Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fortress HR

Human Resources pros get their hands dirty. We're the first ones through the wall because no one else wants to go first. We confront issues head on and look people in the eye when everyone else would prefer to stare at their shoes or shuffle their feet. We get paid to handle difficult employee issues, and we better have the intestinal fortitude to get the job done or we need to get out of the way.

We're under a different type of pressure...and we have to be strong.

I Could Never Do Your Job
How many times have you heard this phrase? It's a compliment. It is perhaps the ultimate validation of the work we do. It means another leader in the organization has just gone through a complex situation with one of their staff members and you "somehow" helped them get through it all. That's when the light bulb comes on, and they realize just how valuable, and challenging, the work is that you do day after day.

Make The Tough Call
Often times leaders come to us and are unclear what to do next. They're frustrated, confused, and sometimes even angry. They aren't supposed to have all the answers, nor are they expected to be current on how the organization is handling issues similar to theirs...that's HR's job.

We are expected to guide them, support and coach them, and ultimately make the difficult decisions that have to be made. That means sometimes we need to take action against people we've worked with for a long time.

Sometimes that means confronting people we respect and trust, but who have lost their way. The work we do is so different from the other members of the leadership team.

We're under a different type of pressure...and we have to be strong.

How About You
Managing stress is something HR pros talk a lot about...but usually not about supporting HR. How do you cope with the unique pressure you face day after day? Not only is HR strong on the front line...we're strong supporters of one another when needed. Feel free to reach out anytime.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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