HR doesn’t have to be hard
It’s not uncommon to see posts on LinkedIn declaring that HR is one of the hardest jobs in an organisation. Often, these posts go viral, with hundreds of likes and comments agreeing with the sentiment. But here’s the truth: HR isn’t inherently harder than any other role in the organisation. Every role has its unique challenges, and simply stating how hard the job is doesn’t make it easier for anyone.
The real change comes from within—from how HR professionals approach their roles and how they lead with purpose, clarity, and intentionality. Let’s explore a few key strategies to make HR leadership more effective and less overwhelming.
1. Lead with purpose: Be clear on where you spend your time
At the core of effective HR leadership is purposeful decision-making. Too often, HR leaders feel the need to say “yes” to every request, attend every meeting, and be involved in every project. This is not only unsustainable but also counterproductive.
To lead effectively, you must:
Learn to say no: Prioritise tasks that align with your strategic goals.
Set boundaries: People-pleasing tendencies might seem helpful in the moment but ultimately dilute your focus and effectiveness.
Focus on impact: Invest your time and energy in activities that drive real change and value for the organisation.
2. Be a trusted partner, not a doer
Your role as an HR leader is not to do the job for other leaders in the organisation—it’s to enable them to succeed. Think of yourself as a strategic partner who brings expertise to the table, supporting others to be their best without taking on their responsibilities.
Key reminders:
Empower leaders: Provide tools, guidance, and support to help them excel in their roles.
Avoid overstepping: Focus on enabling rather than taking over tasks.
Build trust: Establish yourself as a credible, reliable partner who enhances leadership capability across the organisation.
3. Step back and reflect
Human beings are inherently messy, and emotions can run high in any workplace. As an HR leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the drama and challenges of others, but doing so often detracts from your ability to provide meaningful support.
Here’s how to stay grounded:
Take a step back: Create space for reflection before reacting to challenging situations.
Stay objective: Avoid getting entangled in emotional dynamics; instead, focus on solutions.
Support with clarity: Identify where you can add the most value and work strategically to drive results.
Tools for HR Leaders: The CHRO Impact Framework
For senior HR leaders, structured support can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of their roles. The CHRO Impact Framework is designed to help leaders reflect, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for growth. It provides practical tools and strategies to:
Assess current capabilities: Understand where you excel and where improvement is needed.
Develop new behaviours: Embrace the discomfort of trying new approaches to enhance effectiveness.
Drive impact: Align your actions with organisational goals to maximise your influence.
HR doesn’t have to be hard – take the next step
Leading in HR doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By being intentional with your time, focusing on partnership overdoing, and giving yourself space to reflect, you can transform how you approach your role.
If you’re interested in learning more about the CHRO Impact Framework or want to discuss how to enhance your leadership capabilities, simply request a free copy of the framework. If you have questions or want to explore support options? Get in touch and schedule a chat—I’d love to hear from you.
