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If business is based on productivity and the people working as
a team of employees determines productivity, then recruitment plays
a leading role in the success of a company's performance. But what
some organizations see as being of significant value to company
structure, other companies see human resource professionals only
as an essential administrative function.
Do we accept it as just the differing perceptions of various individuals,
or is this an issue that needs to be examined and resolved? Perhaps
we can only find answers from inside the HR industry.
The People Profession
Currently defined as the position responsible for implementing people
strategies that are in alignment with organizational vision, we
can certainly see how a diverse interpretation of the role human
resources should play can arise. Not only according to the vision
of each company, but also because of factors such as the individual
industry, management approach and employer's attitude.
But, years of HR experience has told Barbara Ross-Denroche (MA
and Principal at the Centre for Exceptional Leadership in Vancouver,
BC) that there are certain things we should not confuse about this
field and the quality of individuals it requires. "In addition
to key skills such as the ability to influence, execute decisions,
coach and inspire others, it is the unique combination of boldness
and authenticity that enables an HR professional to be successful."
Although the increasing demand for post secondary degrees has now
made education essential to job opportunities, skills acquired through
training do not always suffice as the inherent traits of a person
with 'people' expertise. Unlike the trained qualifications in many
other professions, a good HR professional requires specific personal
attributes demanded in HR practice. However, this is something employers
have to recognize before they can accurately measure an HR professional's
value.
Excerpts from a Personnel
Diary
Because job titles and HR requirement vary depending on the vision
of each company; the everyday life of an HR professional is different.
Not only varying from person to person and from day to day, it is
what Ross-Denroche explains as the day itself being varied, hectic
and demanding. It entails anything from implementing hiring practices
to developing budgets and administering and assessing everything
involving the following
- Leadership and Executive Presence
- Team Building and Team Learning
- Influencing and Communication
- Setting and Achieving Goals
- Change Management
- Counseling and Coaching
- Interviewing and Recruitment
- Career Counseling
- Meetings and Information Management
- Negotiation skills and Conflict Resolution
- Presentation and Training
A multitasking position with such diverse objectives is a reality
faced with constant challenge, yet it is also an opportunity for
an innovative and exciting career. But while the job and it's approach
may vary, Barbara Ross-Denroche reminds us of what she has lived
and learned as a successful HR professional. "There is always
a need to have a clear picture of the vision to be achieved."
A Personnel Perspective
According to the latest Discovery Group survey of HR professionals
for HR professionals, seventy-six per cent reported a strong sense
of personal accomplishment from their job. Similarly, a strong majority
indicated their work contributed to the organization's overall mission,
but only forty one per cent felt human resources had a role in its
strategic planning.
Additionally, two-thirds said the importance of their function
had increased during the last two years and, in today's fluctuating
organizational structure, they cited their major challenges were
managing change, organizational development and employee development.
The people skills, negotiation skills, analytical skills, listening
skills, interpretation of requirements skills, questioning and delivering
skills used in everyday HR practice are also competencies of professional
business consultants.
Despite what anyone else has determined as being the current value
of an HR professional, more than half are stated they were happy
with their career choice. Barbara Ross-Denroche also adds that continuous
learning and awareness is already creating a future role we may
no longer question. "HR professionals are increasingly strategic
players in organizations and this is a very good thing."
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