Admitting that you don't know something is difficult and therefore beginners often pretend they know all the answers. They don't realise it's better to spend some time exploring the situation and collecting information than making a decision that will ultimately hurt the company.
Insufficient knowledge and experience often causes simplification of complex issues and problems. HR professionals should first familiarise themselves with the company's business in order to offer real support.
Companies never operate the way you were taught at school. Decisions need to be based on accurate information and a sufficiently broad context.
In a large company, new HR professionals have more time to learn; in a small one, however, they can't afford any mistaken assumptions about legally established matters. They must not only meet specific deadlines, but also know the relevant forms, etc.
Today's HR people need a much wider perspective. In order to approach their work strategically, they must be able to understand financial indicators and the motivation of the company's management.
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Article source Society for Human Resource Management - world’s largest HR professional society