I’m probably considered an HR veteran by many standards. I can own up to having spent 25 years working in the people management profession, and I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to operate at a senior level for most of my career. As I come into contact with a range of organisations, I’m always on the lookout for people who have the potential to succeed at the highest level in our profession.
Yet, with a few notable exceptions, I see far too few pushing to reach the top. It may be that people are simply reserved – but sometimes it pays to be a bit more up-front if you want to be successful. I’ve picked up a number of tips along the way that have helped to fast-forward my career that I’d recommend to anyone who wants to make an impact and be noticed.
Of course, with many organisations cutting back, and turnover at an all-time low, those people with ambition will probably have to work even harder to get noticed and achieve that elusive promotion. All the more reason to read on…
First, don’t take problems to your boss – take solutions. Yes, your boss is there to help you resolve tricky issues, but there’s nothing more frustrating than being presented with problems all the time without any thought being given to their possible resolutions. Even if ideas are not adopted it’s always far more impressive to be presented with problems along with ideas on how they could be tackled.
Second, network widely. I’m always pleased when I come across someone who is not only well networked inside their own organisation but also has a good sense of what people are doing in other businesses or sectors.
Third, read the trade press and broadsheets. Show an understanding of the business context you work within. In the public sector, this means understanding the policy direction of the main political parties. In the private sector, it’s about knowing how the economy is operating, what your shareholder and customer expectations are and how the sector is performing.
Fourth, take an interest in your employer’s business plan and other corporate issues. Find a way of letting your bosses know that you’ve read and understood the plans and their impact on future direction of travel. Have ideas about what this means in terms of people management implications – and let them be known.
Fifth, be thoughtful and knowledgeable. People will respect you for giving sound, logical advice and reasoned arguments. And if you don’t know something, don’t be afraid simply to say that the issue is complex and you need to give it some thought.
Lastly, enter awards and write articles – even if it’s for an internal newsletter. Get yourself known and recognised as someone who has a view and is prepared to contribute. In other words, don’t be shy of being noticed.
There’s a lot of debate in the media about the role, value and position of HR. We really need to develop strong and credible leaders of our function if we’re to gain ground. I accept that it’s incumbent on organisations to spot and develop talent, but there is also plenty of scope for taking individual responsibility. For those that want to get ahead, let yourself be heard and seen!