What Personality Traits Make a Good Human Resources Manager?
Individuals who are thinking about entering the world of human resource management may be wondering about the traits of a good human resources manager. By reading the data found below, you can gain a basic understanding of several personality traits that may help an individual become an effective human resources manager.
Human Resources-A Brief Overview
Although broadly defined, the field of human resources basically concerns the maintenance of positive, productive relationships between employers and employees. To accomplish this purpose, individuals who work within this sector complete tasks such as job recruitment management, development of employee benefits, implementation of wellness programs, and fostering a positive work environment.
Personality Traits of a Good Human Resources Manager
A personality trait is the combination of qualities or characteristics that make up an individual’s distinct character. In the world of human resources (as in many other fields), there is contention regarding whether certain personality traits make one more effective in the role of a human resources manager. While there does not appear to be any general consensus about this matter, studies indicate that certain personality traits are continually seen among individuals who hold this position. For example, Scott Flander’s important article “The HR Personality” included reference to data suggesting that human resource leaders tend to possess the following traits:
1. Empathy
Defined as the intellectual and/or emotional identification with the thoughts, attitudes, and feelings of others, it is unsurprising to note that many human resources managers tend to possess this trait, given the need to connect with and respond to the needs and values of company employees.
2. Intuitive
Individuals with intuitive personalities are those who perceive truths or facts through perception as opposed to relying heavily on reasoning processes to draw clear conclusions about the nature of reality.
3. Cooperative
Rather than expressing a preference to operate independently of others or to be notably competitive, individuals who are cooperative place primacy upon working well with others such that the goals and values of the team can be advanced.
4. Emotional Intelligence
In describing the traits and behaviors of human resource executives, Flander’s notes that they have “a deeper understanding of how others see the world.” This capacity results from the development and use of emotional intelligence, a trait that involves the ability to perceive, understand, and manage feelings and emotions.
Interestingly, Flander’s important article regarding the personality traits of human resources executives included references to the type of actions and attitudes they don’t manifest in addition to those that they do. Specifically, Flander pointed out that human resources executives are less competitive than other executives and less likely to exhibit unfriendly traits such as passive-aggressiveness, manipulation, and intimidation.
What Does This All Mean?
Although it seems safe to say that there are several personality traits which can generally be seen in human resources managers, this does not mean that each HR executive possesses and/or consistently utilizes the aforementioned traits. Moreover, individual personality traits may oftentimes be transcended as the need to adopt a strategic, business-minded attitude guides the thoughts and behaviors of human resources managers. Irrespective of personality type and traits, a good human resources manager will likely need to possess qualities and characteristics such as good communication skills, analytical ability, compliance, objectivity and impartiality, and leadership.
If you are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of human resources, you should note that opting to become a human resources manager can be personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding. Now that you have a basic understanding regarding the traits of a good human resources manager, you can decide whether your own personality is conducive to pursuing this vocational path.
