Earlier this week whilst working in Hong Kong, I spent time with an old friend who is now the Global HR Leader in a very large organisation. We were talking about developing skills and competencies in HR professionals (something you know I am ALL about), and she said, “I think I can develop their skills and competencies.  It’s the mindset that I focus on.  If I can hire the right mindset, we can develop a good HR Business partner.”

 

In her opinion, the right mindset included:

 

Lifelong Learner - They have to be curious, interested and open to new things.

 

Emotional Intelligence - They have to maintain their state, have empathy for their clients and do it with a sense of calmness or centredness.

 

Resilience - It’s more than just bouncing back from difficult situations.  It’s staying calm in the face of difficulty and not taking the issues personally, staying objective.

 

Suspension of Judgement - This is both about the people and the work.  Looking at the potential in people is not always easy, but necessary when it comes to managing performance, development plans, and succession planning.

 

In Daniel Goleman’s book, Emotional Intelligence, one of his pillars is Self Awareness. However, my friend called it out separately and said at the core of a good HR BP, there must be an acute self awareness and reflective practise to increase it.

 

I’d welcome your thoughts on her thoughts!

#makingworkwork #makingHRwork