Do you have what it takes to become a CHRO?

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Is it your career goal to become the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of a whole company? Then you probably know that this role significantly differs from a divisional HR Manager of a leader of a Centre of Excellence in specific HR structure of a company. What exactly do you have to meet to be able to achieve the dreamed chair in top management? According to hreonline.com, the following eight skills play the most important role (regardless of a company's field of activity or legal form).

1. Emotional intelligence

A CHRO must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. He or she must also be able to listen and be trustworthy and authentic when interacting with others.

2. Leadership

Both your subordinates and superiors should perceive you as a strong leader who can lead a team and gain its members' trust. People should want to work for you and see you as a mentor they can always turn to.

3. Ability to bring changes

CHROs are generally expected to introduce changes in the company. They must therefore be able not only to come up with changes, but also to promote the changes despite the resistance of the people involved. They must be patient and remain optimistic.

4. Top management experience

The relationships between the heads of HR and the heads of other departments in a company's top management are never simple. Any previous experience in dealing with top management will help you. These relationships often determine whether you can become the head of HR in a company or not.

5. Knowledge of executive compensation

You do not have to be an expert on compensation, but you must clearly understand how executive compensation works at the company and how it fits into its overall strategy.

6. Strategic approach

A CHRO must know the needs of the entire company, not only one its part or department. He or she is expected to come up with strategic solutions that will meet the current and future needs of developing the company's business.

7. Knowledge of finance

You will need to know more than only the largest item in the variable costs of the company which consists of people. You must know how to read financial statements and measure financial contributions of your proposals. You cannot speak with the representatives of top management without understanding finance.

8. Focus on business

You will have to learn to think first about business and second about human resources. You need to know what is happening in your industry and how your company keeps up. You should be really interested in business and come up with questions on how to help your business grow.

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Article source Human Resource Executive Online - news and other resources for HR people
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