Traits of an HR Leader 2020


Ever wondered what a successful HR  leader does? What qualities distinguishes him/her  from the rest? Here are few qualities or characteristics that I thought would highlight out of my experience in the field of Human Resource Management dealing with people behaviors and based on my interactions with HR leaders.

1. Continuous Learning
Any successful HR leader, continuously learn and update themselves  on the new age  skills, changing business scenario and the expectation of the younger generation. They believe that  staying abreast of the latest developments in technology would help them, in mapping the right skills for the right job and they work hard at it. Given, the magnitude of change that businesses go through, it is imperative for an HR to stay at the top of the learning curve consistently. Now that HR professionals claim to be at the table it is important,that we speak the language of business that confirms our participation at the table and be a valuable contributor of decisions. Any HR who has been successful, as a leader has always worked very hard and have done it to stay there.

2. Tech Savvy

Gone are the days where the role was restricted to posting job ads,  drafting disciplinary proceedings, maintaining industrial cordiality. Now the new age successful HR leaders are tech savvy, be it management of employee information or end to end policies and practices in HR are all digitized. Strategies are formulated keeping in mind the larger tech savvy workforce.  I have had the personal experience of transforming a manually operated HR department  to a more robust number driven automatic digitally driven department  in one of the top brands. Successful HR leaders are aware of this change and they adapt themselves to align with it. HR leaders score more when they possess good  technological acumen that also facilitates  a buy- in for them during negotiation with stakeholders of business.

                                 
3. Networking

For successful HR professionals networking is at the helm of affairs and is a top priority. Staying close to the market through networking ensures that you have access to information and talent. Often times successful HR professionals maintain a strong bonding with their fraternity through forums like ISTD, NHRD, SHRM where learning and sharing of information is a common phenomena. In day to day activities the impact of maintaining a strong network is very critical. HR leaders get things done easily and quickly even in the absence of sufficient knowledge or skill but through their network.

4. Looking Into The Mirror

Another important trait that successful HR leaders possess is they are humane in nature even when dealing with a workplace situation. They are aware of what they are doing and are open to giving and receiving feedback. They also constantly self introspect to differentiate the right and wrong behaviors to ensure they exhibit a appropriate behaviour in every situation. Looking at themselves from within helps them to be positive, empathetic and compassionate towards fellow humans and employees in this context.

So, anyone wanting to be a future HR leader must aspire to inculcate certain habits, that help them develop the above mentioned qualities in them and also be informed of traits of 2025 as we thrive in a VUCA world.

Happy Reading!

Leave your Comments in the section below or write to me with your views and feedback.

Manikandan Balasubramanian
HR Consultant,Writer, Blogger, Public Speaker and Social Worker

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Foster Collaboration and Build Culture: A Decade of Cross-Functional Initiatives

Image
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to collaborate across various functions and departments is crucial for the success of any organization. Over my decade-long journey in Human Resource Management, working in both manufacturing and IT sectors, I've had the opportunity to witness and participate in numerous initiatives that promote cross-functional collaboration. These initiatives not only enhance business performance but also play a key role in fostering a positive work culture and building a sense of camaraderie among employees. Let's take a deeper look at some of the initiatives that have made a significant impact. 1.Quality Circles Quality Circles are small groups of employees from various departments who come together to address issues related to quality, productivity, and other operational concerns. These groups are typically voluntary and focus on problem-solving through collective brainstorming and solution implementation. By encouraging employees...
Read more

Transforming Employee Engagement: A Shift from Touchpoints to Touchhearts

Image
In the dynamic landscape of modern business, organizations face a pressing need to move beyond conventional employee engagement practices. Macro-economic shifts and evolving employee preferences, notably among Gen Z, underscore the necessity for a profound transformation in how companies view and interact with their workforce. Jobs are no longer seen merely as a means to meet basic needs or financial obligations. Contemporary employees, particularly the emerging Gen Z workforce, seek meaningful experiences at work. The desire for attention, respect, and a sense of euphoria comparable to high-end retail experiences is increasingly becoming a driving force in employee expectations. The paradigm shift extends to how employees wish to be perceived - not just as workers but as "Customers." This implies a departure from traditional employer-employee relationships towards a model where HR frameworks are agile, adapting seamlessly to the diverse and fluid needs of modern talent. Havi...
Read more

Navigating the Dynamic Realms of HR: A Decade's Reflection

As an HR professional with a decade-long journey spanning both the manufacturing and information technology (IT) sectors, I've witnessed the nuanced dance between human resources and two vastly distinct industries. Each realm comes with its own set of challenges, triumphs, and unique characteristics that shape the HR landscape in profound ways. Embracing Tradition in Manufacturing HR In the world of manufacturing, the heartbeat of HR echoes with the rhythms of tradition. The emphasis on established processes, hierarchies, and a hands-on approach to employee management is palpable. It's a domain where personal connections matter, and the shop floor is as much a social hub as it is a place of production. In manufacturing, the HR role often involves dealing with a diverse workforce, from skilled craftsmen to assembly line workers. Personally, I had the privilege of handling 5 diverse workforce at work, the act Apprentices, Contract labours, Casual employees, Unionised permanent wo...
Read more