Working in Human Resources it seems like we are always working with, around, or through our Managers. This can be the most frustrating part of our job. It's hard to work with someone that is responsible for others or is running the show on their own.
In many cases they fail to see the need for 'HR', or you don't produce any revenue why should you be heard. Everyone has their war stories. This being said - I understand the frustrations and have gotten through the battles and the a few wars myself. One thing is for sure 'what doesn't kill you does make you stronger', and if you are smart you will learn from your defeats and press toward your victories.
I believe HR will always be a balance between warm, caring, and friendly -and- firm, factual, and by the policy or law. It's a difficult road to walk, and sometimes you find yourself in the ditch. Hopefully it's not full of water when you land there. "Get Up!" It's hard, but the best thing you can do is to get up and keep pressing forward. Sometimes that includes taking a few steps back, but press forward.
I started with a new company five months ago, and both love and hate the learning and adjustment period. What I am really loving though are the Managers that I am working with. Why you ask? Because they are well trained and educated. Not such a thing you say. There are still issues and problems, wherever you have people it will be thus. The thing that is most encouraging is that these Managers don't just manage the work environment and production, they manage their people and include HR in the discussion. I was fortunate to come into this environment. I am working to manintain and improve it with each new initiative, but I give credit to the one that went before me.
Similarly I worked very hard to create strong positive relationships with the Managers I worked with in my previous position. It is hard work to create strong relationships between Managers and HR when no relationship exists, or the relationship is war ravaged, but it is worth it when you hear that a Manager has done the right thing when an issue arises.
Keep pressing forward....You never know when your next victory is just around the corner.
