What it Takes to be an Effective HR Manager

“Human resources isn’t a thing we do. It’s a thing that runs our business.” An organization that possesses a solid workforce is determined by the human resource management team that has to run the company perfectly. Just as an educational institution is headed by a principal, similarly an HR manager is like the backbone of an organization. A successful HR manager skillfully manages to bring out the best potential in their staff. Accomplishment of the objectives depends completely on the functionality of the workforce. An HR manager is an expert in recognizing the true mettle of staff.

Let’s discuss a list of essential skills that make up for an effective HR manager.

Essentials to be an effective HR Manager:

1.      Organizational skills: To begin with, an HR manager must possess great organizational skills. This job requires a high level of multitasking, therefore, the HR leader must be efficient enough to manage tasks from recruitment to motivation. HR manager plays a key role in shaping the career of employees.

2.      Knowledge bank: An HR manager must have comprehensive knowledge about the key tasks of an organization. They should be well versed with the principles and theories of HR management and their application in any organization. They must also be conversant with the latest HR tools & techniques, if required, even go for their own upskilling.

3.      Motivational factor: An effective HR manager must be able to relate with the employees. Correct guidance and motivation can lead the employees to achieve their targets efficiently, and happily. Effective motivation helps the employees in striving for better performance and overcoming hurdles. HR professionals should always strive to give due recognition to employee performance.

4.      Great communication skills: The process of getting the tasks accomplished and sharing ideas demand effective communication abilities on part of the HR leaders. Good communication helps the employees to get a better insight of the company’s goals, so that they can work in accordance.

5.      Proactive: An HR manager should be sharp enough to assess the requirements and must be capable enough to address them before the obstacles become big. Analytical power should be there so that an HR manager knows about the priorities. They should know whom to hire and promote by using their intuitive and intellectual abilities.

6.      Negotiation power: An HR manager faces a large number of problems (including that of employees) in the work area. One of them is what we call the Grey area - a situation where an HR manager is indecisive about the issues such as indiscrimination, harassment and politics. It requires excellent skills to deal with such situations. Also, an HR manager should possess considerable negotiation skills to find a common ground of agreement between the opposing parties.

7.      Ethics follower: HR leader is the whole sole reflection of the organization. Their areas of operation involve communications at every management level. So, HR managers are expected to be ethical to maintain confidentiality. They should be discreet in decision making and refrain from communication with any unauthorized individuals.

8.      Higher productivity levels: The responsibility of being an HR manager is no easy task. They need to maintain higher productivity levels to achieve the company’s targets. Their problem solving skills must be brilliant at conflict management.

9.      Cope with change management: Hierarchical changes and policy changes require an HR manager to always be on their toes and synchronize the tasks as and when the situation arises.

An HR manager carries a lot of responsibility in an organization and to be relevant, they require a lot of skills and knowledge to run the human resource management department effectively. Professionals looking build their career in HR Management can choose from a range of human resourcemanagement courses.