culture by leading the way.
• Exhibit a warm and caring, positive attitude
• Treat everyone with respect
• Be known for your integrity
• Understand not only the “rules”, but also the spirit behind them
• Uphold company standards
• Inspire loyalty and trust

Build your leadership skills
• Learn to delegate
• Manage your time well
• Develop self-discipline
• Be a problem solver
• Make decisions with confidence
• Face your fears

Service: One of the most important keys to leading is the inclination and willingness to serve.

Be a servant leader and maintain an open-door policy
• Be approachable
• Place value on people – even when it forces you to think out-of-the-box

Go beyond what is your reasonable service
• Do the tough jobs – be willing to dig deep for solutions when no one else will
• Volunteer your knowledge and expertise to organizations
• Help new employees to acclimate

Springborn works with HR executives who are rising to the top as they serve their company. We are your HR extension in Bangor and Portland, Maine. Contact us today.

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