Hello, long time no see

I have worked in various HR roles for over the last 10 years. It was the profession that I chased following my first work experience in the head office of that famous piri-piri chicken restaurant chain (No names mentioned ;p). After following through on a HR specific degree and after securing my first real job as a L+D assistant I realised there was a whole lot more to this gig than just responding to emails, filing and sending out birthday cards (that chicken chain sent every employee a personalised and signed birthday card).

that famous piri-piri chicken restaurant chain

I saw an old manager on the pages of people magazine and I had to send a message to congratulate him – it was exciting to hear from a past colleague I’ve worked with and to see their career going from strength to strength.

The insert spoke about L+D being in danger of getting left behind if we don’t act as an “engineer in helping the business analyse challenges and opportunities”. Although L+D directed, this can definitely be applied across the HR generalist function (which I now operate within) and is a rule I try to apply in my day-to-day role as I’m sure it is for everybody working in HR and for most managers. HR in most organisations has always been reactive but more and more HR managers like me are trying to educate employees in being proactive and thinking about outcome of their actions. How we do this though has to change; training is not enough and it’s about each individual’s mind-set and behaviour and getting managers to think about the best way for them and the organisation to tackle concerns. Reading this small insert from someone I know who has a genuine passion in the role has inspired me and made a difference to my career and continuing to think ahead for the future of HR.

HR in most organisations has always been reactive

What I want to get across is that we are shaped by our past experiences and those we come in to contact with but we are responsible for how we shape the experiences of those we then go on to meet and direct in the workplace. Ultimately we need to look ahead at the outcome we want if we don’t want to become irrelevant.

It’s all very 'circle of life'...

How have you been shaped by your past experiences and how has that affected how you are in your current position? Comment below

Nb/ birthday cards from your work place are highly valued and appreciated, that chicken shop (no names mentioned) gesture has never left me.