In modern business landscape, only a few sectors are as dynamic as Human Resources (HR) management. Hence, it comes as no surprise that HR management is poised for a rise, with a projected 9% increase in employment by the year 2030, as reported by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.

At the helm of this journey stand the senior HR managers. With their unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication, they serve as the linchpins of success, juggling a myriad of responsibilities with finesse and precision.

From administration to conflict resolution, senior HR managers shoulder a multitude of tasks, each more vital than the last. Whether conducting employee training sessions or investigating allegations of misconduct, they operate at the intersection of people and policy, ensuring that the wheels of progress continue to turn unabated.

Indeed, these leaders are the very lifeblood of organisational success, their tireless efforts laying the foundation for a thriving and inclusive workplace culture. As they navigate the complexities of modern business, possessing a diverse set of interpersonal skills becomes not merely a luxury, but an absolute necessity.

Therefore, as International HR Day is just around the corner, we thought of discussing the top 10 skills that companies seek in their Senior HR leaders. From the timeless virtues of active listening to the cutting-edge realm of tech and digital savvy skills, these skills represent the cornerstone of HR excellence in the 21st century.

Top 10 essential skills for senior HR practitioners

1. Active listening skills

Individuals spend 55% of their day listening, yet retain only 17-25% of information. Active listening, vital in HR, entails understanding, responding, and retaining. Senior HR professionals must master this skill, maintaining eye contact, showing interest nonverbally, withholding judgment, asking questions, taking notes, and offering feedback. These strategies enhance communication, fostering engagement and productivity among employees.

2. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills, crucial for senior HR professionals, enable effective verbal and nonverbal communication. Integral to HR roles, these skills foster human connections with employees throughout their journey within the organisation. Features include approachability, both emotionally and physically, fostering ease during interactions, and balancing professionalism with friendliness.

3. Communication skills

Effective communication is paramount for senior HR professionals. It goes beyond casual conversation, necessitating validation before expression. Proficiency in this skill influences crucial HR actions such as employee advocacy, impacting retention rates. Mastering communication can sway an employee's decision, highlighting its importance in HR competencies and shaping organisational culture for a cohesive, productive environment.

4. Flexibility

HR leaders are integral members of the CXO suite, influencing all organisational decisions. Adaptability and flexibility are key competencies, driving the constant evolution of company policies. They must stay vigilant, sourcing innovative strategies to enhance employee engagement and productivity. Even if it entails overturning existing processes, they are poised to introduce novel policies and procedures.

5. Learning and unlearning 

Learning and unlearning are crucial competencies in the field of HR. Unlearning involves shedding outdated skills and beliefs to embrace new ones. Senior HR professionals, as well as all stakeholders in the field, must excel in unlearning to remain effective. Investing in HR-focused learning programs is essential for departmental growth. HR individuals must actively seek new trends and update their skills to stay relevant.

6. Emotional intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EI), a pivotal HR competency, has surged in popularity. It is defined as adeptly managing, understanding, and expressing emotions, particularly shining in high-pressure scenarios. EI enhances conflict resolution, motivation, and emotional detachment in professional settings. EI fosters collaboration and synergy among teams, as noted in a 2003 Harvard Business Review article, which identifies EI as comprising 80% of top competencies for organizational excellence. It's no surprise that EI ranks among the paramount HR competencies, shaping top performers and nurturing robust workplace dynamics.

7. Tech and digital savvy 

The HR industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in technological advancements over the past decade. Gone are the days when HR professionals manually sifted through resumes and organised interviews. Today, AI automates initial recruitment processes, revolutionizing efficiency. Time sheets for productivity measurement are relics of the past, replaced by smart tools that offer real-time insights. In this landscape, HR technological proficiency has emerged as a pivotal skill for professionals to excel and lead.

8. Critical thinking 

Critical thinking, vital in HR, entails analysing evidence to solve problems impartially. It fosters methodical problem-solving, devoid of biases. By honing this skill, employees and management trust you to address grievances effectively.

9. Analytical skills

Analytical expertise, driven by tech proficiency, enables HR to utilise data for informed decisions. With adequate tools, HR uncovers insights into employee behaviour, productivity, and workplace trends, offering strategic advantages. As HR embraces analytics, solutions become more efficient. Investing in tech tools is crucial, facilitating analytical transformation and optimising processes for organizational success.

10. Conflict resolution 

Senior HR professionals must adeptly resolve conflicts between employees or between employees and management. De-escalating tension and facilitating reasonable consensus are crucial responsibilities. Conflict resolution, a fundamental HR competency, demands effective communication and mediation skills to maintain a harmonious workplace environment conducive to productivity and collaboration.

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How to be an exceptional HR professional

• Stay ahead by mastering employment laws and regulations tailored to your country, state, and industry. Be vigilant about legislative updates to anticipate their effects on your organisation and staff.
• Fostering a positive workplace culture is vital for drawing in top talent and retaining employees. Key strategies include implementing employee engagement programs, fostering open communication, scheduling regular check-ins, and providing avenues for ongoing professional growth.
• HR technology streamlines tasks, tracks metrics, and oversees talent pipelines, aiding HR managers. It prioritises objectives and optimises business functions beyond HR, such as managing corporate travel programs. Software facilitates invoice management, accesses corporate rates, and boosts policy compliance. Integration capabilities ensure seamless data flow from various tools and platforms, fostering efficiency.
• As an HR manager, your role involves crafting robust teams to drive business success. Prioritise building rapport with core team members and existing staff while ensuring your recruitment strategy aligns with company culture and values.
• Prioritise continuous learning and development, engaging in HR conferences, relevant courses, certifications, team feedback, and researching the latest HR practices to stay informed and enhance their expertise.

Here's to a future where HR professionals continue to shape workplaces that inspire, innovate, and elevate the human experience. Happy International HR Day!