Week 1 Learning Log - Manager Tie-in and Learning Lessons

Manager Tie-in

In my role, I am constantly having to interact with our Director of Human Resources and the HR department at large. By taking a deep dive into the six paradoxes facing HR, I have a newfound appreciation and understanding of the challenges that these professionals face. This will allow me to engage with a different perspective, as I'll be able to better understand the responses I receive to various requests because the HR team will have to grapple with the applicable paradox. This understanding will also provide me with useful information to frame up my discussions, and better prepare for questions and responses from the HR team. This enhanced understanding and knowledge will also have me consider my choices and focus differently. I tend to sit on only one side of the various paradoxes, without much regard for the other side, and the other side will now enter my thinking and eventual decision making.

Learning Lessons

There was a lot of really useful information covered in this week's material. Of all that was covered, the portions I found most valuable were around how a HR department should operate and the deep analysis on HR paradoxes. With regards to how a HR department should operate, it really is important that these areas of a company make strides to change how they're viewed internally. HR has a long history and stereotype of being an administrative arm of an organization. This can be changed but it requires dedication on behalf of that department and the organization to move the reputation forward. Ultimately, the HR leader, and department as a whole, should be viewed as a valuable business partner that can make any area of the organization stronger. This puts a lot of onus on the HR area to prove their competency and make operational changes that facilitate this transition.

Additionally, the six HR paradoxes were very enlightening. Every professional position has its own paradoxes and challenges. The HR area, however, has to take on the challenges of every area in the organization because they must be able to assist in working through them. This dynamic places HR in tough situations, constantly having to make difficult choices and balance competing priorities. In my opinion, this is where the HR paradoxes present themselves most difficultly. Knowing the six paradoxes is extremely useful as a manager and company leader. Because its best for the organization for the HR department the navigate these paradoxes successfully, the more in the organization who are cognizant of them and can contribute to solution the better everyone will be.