People become real leaders through experience when they learn to increase their understanding of their field, overcome obstacles and make decisions even in difficult situations. What does becoming a leader in HR involve? According to an article by Elizabeth Dukes on blr.com, the following ten things are the most important. How are you doing in these areas?
1. Strong team
Start by getting to know your team members as individuals with specific strengths and weaknesses. Good leaders surrounds themselves with good team members working towards a common goal.
2. Long-term goals
Strong leaders never forget the long-term aspect of their work. As they work on short-term tasks, they try to adapt them to fit into a long-term strategy as much as possible. This includes changing or canceling inefficient processes.
3. Example to others
Especially in HR, leaders must realize that they will not always be liked. Therefore, you should rather focus on building respect through your behavior. Be a good example to others.
4. Knowledge sharing
Employees often complain that HR professionals should be more like teachers, they should not just hide behind their computer screens. Good leaders always want to learn new things and, at the same time, to pass on their knowledge to others. This must be true both within your HR team and the organization.
5. Supporting others' success
Only bad leaders are worried about their position and perceive the success of the others as a threat. Your mission is not to train followers within your HR team, but other leaders.
6. Responsibility
Working in HR, you certainly have some times experience with blame or complaints from your employees or colleagues from other departments. However, to be a good leader, does not use them to blame others. Blaming will never win you respect. Take responsibility for your team's mistakes.
7. Communication
You simply can't work in HR without excellent communication skills. You have to be able to share information with your subordinates and clients as well as to listen to what they say to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly crucial in times of organizational changes. Work on empowering your team members to be open and honest to you.
8. Decision making
Successful leaders are able to make decisions quickly. However, at the same time, they allow their people to make decisions without having to ask for approval all the time. Make sure that your subordinates have sufficient information and tools for independent decision making.
9. Questions
HR leaders must know how to ask questions. They must have a natural interest in information and knowledge.
10. Enjoy the job
Good leaders are not motivated by only power or money. The most important thing is the opportunity to help others by fulfilling their needs. They enjoy their work. Remember that you will spend most of your life at work. Do you want to work in HR? Then do it and do it from the heart.
-kk-