| Recently on a hot, late summer afternoon I shared an | | | | plain dumb about politics, but I never really "got it." And |
| iced tea and revealing conversation with a fellow | | | | because I never got politics, NOT having to deal with |
| senior HR colleague. We reminisced back to the | | | | them anymore is one of the huge perks I now enjoy |
| beginning of our careers, asking each other why we | | | | as an entrepreneur! It takes way too much energy and |
| originally decided to enter the human resources field | | | | effort to remember what you said to whom at what |
| several decades ago when it was still known as | | | | time, and then you have to track it all. Just do your job |
| "personnel management." | | | | well and you'll be recognized and rewarded over time. |
| We found as we chatted that our reasons for | | | | A-HA #4). Treat Employees the Way That They |
| choosing HR as our vocation were the same: that we | | | | Want to Be Treated. This is so simple, yet so powerful |
| were challenged by solving people problems and that | | | | to your ability to effectively resolve all of those people |
| we wanted to make a difference in the workplace | | | | problems!! Years ago, I thought that I should treat |
| and the quality of our employees' lives. | | | | employees in the manner that I would like to be |
| After the meeting, I reflected more about the guiding | | | | treated. As time went on, it became apparent to me |
| principles that have served me over the years to | | | | that each individual holds truly unique preferences and |
| excel in the HR field plus upwardly manage my very | | | | priorities. It's downright arrogant to assume that others |
| own career path. Now, I'm sharing with you my 6 | | | | have the same values and beliefs that you hold to be |
| "A-HA's" that can do the same for you. | | | | true. Don't assume that you know this information from |
| A-HA #1). You Can't Be Everybody's Friend. This is a | | | | the beginning. Instead, ask them in your first discussion |
| tough one, particularly for women because we've | | | | of the issue, "What do you expect as an outcome |
| been conditioned to please others as children. | | | | from this meeting?" Then you'll know what you need |
| Managing HR is a balance between being authentic | | | | to do to resolve that employee's issue (or be able to |
| and caring and acting as a sincere resource for your | | | | manage their expectations). |
| employees, but also holding a firm line on doing what's | | | | A-HA #5). Be Results Oriented. Nothing drives me |
| in the Company's best interest when necessary. | | | | crazier than dealing with passive aggressive types |
| Some people never find this critical balance. Of course, | | | | who talk a good game, but never produce. Employees |
| you do build professional relationships with your | | | | come to you to help them solve whatever problems |
| co-workers, though it's best to keep most employees | | | | they are experiencing in the workplace. Make a |
| at "arm's length" so you'll never have to compromise | | | | commitment to get back to the employee within a |
| your role in managing HR. For the most part, keep your | | | | certain timeframe and do your best to honor that |
| personal life separate from your work life. It will pay off | | | | timeline. Follow up and communicate with all parties to |
| for you in the long run. | | | | effectively resolve workplace or employee issues. |
| A-HA #2). Do the Right Thing. Particularly in managing | | | | Communication is paramount to ensuring all involved |
| employee relations issues that include potential | | | | parties are "on the same page." |
| disciplinary action or termination, it's critical to research | | | | A-HA #6). Continue Learning. You know that I'm a big |
| all of the pertinent facts before you decide how to | | | | believer in becoming an expert in your field to |
| proceed. Sometimes even after you have all of the | | | | distinguish yourself from everyone else. In my 30's, I |
| information you need to make an informed decision, it | | | | got my CCP from World at Work, and in my 40's I |
| still boils down to what feels like the right thing to do in | | | | went back to school and got my Master's degree. |
| your gut. After all is said and done, you still have to be | | | | You have continually learn to keep on top of your |
| able to sleep at night! If you follow this rule, you'll be | | | | game. Read voraciously and set your own career |
| able to sleep with a clear conscience. Remember, it's | | | | development path to get where you want to go. |
| all about consistently using integrity as a guiding force in | | | | These guiding principles have served me well in my |
| making your decisions. This is truly one of the key | | | | own career development enabling me to advance to |
| qualities of exceptional HR professionals. | | | | senior level human resources jobs with Fortune 500 |
| A-HA #3). Stay Out of Politics. Being a | | | | companies. My intention in sharing these with you is |
| "straight-shooter," company politics were never of | | | | that you'll incorporate some of my principles into ones |
| interest to me. In my golf game, I even putt greens with | | | | you already practice to take you to the next level in |
| a clear line of sight, not attempting to figure out the | | | | managing your own career path. |
| elevations and curves! Maybe I am a little naive or just | | | | |