“We are central to the career development of employees, yet we are often too busy to think about our own advancement,” deplores Mike Losey, a leading North American human resources authority. Well versed in coaching techniques, he seeks to motivate his younger colleagues to give their careers a boost. Here are some of his tips:
1- Be knowledgeable
Human resources are well and truly a profession—as for medicine, accounting or the law, all HR professionals must perfectly master their trade’s basic knowledge.
2- Enhance your general knowledge
Very good overall knowledge will naturally put you in a favourable position. Interest yourself in the world of business, and take part in knowledge-building events such as congresses, talks, and workshops. Share your know-how and draw on the experiences of your peers.
3- Be industrious
Work hard! Be energetic and thorough in everything you do, and always follow what you undertake from start to finish.
4- Be proactive
As a human resources professional, don’t limit yourself to just your usual daily tasks. Take the initiative! Remain vigilant, and, if problems arise, position yourself at the heart of the problem-solving process:
- Identifying problems upstream
- Proposing alternative solutions
- Selecting the best solution after discussion
- Considering and preventing the drawbacks of the chosen solution
- Implementing the solution
- Implementation follow-up
- Developing corrective measures, as required
5- Foster change
Human resource management as a field was born in the 20th century, and is still emerging and constantly changing. Disciplines such as talent management and industrial relations are quite recent. Stay on top of things by being attentive to innovations and regularly reviewing your knowledge.
This will allow you to prepare your company to face the challenges that lie in store. Be courageous and ready to make the necessary organizational changes.
6- Practise managing
Due to the authority of their position and their transversal vision, HR professionals are among the best placed to some day become managers. Get involved in running the company by developing an interest in business issues, ask yourself what you would do in management’s place and position yourself as a valued business partner.
7- Be ethical
Don’t compromise your ethics. Be aware that if you lose your credibility, it’s forever. Lead by example and make associates want to support the company culture.
8 – Protect yourself
Set up your own financial parachute—you could need it someday. Be aware of the danger of being at the mercy of your employer. When the time comes to part ways, you should not be linked to your company for strictly financial reasons.
9- Take stock of your career
Have you lost your motivation and feel the need for change? It’s time to do your own assessment to know whether the time is ripe to leave for new horizons.
Weigh the pros and cons: what are the advantages and drawbacks of your current job? Then draft a list of your aspirations in order of priority.
Try to determine whether you could achieve your goals within your company; test the opportunities for advancement, talk about your aspirations, take measures to minimize the difficulties that are weighing heavy on you.
10- Know when it’s time to move on
If these actions are unsuccessful, you should think about moving on. Since you are still on the job, you have an advantage—it’s always easier to find a job when you already have one.
Don’t be in a hurry. Define your ideal job, then target a few companies you’d love to work for and focus all your efforts on them. Distance yourself from the methods used by all job seekers, i.e. mass mailing of CVs and use of general job boards.
Instead, personalize your job application. Take the time to find key people, and work your network to set up interviews. You will surely be dismissed at first, but don’t get discouraged—continue confidently knocking on doors and make a name for yourself with key people. One day, a job will open up and you will be first on the list.
Your career is your business—it’s up to you to take charge of it!
After 30 years spent in the management ranks of multinational corporations, Mike Losey, SPHR and CAE, was president of NAHRMA (North American Human Resource Management Association), WFPMA (World Federation of Personnel Management Associations) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) for more than 10 years. Now retired, he is active in consulting and as a speaker. The “Ten ways to advance your HR career” talk was given at HRPAO 2007 in Toronto.