When assessing potential new hires, HR professionals evaluate candidates based on a defined set of key skills and personal attributes required for the role. But what if the roles were reversed, What would the ideal list of attributes for a human resources management professional look like.
HR Management Key Skill #1: Organization
Effective HR management necessitates a systematic approach. Maintaining organized records, demonstrating strong time management abilities, and ensuring personal efficiency are essential for HR success. Since you are dealing with individuals’ careers and lives, it is crucial to respond promptly when a manager requests assistance with a termination, compensation recommendation, or recognition program. Saying, “I’ll try to get to that if I have time.” is simply not acceptable.
HR Management Key Skill #2: Multitasking
An average day in HR often involves addressing a variety of issues in quick succession. One moment, you might be assisting an employee with a personal matter, the next you’re answering questions about intermittent leave, and shortly after, you could be strategizing recruitment for a challenging position. Additionally, you must juggle concerns related to social media, wage and hour regulations, employee engagement, retention, and numerous other critical matters.
In HR, the pace is relentless, and priorities shift rapidly. A manager needing to fill a position may not be concerned that you are currently supporting another manager with a termination. You must be capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
HR Management Key Skill #3: Dealing with Grey
A significant portion of the challenges faced by HR managers falls into “grey areas.” Is it a case of discrimination? Is there harassment involved? What constitutes a “reasonable” accommodation? How much flexibility is required to approve intermittent leave? HR managers must be adapt at making decisions based on incomplete or “best available” information, and they should recognize when to consult with colleagues, legal advisors, and other experts for guidance.
HR Management Key Skill #4: Negotiation
Along with grey comes the necessity for negotiation. There are frequently opposing viewpoints, and a successful HR professional can find a mutually acceptable middle ground. The primary objective of negotiation is to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the outcome, which can be a challenging task.
HR Management Key Skill #5: Communication
HR professionals must communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including upper management, department managers, prospective employees, and current staff at all levels. This communication occurs in multiple formats: in writing, during presentations to both large and small groups, and increasingly through social media platforms. They must be persuasive, empathetic, and credible in their interactions.
HR Management Key Skill #6: Discretion and Ethics
HR professionals serve as the conscience of the organization and are tasked with safeguarding confidential information. While addressing the needs of senior management, they also oversee compliance with policies and regulations to ensure fair treatment of employees. It is essential to assertively address any discrepancies to maintain the integrity of the organization—a significant responsibility.
Moreover, it is imperative to handle confidential information with the utmost care and never disclose it to unauthorized individuals.
HR Management Key Skill #7: Dual Focus
Employees expect HR professionals to advocate for their concerns while also enforcing the policies set by upper management. The HR professional who successfully navigates this delicate balancing act earns the trust of all stakeholders involved.
There will be instances when decisions must be made to protect individual employees, and other times when the focus shifts to safeguarding the organization, its culture, and its values. Such decisions may be misunderstood by some, and you may face criticism as a result. However, you understand that providing explanations could compromise confidential information, which is something you would never do.
HR Management Key Skill #8: Conflict Management and Problem Solving
Here’s a reality check: not everyone gets along with one another. High productivity requires that individuals work together, at the very least, in a civil manner. HR must find effective ways to facilitate this collaboration. Additionally, the other issues that land in the HR inbox necessitate strong problem-solving skills to ensure effectiveness.
HR Management Key Skill #9: Change Management
In today’s business landscape, most companies are in a perpetual state of change. Task forces, project teams, and other collaborative groups are formed to tackle specific jobs and then disband as new ones emerge. Traditional hierarchies have been flattened, and organizations now often feature multiple generations working side by side. Many employees may feel anxious about these ongoing changes, and HR plays a crucial role in helping everyone adapt.
Nine Skills, But One Important Caveat
“HR is a function of, and serves, the business strategy,” states Brady. “It is essential for HR professionals to understand what that strategy entails and what drives the business so that their approach to HR can be aligned accordingly.”
“Never view HR in isolation” he advises . “If HR professionals perceive themselves as ‘just HR,’ that is how the rest of the organization will view them as well.”
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