Being a successful Human Resource leader is no easy task.
The challenges are many and varied – and sometimes maintaining both your sanity and your effectiveness can test even the most accomplished leader!
All companies know their employees are usually their most important assets.
And fortunately, the more time you spend working directly with your team on various projects – the sooner you will build a better understanding of what each person’s skill sets are.
You will be able to identify gaps, ensure people are in the right roles, and know when it’s time to adjust certain systems and processes.
When running a department, it is easy to become consumed by the many distractions.
Therefore, to be a successful Human Resource leader, you not only need to understand the basic principles of business best practices – you also need to be proactive and strategically develop your influence over your organisation.
By getting fully involved with your team, you will earn their respect – and also improve your ability to fulfil the organisation’s ultimate vision.
So, to help HR leaders better cope with the challenges of leadership when dealing with employment and recruitment issues, here are some further guidelines for leadership success:
- Spread the leadership burden
Always surround yourself with good people who share your vision. By working closely with others who are also competent and committed to organisational success – you will find yourself more confident and under much less pressure. Also, try holding regular meetings and the odd staff retreat to discuss and renew the organisation’s vision. This will help consolidate the group and remind yourself why you are doing the job in the first place.
- See the ‘bigger picture’
Seeing the ‘bigger picture’ is critical when coping with the challenges of leadership. It is also vital for good decision-making. Breaking down the ‘silos’ between departments will enable you to work right across the organisation – effectively harnessing previously untapped resources.
- Stay focused and prioritise
Effective focus as a leader comes from knowing what is most important – and choosing to concentrate on that first. A good leader prioritises and stays fully focused by asking themselves at the beginning of each working day: ‘What is the most important thing we need to accomplish today?’ They also make sure their team knows the answer.
- Be a good listener
Whether you are the leader of an entire organisation or a small team – it is important to set aside time to speak directly to your team members on a one-to-one basis. Also, by allowing your team members to speak candidly and without interruption, you will not only gain their respect – but also help resolve any complaints and grievances.
- Use Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be hugely important for a leader when coping with day-to-day challenges. By being self-aware, able to self-regulate, and having social awareness – you will be much better able to receive honest feedback from your staff. And honest feedback breeds trust and confidence within any team.
In a nutshell, these skills are fundamental to the building, negotiation and day-to-day running of Human Resources’ functions.
However, HR leaders need more than just a basic knowledge of HR roles, employment and labour law.
Business acumen is also essential – especially as more and more organisations are now turning to leaders who can manage human capital from a strategic point of view.
Thus, a good business foundation, combined with the above guidelines, will enable most HR leaders to better solve the challenges involved with being an effective leader.