A Guest post by Helen Sabell
A good HR leader will be able to support your business, but a great one will actively drive it. Recruiting unique talent, cultivating employee skill sets and carefully coaching a sustainable growth for your company. This core industry underpins success for organizations around the world.
Global leaders in HR facilitate a positive work environment that allows employees to realize their full potential. Compassion, innovation, and a firm resolve to enforce what is fair are present in every remarkable HR professional.
Emotional Intelligence
To be aware of and able to respond to expressions of emotion is a core attribute of every HR professional. As an industry built on emotional intelligence (EQ), leaders will demonstrate an intuitive and empathetic approach to any situation.
Changes in mood and behavior are common throughout every business, and should be recognized immediately. A great HR worker will have a broad understanding of stress-management, self-control and optimism to handle situations in a way that promotes a positive workplace culture.
Excellent Communicator
A pillar of the HR industry, leading professionals will possess unmatched communication skills and an ability to provide sound guidance on a range of issues. They will directly influence the operations of an organization, establishing healthy relations between the business and an employee. Central to this is a capacity to remain professional yet approachable to the average worker.
Good communication encompasses an ability to listen, direct and respond. Truly hearing what an employee is saying indicates that you are interested, and genuinely care for them. This type of engagement will lay the foundation for trust and foster long-standing relationships.
Ethically-Inclined
It comes as no surprise to hear that HR is built upon a resolve to instill an ethical system in the workplace. Leaders will work tirelessly to shape policies that treat employees fairly and compassionately, ultimately bettering the business. A strong moral compass will guide the best professionals in their decision, and solidify the industry as a figure of trust in an organization.
It is important to recognize a HR professional’s serious responsibility to do what is right, even when greater time investment is called for. Dealing with confidential information and sensitive situations requires deep consideration and understanding, particularly when the private medical conditions, conflicts or performance problems of employees are involved.
Innovator
Unique problems are faced daily by HR professionals and require original and creative solutions. In order to stay ahead in a rapidly growing industry, leaders must respond to the challenge to create new, valuable approaches to business. Identifying opportunities for advancement signposts a HR professional that will not only deliver expectations but surpass them.
Managing and developing employee talent is a balancing act that requires thinking outside of the box. The best HR worker will recognize that every employee is different, and should be approached on a case-by-case basis. They will evaluate the individual potential of an employee and leverage it.
Leader and Mentor
The most remarkable HR professional is both a leader and mentor. They are a supporter, cultivator of invaluable talent and gateway between an employee and a business. Industry leaders possess an ever-changing vision for success, one which will never see them settle.
The best leaders are those who are genuine, and whose presence instills trust and guidance in the workplace. They are committed to motivate, and strive to inspire each individual. Above all, a true HR professional will acknowledge the different goals of each employee, and actively lead them in the direction of achievement.
Author Bio
Helen Sabell works for the College for Adult Learning, she is passionate about adult and lifelong learning. She has designed, developed and authored many workplace leadership and training programs, both in Australia and overseas. Helen also works with a select group of organizations consulting in People Management & Development, Education and Change.