A successful Human Resource Manager requires the correct knowledge, skills and characteristics to successfully manage human talent and follow the right procedures when it comes to the essential requirements for recruitment, grievance procedures, training, performance evaluations etc.
Characteristics play a big role in understanding human behaviour, using the correct communication methods, understanding diversity and managing change. Without the correct characteristics a Human Resource Manager would not be approachable, trusted or respected by the workforce.
The following are skills and knowledge required by a Human Resource Manager:
·An in debt knowledge of labour and employment laws
·Compensation requirements of employees
·Organisational planning and development
·Recruitment requirements
·Employee relations management
·Safety requirements
·Employee development and engagement
·Communication skills
·Employee coaching skills
·The ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to executive management
·Excellent computer skills
·Good organisational management skills
The following are characteristic of a successful Human Resource Manager:
·Personal Skills
A Human Resource Manager has to constantly interact with employees and therefore has to cultivate qualities to create positive workplace relationships. The Human Resource Manager has to have courtesy, social awareness and maintain dignity when interacting with management, representatives and employees.
· Communication
HR managers must be able to interact effectively with a wide range of people and have excellent communication skills - this also include listening skills.
· Compassion
A Human Resource Manager's empathy is important as they have to work with employees who share information about medical-related issues or need to discuss sensitive matters, such as complaints about workplace harassment.
· Integrity
Basic business principles such as fairness and equity are the foundation for fair employment practices, which is why Human Resource Managers need to keep employment data, organisational strategies and the company's proprietary information confidential.
· Leadership
Human Resource Managers lead by example when they adhere to the organisation's code of conduct in treating employees with respect and by showing other managers how their employee skills can be improved.
AHuman Resource Manager who focuses on improving and developing their knowledge, skills and characteristics make the most successful Human Resource Managers and can make a big difference in the way human resources are managed and utilised to achieve a competitive advantage.
Article by Ananda van der Merwe
References:
Kelly, B. (2010). Characteristics and Qualities of a Personnel Manager.Chron. Retrieved on May 26, 2015, from http://work.chron.com/characteristics-qualities-personnel-manager-21080.html
Heathfield, S.M. No date. Human Resources Manager Job Description. About Money. Retrieved on May 26, 2015, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/samplejobdescriptions/a/Human-Resources-Manager-Job-Description_4.htm
Glasbergen, R. (1998). Job Interview. Glasbergen Cartoon Service. Retrieved on May 26, 2015, from http://www.glasbergen.com/?s=job+interview&submit=Search