The new year is a time for reflection and resolution.
You either reflect on how the year’s been, if you achieved your goals and whether your current path aligns with where you want to be. Or, it’s about getting some resolutions together. Thinking ahead, figuring out your goals, and taking steps to make them happen.
So, as the new year rolls around, HR departments catch up with employees and set work goals for the new year.
But what about some self love for HR? Who is asking you what your goals are for the new year? In other words, who’s in your corner helping you level up?
You might be thinking about taking a setup into a leadership position. Or if you’re already in a leadership position, you might be thinking about how to make a more meaningful impact in your current role.
So as you help employees take stock, you should also arm yourself with the right skills to thrive in the new year.
Being an HR leader is no longer just about supporting people, it’s about driving strategy and being a partner in business transformation. So, what do emerging HR leaders need to arm themselves with to be ready to navigate an increasingly complex business landscape?
Let’s look at some of the basics and key capabilities you need to thrive in HR leadership because mastering the basics can make all the difference. If you can’t get those right, something’s off.
HR 101
Check in and ask yourself, are you still driven by helping people?
Good.
You need a strong desire to help people thrive in HR leadership. Few things are more gratifying than knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life.
Remaining curious is important when it comes to the basics. Asking questions keeps you ahead of employee problems, industry shifts, and your organisation's evolving needs.
Curiosity doesn’t mean you have to change something if it’s not broken. But better questions lead to better solutions. So challenging the status quo and using those insights to uncover people solutions is a great way to show the people around you that you’re ready to level up.
Be a confident communicator
Don’t mince your words.
This doesn’t give you a licence to be rude or insensitive to colleagues, it means being clear and direct when addressing uncomfortable topics. This communicates confidence in your perspective and your ability to address issues effectively.
Because leaders trust employees who speak with clarity and conviction.
Clear communication builds credibility with senior executives and stakeholders. When you articulate your ideas confidently, you foster trust, strengthen relationships, and advocate for the organisation and its employees, all key traits of an effective leader.
Proactive problem solving
The shift from being a policy enforcer to a solution-driven leader helps set you apart in HR. Adopting a "yes, if" as opposed to “okay, and” mindset enables you to navigate challenges.
It positions you as a leader who finds answers and jumps through roadblocks. It’s about being resourceful, collaborative, and outcome-focused, showing commitment to supporting people.
Let’s look at the practical steps to sharpen this approach and improve your problem-solving skills.
Take charge
You create your own luck.
Life just doesn’t land in your lap, you have to go out and create. The same goes for luck.
Observe the leaders around you. What sets them apart? What mindset do they bring to challenges? Pay attention to how they think and act. Emulate those behaviours and adopt that strategic mindset to position yourself for growth.
Volunteer for projects, put your hand up for challenging initiatives and actively expand your skill set. You’ll naturally prepare for the next career step by consistently demonstrating your readiness.
Get comfortable with data
Data is everywhere, shaping decisions, from how you order dinner to how you manage business transformations. To stand out, you need to become more data literate, move beyond gut instincts and start backing your insights with hard numbers.
Start by diving into the data you already have on hand. Interpret the data and see if you can find an interesting way to tell a different story about employees and offer actionable insights.
A networking bee
Building solid relationships with people is vital to advancing anywhere in life, and the same goes for progressing in the HR industry.
So don't wait for connections to happen—make them happen. What’s more, HR leaders often take notice of proactiveness and reward behaviour.
Engage with stakeholders across the organisation, offer your help, and show genuine interest in their challenges. This proactive engagement builds trust and ensures you're top of mind when opportunities arise. Remember, effective networking can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Now, let’s dive into the practical steps you can take to position yourself for leadership roles in HR.
Step up and stand out
You have to put gloves on to catch the ball so to speak. You won’t catch every opportunity, but putting yourself out there consistently ensures you’re in the game.
Speak up in meetings, share insights, and identify gaps you can step into. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room but about being the one who consistently delivers solutions. Because when you’re a reliable contributor, you position yourself as a go-to person for leadership opportunities.
It’s not just about who can shout the loudest, it’s about identifying gaps and stepping in to fill them.
Put yourself out there
They say luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
So once you’ve done the groundwork, take the next step and put yourself out there.
Volunteer for other projects to confidently showcase your expertise. Engage with others to understand their challenges and position yourself as the solution.
Because at the end of the day. other leaders need to see you as someone who solves problems. And when you’re proactive, approachable, and consistently adding value, people and in turn, leadership roles will naturally gravitate your way.
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