The CEO is HR
HR is an extension of you, the CEO, it’s not just a department in the company. If you believe in the power of your people, then think of the HR Department as your arm or your leg.
HR is not some “they.” You are HR. You are the (CHRO) Chief Human Resources Officer.
A CEO who excels as a “people person” demonstrates a combination of skills and behaviors that foster strong relationships, motivate teams, and build a positive organizational culture. These include:
Key Skills
- Active Listening
- Fully focuses on understanding employees’ perspectives, needs, and concerns without interrupting or rushing to respond.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Recognizes and manages their own emotions while being attuned to others’ emotions, fostering empathy and effective interactions.
- Effective Communication
- Conveys clear and transparent messages, adapts communication styles to different audiences, and ensures mutual understanding.
- Conflict Resolution
- Mediates disputes fairly and constructively, ensuring issues are resolved while maintaining relationships.
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Invests time in helping employees grow professionally by providing feedback, guidance, and opportunities for development.
- Cultural Competence
- Understands and respects diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity and belonging.
- Influence and Negotiation
- Persuades and inspires others to align with organizational goals while maintaining trust and collaboration.
Key Behaviors
- Approachability
- Creates an open-door environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, or feedback.
- Empathy and Compassion
- Shows genuine care for employees’ well-being and personal challenges, fostering trust and loyalty.
- Transparency
- Builds credibility by being honest about challenges, decisions, and organizational goals.
- Recognition and Appreciation
- Regularly acknowledges employees’ contributions and celebrates achievements.
- Adaptability
- Adjusts to changing circumstances and tailors leadership approaches to meet the needs of different individuals and situations.
- Authenticity
- Leads with integrity and remains true to their values, creating a culture of trust and respect.
- Empowerment
- Delegates effectively, trusts employees to take ownership, and supports their decisions.
- Patience and Resilience
- Maintains composure under pressure and shows understanding when others face difficulties.
- Commitment to Learning
- Actively seeks feedback about their leadership and continuously improves interpersonal skills.
- Focus on Team Success
- Prioritizes collective goals over individual accolades and ensures credit is shared.
If you embrace these now, you’re on your way. If not, no problem. There are several resources that will help you get there (executive coaching, peer advisory groups, etc.).
Once you – the CEO – have identified yourself as the CHRO and can own that, you can establish the type of HR department that will execute all your ideas about engagement of people leading to increased profitability.
