Over the course of my career, I have developed values that are essential to creating an effective Human Resources Department. I created a “Value Pyramid of Success”, which depicts the values needed to be a trusted advisor, to both the senior management team and the employees. When either group distrusts you, the effectiveness of your Human Resources function can be greatly diminished.

KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN RESOURCES: Stay current on employment law and write policies and procedures that comply with the law.

BUSINESS ACUMEN: Understanding the business allows you to create human resources solutions that fit in with the business. You’re here to protect the business owners’ profit.

EXPERIENCE: Helps you refine your judgment and stay focused on the company goals.

COMMUNICATION: Be open, honest and build strong ties with employees and the management team.

AMBITION: Seeking a higher purpose for Human Resources helps keep the organization and
employees on track.

INTER-PERSONAL SKILLS: Essential for handling sensitive issues inherent with any employment.

ETHICS: The moral compass of the organization is Human Resources; the top HR executive is
expected to “walk the talk” and be the example of ethics within the organization.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Human Resources is a service organization that provides HR consulting to every department. Attracting and retaining good talent helps organizations win.

INTEGRITY: HR is called upon in many different situations to speak on the company’s behalf, and must represent the company with integrity. Your HR organization is charged with making decisions that determine the fate of others’ employment.

TRUST: If the employees do no trust you there is no chance for you to be effective. Trust is earned by doing what you say you are going to do. Trust is acquired by practicing good faith and fair dealings.

RESULTS-ORIENTED: You have to deliver results. Create solutions to the organization’s Human Resources problems. Keep the good talent. Your role is not there to push paper; but the creation of value.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Understand where the company is financially. Create programs that fit within the company’s growth plans.

RESOURCEFULNESS: The ability to use many different resources to get the information to make good decisions.

WISDOM: The combination of both experience and knowledge used to help you make the right choice for your organization.