Human resources professionals are always interviewing candidates and assessing qualifications and skills. But what does it take to be successful in human resources management? Let us take a closer look.
- Multitasking – Human resources professionals have to be able to multitask and deal with a wide variety of duties, ranging from FMLA leave questions, employees’ personal issues, developing recruitment strategies, advertising jobs on social media, keeping employees engaged, retaining employees and much more.
- Organization – Successful human resources managers have to maintain well- organized files and have very strong time management skills. It is important to be able to have excellent files and documentation in place before disciplining or firing employees.
- Negotiation – Human resources managers need to be able to negotiate, or at least be able to objectively look at two or more opposing viewpoints. It is important for human resources management to remain as the middle ground during negotiations.
- Communication – HR professionals need to communicate with management, potential employees, managers and employees. Whether it is in writing or in-person, it is important that HR managers be caring, believable and convincing.
- Grey Issues – Sometimes personnel issues are not simple or straightforward. For example, is something considered harassment or discrimination? What is the definition of a “reasonable accommodation”? What is the appropriate way to handle intermittent leave? It is also important that HR professionals realize when a legal issue is beyond their scope and know when to contact an expert or attorney.
- Dual Focus – While it is important that HR advocates for their specific concerns and issues, it is also necessary to enforce management’s policies. Sometimes it can feel like human resources departments are balancing different tasks, which also includes prioritizing the protection of the organization. Dealing with difficult tasks is part of the job. Employees can misunderstand human resources managers, but in an attempt to explain their actions, they could be compromising confidential data and information.
- Confidentiality – HR professionals are required to maintain confidentiality for both management and keep track of employees to make sure that regulations and policies are followed. Human resources departments are required to maintain order and be firm. This is not an easy responsible.
- Problem Solving – Human resources managers have to be able to problem-solve and aid in conflict management. People have to work together in a civil manner, and sometimes HR gets involved in employee or manager conflicts. Having excellent problem-solving skills help HR professionals.
- Roll with Change –Human Resources has to be able to handle states of change, whether it is hiring large groups of employees or managing a major layoff.
Human Resources professionals that can handle these types of tasks will be able to flourish in their careers. It is not a profession for the faint of heart, as there are times when they have to be the bad person and enforce rules and order.
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