Human Resources specialize in the art of maintaining the principal’s office. While some HR specialists relish this role, many look to break free from that stereotype and have a direct impact on their company’s direction before implementing it. Read these books if you fall into the latter category.
HR on Purpose!!
Many Human Resources Professionals will tell you their job is simply putting out fires. Addressing this statement and debunking those standard beliefs are Steven Brown’s goals in his book, “HR on Purpose!!,”
Brown states that if people in HR want others taking them seriously, they must take a proactive stance rather than a reactionary stumble .Indications that others do not view you from a strategic vantage point include a view of HR as people to call on only when there is an HR related problem to address.
When others view your role in HR as insular, myopic and totally lacking visionary thinking, no one will seek your opinion in other company related matters.
Brown suggests stepping back to analyze where company components and influential people interact. Once you have this perspective, you can observe the interaction between people and components to get a better idea of the company culture from the employee’s view.
Good HR staffing agencies can tell you how to do this. Getting out of your office and its comfortable atmosphere will allow you to step directly into the daily life of any company worker. Observing and understanding culture is not a company concept to each employee happens when you physically occupy a better position to view the lofty concept of company culture.
A company’s culture is the main reason employees leave or stay with your company. When employee retention levels remain your bailiwick in HR, it behoves you to fully understand what company culture does to directly affect retention rates as you will be the one called on the carpet to explain poor retention levels
Brown’s explanation of how to avoid going over to the “dark side” where you no longer relate to people you work with is quite effective. He relies on four key elements.
- Remember That Everyone Has Value
- Surround Yourself with Positive People
- Have an Accountability Partner
- Be the Light in the Dark
Look for Brown’s stories about his background and what is hanging over the visitor’s chair in his office.
Start With Why?
Simon Sinek, who authored “Start With Why,” asks probing questions that are almost disturbing in their nature. Sinek points out that most people can tell you what they do and how they do it. When you inquire as to why they do their job, many folks stumble, you will hear responses that include monetary reasons or a need to do something each day.
Sinek utilizes the Golden Circle method to explain the biology that human beings use to make decisions. He states that the outer circle of what you do corresponds to the neo cortex portion of the brain. The middle circle represents how you do your job while the inner asks the questions about why you do your job. Both circles correspond to the limbic portion of the brain, the middle area responsible for feelings such as loyalty and trust.
While the neocortex has language capabilities, the limbic area does not have access to form words explaining what most people end up calling a gut feeling.
When you start each day with a clear purpose and you know why you will do your job each day it makes you happy and effective in your job. Sinek points out that most people live their lives by accident. Things happen, they react, accept a job offer, get married but find little fulfillment in reacting to events around them.
Fulfillment results from answering why you choose things in your life. Not only careers but relationships, community involvement and where you live.
Sinek makes the valid point that employers who help their workers understand why their work has value and importance they will have a better workforce and less turnover.
HR staffing agencies offer excellent insight into how choice affects a person’s outlook. Look for your staffing agency in Orange County to help you understand your workforce from a different point of view.
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