HR MANAGEMENT - What attributes make a good HR manager?

Just as everyone remembers a good teacher, we all recognise a good manager. They are the people who make the concept of managing look easier. But the irony is that being a manager is a tough job and those who make it look easy are the ones who are the best at it.

Successful managers are the ones who are skilled at performing a wide range of roles and can bring out the best in their staff. Indeed, it is not enough simply to be the best HR Advisor or Business Partner in the business - you need to be much more than that when you move into management.

This means recognising the personal qualities and skills that those who are already doing a good job as a manager possess.

The people who excel in the industry have three clear attributes: considerable experience, all-round project management skills, and a strong commercial awareness.

And once you unwrap each one of these you will find an assortment of key underlying factors that characterise a good manager, including:

•  considerable experience working in various HR roles

•  excellent working knowledge of employment legislation

•  a solutions-driven approach to business

•  to be focused on the task at hand yet flexible

•  good influencing skills and a confident communicator

•  an ability to make sound business decisions

•  an aptitude for motivating staff

•  tenacity and drive to deal with a demanding workload

HR Managers will often find themselves overseeing more than one project at the same time and working with senior managers from various departments across the organisation � each with their own demands and requirements. Therefore, the ability to manage your time effectively and prioritorise tasks will stand you in good stead.

The importance of having a confident style of management cannot be underestimated, with HR Managers often involved in grievance procedures or pay disputes, for example, which may involve union representatives. So the ability to cope well under pressure is fundamental to the role.

Honesty and transparency are vitally important to employees. If you let your staff know what is expected of them, recognise their efforts and achievements, and make them feel part of the decision making process you will have a motivated and committed team who will be happy to work for you; thereby making you better as a manager by default.

 Source: career-advice.monster.co.uk