One of the greatest attributes an HR practitioner (indeed anyone!) can have is a positive mindset.
This is because HR is often blamed for many of the organisation’s ills – bad management, poor employment practices, stupid initiatives, the list goes on…. but also, because people management is often seen as purely common sense. Largely I agree with this, but have been frequently disappointed over the years at the frequency with which common sense goes out of the window when dealing with people.
So, how can a positive mindset help the HR practitioner to be successful at what s/he does?
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Belief that HR adds value to the business and being clear why.
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Explain to people why this is the case - particularly if they criticise HR.
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A clear understanding of what HR does (and does not) do.
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A focus on outcomes not process.
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Make sure that all HR initiatives contribute something positive to the business i.e. solve a problem that exists – and test this out with your harshest critic before going public.
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Ensure that all HR colleagues are focussed on solutions, understand and can communicate the business benefits of their actions.
These will go a long way to raising your reputation – and the reputation of HR in your organisation.
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