Characteristics Of A Human Resource Manager - Work

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics description of careers in HR management suggests that analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to lead individuals and groups, and clear communication are qualities important for successful HR managers. Equally important are characteristics that enable HR managers to strike a balance between being professional yet approachable, because they have a responsibility to support the entire workforce.

Expertise

Characteristics of HR manager functions is partly based on a generalist's knowledge of HR disciplines: compensation and benefits, safety and risk management, employee relations, recruitment and selection, and training and development. To supervise HR specialists in each of the disciplines, an HR manager must have extensive knowledge of these areas. The HR manager typically is the expert in both HR management and HR processes.

Communication Expectations

HR managers have strong communication skills regardless of the audience, interacting effectively with a wide range of people, executives, staff, suppliers, colleagues and applicants. An HR manager must have a way with words, regardless of the audience. Another, equally important element of an HR manager's role is to listen, the most important aspect of communication. Employees' comments about the workplace should be given as much serious consideration and respect as the chief executives' speeches about organizational strategy.

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Involving Compassion

Terminating employees is probably an HR manager's least favored task, but she must balance professionalism with compassion to handle employee terminations in the best possible way, according to Toppr. An HR manager's empathy is also welcomed by employees who share information about medical-related issues requiring a leave of absence or need to discuss sensitive matters, such as complaints about workplace harassment.

Integrity in HR

HR can get pretty tricky and complicated at times, so characteristics of human resource management must include integrity. HR managers count on their integrity to uphold equal employment opportunity. Basic business principles such as fairness and equity are the foundation for fair employment practices, and it takes clear understanding of employment and labor law to support compliance with laws that regulate the workplace. In addition, HR managers have access to employment data, organizational strategy and the company's proprietary information, and depend on their sense of integrity to maintain strict confidentiality.

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Leadership Skills in HR

In addition to understanding human behavior, HR personality traits include being a good leader. As managers of the department that recruits workers and provides recommendations for hiring workers, they are able to lead other department managers by example. For example, an HR manager who is committed to training and development for the company's employees sets an example and demonstrates to other department managers the value of improving skills of existing employees. HR managers also lead by example when they adhere to the organization's code of conduct in treating employees with respect.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Human Resources Manager

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Resources

• ExploreHR.org: Characteristics of Effective HRD Managers

Chron Contributor