interview
THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE SOLUTIONS WAS REWARDING,
AND I SAW THE IMPACT HR AND LABOUR RELATIONS
CAN HAVE ON YOUR ABILITY TO DELIVER SERVICE.
HRP: What skills do you think are important for success in
HR?
JL: Primarily, you need to be business savvy and solutions-focused
– a strategic thinker who is able to influence and impact outcomes.
Of course, you must also have the ability to establish yourself as a
credible advisor.
HRP: What tips do you have for new grads or those in entry-level
HR jobs who want to move up the ladder?
JL: First, develop some expertise in a variety of things so that you
can be flexible and avoid being typecast. Drill down far enough in a
position to get something substantive, and then move on. Second,
learn how to learn about a business, both internally and external-ly;
identify what’s different about your company and leverage that
difference. Third, be proactive and not reactive when it comes to
client service – anticipate what your client needs.
HRP: What’s the future of HR?
JL: We know that work is changing and that expectations are
evolving. Technology and globalization are having an impact,
and our organizations need to be more agile and responsive. HR
professionals need to ensure their organization has access to the
right talent, where and when it is needed. We also have to become
more individualistic in the way we treat employees – working
for customized solutions. Finally, we will need to leverage tech-nology
to transform how we work, including using big data and
social media. ■
Professional Development IT PAYS TO KNOW
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44 ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL
