Over the years, the roles and responsibilities of an HR professional have changed drastically. Initially, the human resource profession was known for paper pushing and managing employee relations. Although it still remains a support function, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it has turned into a more strategic role.
As businesses increasingly acknowledge the significance of their human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) takes on a crucial role in aligning HR strategies with overarching business objectives.
This article delves into essential elements of a thriving CHRO career, offering insights into the skills and responsibilities inherent in this dynamic role.
Roles and Responsibilities of a CHRO
Successful CHROs are not just HR experts; they are strategic leaders with a deep understanding of the business landscape.
Simply put, a CHRO or Chief Human Resources Officer can be described as a key member of the executive leadership team who plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the organisational culture. Some of the most common responsibilities in this aspect include,
- Contributing to the development and execution of the organisation’s long-term strategic plans.
- Overseeing talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top talents.
- Driving upskilling initiatives, which include career development plans and training and development programs.
- Promoting inclusion in the workplace through policies and behavioural changes.
- Developing, updating and enforcing HR policies and procedures in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Skills Required To Be A Successful CHRO
Becoming a successful CHRO requires a diverse skill set that combines human resources expertise with strategic leadership abilities. Here are some of the many skills required to excel in the role of a CHRO.
Business Acumen
As a CHRO, you need to have a clear understanding of the border business environment, industry trends and market dynamics. All these will ultimately enable you to make informed decisions that drive business success.
Over recent years, there has been an increasing trend wherein large enterprises are constantly hiring professionals in this role who are from non-HR backgrounds but have strong business acumen.
Problem-Solving
As a CHRO, you must be able to identify and evaluate problems effectively to ensure the smooth functioning of your organisation. This also includes the ability to analyse complex situations and break them down into small, manageable components. You can then use your critical thinking abilities to evaluate the information, identify patterns and draw meaningful conclusions.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence can be defined as the ability to understand the emotions and emotional situations of different individuals. CHROs are required to be highly adept at emotional intelligence to be able to foster a culture of empathy and self-awareness.
Furthermore, emotional intelligence constitutes a vital aspect of effective communication. As a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), it is imperative to convey information clearly and succinctly to employees across various organisational levels.
Apart from these three skills, as a CHRO, you must also develop other crucial skills, which include decision-making, leadership, strategic vision, people advocacy, executive collaboration, and more.
How To Become A Successful CHRO?
Mentioned below are a few of the many ways by which you can guarantee a successful career in this dynamic realm of human resources.
Develop Your HR Core Competencies
Focus on developing your HR core competencies through various online resources, which include seminars, specific programs, and coaching sessions.
Get Certified
Getting certified is another successful way of setting yourself apart from your fellow competitors. In fact, according to a recent survey, as much as 55% of CHROs have an HR certification.
Widen Your Network
Networking is a crucial ingredient in building successful careers across every industry. The same goes for CHROs, as well. Focus on building meaningful connections with people across different companies. Engage in virtual seminars to connect with fellow individuals who share similar interests.
Conclusion
Achieving success in a CHRO career demands a diverse skill set that merges HR proficiency with strategic foresight, business acumen, and a dedication to ongoing learning. By staying attuned to industry trends and fostering a positive workplace, CHROs can contribute significantly to the success and sustainability of their organisations.
If you too wish to build a successful career as a CHRO, then check out this Senior Management program, brought to you by Imarticus Learning in collaboration with IIM Lucknow. This 11-month duration IIM Leadership program is specifically tailored to individuals who wish to transition their careers to C-Suite Executive roles. In addition to this, it also brings forth several advantages, such as masterclass sessions, campus immersion, and more.
To know more about this IIM Executive Education program, do not forget to check out the official website of Imarticus!
