The skills that are needed to be a really good HR manager can not be understated. The role is not simply just administering payroll and ensuring policies are adhered to. These are the bare minimum that is expected of someone working in HR; however, if you want to be an exceptional HR manager, there are some other specific qualities that you need.
Ability to adapt and innovate
HR is certainly not a job for you if you are someone who is against change. Part of your role will be to look for new systems and software that will help everyone do their jobs better and more efficiently whilst encouraging those who might be dragging their feet a little to get on board with new ways of working. There are some fantastic software systems for HR teams which you will also want to implement, in order to make your own tasks, such as payroll, much easier and less time-consuming.
Focus on each employee
One mistake that some HR teams make is focussing too much on recruitment and onboarding new employees but forgetting about the members of staff who have been at the company for a while. For these employees, you should be looking at how to get the best out of them. How to recognise their achievements and hard work and how to help them upskill. You should know what the aspirations of the staff members are so that you can support them in climbing the ladder and developing their skills. Each person should be treated as an individual with different specialisms and needs, and a great HR manager will be able to support each employee in a way that works best for them.
Passion and genuine care
When you are dealing with law and policies and ensuring that everything is kept above board, it can feel like a bit of a dull, never ending process at times. A good HR manager knows the various policies and is up to date on the latest laws, but an excellent HR manager can enforce these in a positive, confident, and warm way that works for everyone. It might be difficult to find a specific passion for policies, but a passion for wanting to improve a workplace and get the best out of people is a real must if you want to thrive in the HR world.
Communication
There may be times when you are having to have difficult conversations with people, and that is certainly not something that comes easily. You may have to manage conflict and be a peacekeeper between employer and employee when discussing changes in policy. You need the ability to listen and make the staff feel heard and supported. It’s not something natural to everyone.
If you have these qualities and are willing to work at it, you could become an excellent HR manager and make a real difference in the lives of so many employees.
Thanks for this article. The HR function in business has undergone a huge transformation over the last decade, moving from a functional role to being embedded in the overall strategy and direction of a business. Lots of good insights into what makes a good HR manager.