As an HR professional, you are already playing a variety of roles: co-worker, mentor, managerial liaison, and more. But as an HR manager, you must also become an effective leader. Indeed, it is probably better to think of yourself as a leader, rather than as a mere manager. As the HR leader, the depth and breadth of what you know, and how well you apply this knowledge to practical situations, is crucially important. Your knowledge will empower you to become an effective and competent leader. Bear in mind, though, that the successful HR leader's competencies are not only acquired abilities, but inherent talents as well. The basic competencies are leadership, intuition, and the ability to manage relationships successfully. It is the combination of these attributes in a given individual which largely determines his or her effectiveness as an HR leader.
Self-Empowerment
Self-empowerment implies being responsible for yourself. Self-empowered HR leaders will never allow the management to baby them. They will not only assert, but will also hold on to, their power at all moments. While aiming to get the work done, true HR leaders also try to advance and develop their own careers. Self-empowerment for the HR manager translates as the ability to recognize and seize the right opportunities to perform well. The value of self-empowerment for an HR manager is indisputable. Self-empowerment can be obtained through:
- a positive attitude
- harmonious relations with co-workers
- aiming for greater achievements
- faith in oneself as well as in others
- a receptive and open mind
- self-discipline
- understanding others
Intuitive thinking entails the correct use of the separate and distinct functions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Intuitive thinking requires that the right brain and left brain work together as a team. Used properly, intuitive thinking allows the successful HR manager to employ his or her innate thinking capabilities to optimum effect.
HR professionals concentrate on straight, analytical thinking and therefore need both left- and right-brain thinking to be successful. By integrating the two hemispheres seamlessly, successful HR professionals become more creative and better able to think outside the box, which in turn allows them to assist their organizations in climbing to ever greater heights.
Adopt a Few Key HR Strategies:
As the new HR manager and leader, seek opportunities and capitalize on them to make yourself the most successful HR manager you can be. Adopting the following strategies will help you achieve greater success:
Properly enhance your skills
- Be a team builder
- Be proactive rather than reactive
- Hone effective communication skills
Becoming both a successful HR manager and a great leader will require not only the acquisition of the aforementioned skills, but also a great degree of patience, persistence, and will power. By meeting your own challenges head-on, you will encourage your employees to take on challenges of their own, which will build courage and confidence for them as individuals and for the entire team.
