If you’re just starting out as an HR professional or you’ve recently transferred to a different company, it’s natural to be concerned about establishing your reputation. You want things to get off to a great start, and it may seem daunting to wait years to gain recognition for the quality of your work.
If you’re looking to gain credibility, there are a few things you can do to jumpstart that process:
1. Be empathetic, but don’t go over the top
You want to be as professional as possible, but an attitude that could be considered over the top could create the impression that you’re unfriendly. Even if you don’t agree with the feelings of others, it’s important to acknowledge those feelings in a way that doesn’t invalidate them. Don’t go over the top with your own displays of emotion, as being too open can actually compromise your professional identity.
2. Become a better listener
Are you a great listener, or a great responder? These concepts aren’t mutually exclusive – they’re equally as important. When you’re under pressure and people continue to bark requests at you, you might feel like shutting down. In one ear and out the other may help the day go by faster, but it won’t make you productive. When someone is speaking with you, don’t multitask. Stop what you’re doing and take a few seconds to hear everyone out.
3. Update your HR credentials
Not all HR positions require a certification, but it’s never a bad idea to get one. If you already have one, consider updating it. As an HR professional, you know how difficult scheduling can be. If you don’t have enough free time to attend physical classes, you can always take HR courses online and complete the material when you have time.
4. Give more congratulations
When things are going well, your first reaction might be to let out a big sigh of relief. This isn’t always enough. Make sure you give credit where credit is due. Celebrate the successesof your colleagues, and the successes of the employees who do such great work for your company.
5. Master the art of constructive criticism
An unfortunate part of being an HR professional is having to break bad news from time to time. Nobody likes to be the one to give bad feedback, but it’s a necessary part of your job. It’s possible to give criticism without hurting someone’s feelings. Before you deliver the criticism, make sure you aren’t personally angry. Understand how the other person is feeling, and give them a chance to explain and ask questions.
6. Hold yourself to high ethical standards
It’s great to have conversations in the workplace, but you’d be surprised how quickly some conversations can turn into gossip. This is especially true when stress is high and people are beginning to feel burned out. Be cautious what you say about others. Even if something seems innocent on the surface, you could inadvertently be breeching the privacy of employees by sharing sensitive information.
7. Know when “No” is the wrong answer
You cannot possibly accommodate every request. You might love to help facilitate a six month paid vacation for everyone in the office, but that’s simply not on the cards. Instead of responding with a flat out “no”, be prepared to offer some alternatives. People won’t dread making these requests if you understand that you’re willing to accommodate them to the best of your ability.
Becoming a better HR professional is a learning process, and it’s a process that will continue throughout the entirety of your career. Start by implementing small changes until you start to see the positive ways these charges are impacting your professional life.
