10 Things That Make a Difference in an HR Career

By Billy Sims

My career has spanned over 40+ years beginning with working in the underwriting department, moving into Human Resources for the next 35 years, and finally serving as a senior executive in the operations area for one of the leading life insurance companies. During this time, I had many positive and negative experiences. Developing into a leader in the Human Resource profession took many twists and turns which all helped me to grow in my career and make a difference with our employees and our organization.

The following are my Top 10 “Line of Sight” suggestions to any Human Resource Professional as they go through their career and develop as a leader in HR.

1. Care about your people. You must care about both your internal HR team and the many employees that you serve. As HR Professionals we need to show that we care about employees by showing respect and concern, both professionally and personally. 
2. HR staff will be held to a higher standard than most. Due to the nature of your job, you need to always have a high benchmark for your ethics and work performance. Be mindful that others are watching and be the leader you are expected to be.
3. Be a positive light in your organization.  You should be a person that is an encourager that helps to make an organization and its people better. Positive and productive feedback will help people  grow, feel appreciated, and boost their performance.
4. Train, educate, and develop/coach your team.  Your team needs to have the depth and understanding of a very complex world of laws, regulations, and rules to help guide and navigate your organization. Professional certifications, i.e. SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, CBP, CCP, CEBS, etc., will help build a foundation where they can be recognized as having the skills to be part of a contemporary HR function.
5. Develop the confidence of your management team. When you know your business and spend time with your team in their office/on their floor/or in their area, they will grow in trust, respect, and appreciation. This is very powerful in becoming a go-to business partner and not just an administrator type. You need to be sought out for advice and become a real partner with line management.
6. Be visibly engaged in company activities.  Set the example by being involved and engaged with activities within your organization, this will help to set the tone and culture for your employees.  This facilitates building a bond that really makes a difference in an organization.
7. Manage your health program with the motto “No one loves our employees like us!”  All the players and vendors in the health system – employee benefits brokers, TPAs, Health Insurers, PBMs, providers, medical supply companies, and pharmaceutical companies – have their own agenda.  You must put together the right game plan for your organization, employees and their families to provide the best health benefits possible within a reasonable cost.  (The #1 cause of bankruptcies in America is healthcare cost.  Often it is the lack of transparency and unexpected cost that causes this, even with employees that have a company sponsored health plan.) Employees must become educated and be proactive consumers to aid in managing this cost.
8. Be involved in your community and profession. Set a positive example for your employees and organization by being involved with your community, connect with other businesses, and engage with professional associations.
9. Don’t be afraid to make the tough decisions.  The right decision is not always popular, but it is “the right decision”.  Top executives are looking for this strength in their HR team.
10. Be passionate and excited about the world of HR.  Continue to learn all aspects of HR, hire the best and brightest with good people skills and tech skills, and develop them to create the impact on the organization you expect. (Be passionate and excited or get into another profession!)

Expectations are high from your employees and your organization. These ten things will help you meet and exceed these expectations. Love your people, develop your skills, and enjoy your career as an HR professional. Resources such as the HR Professionals Magazine is a great tool in staying on top of the best practices for a contemporary HR environment.