A Human Resources Career is Not for "Nice" People. (Worth Reading)

Over the years, I've had many young professionals seek my advise, expressing their desire to work in Human Resources (HR). I always ask, "Why do you want to work in HR?" The usual response is, "I love working with and helping people." My reply often surprises them: "If that's your goal, consider operations or general management instead of HR." This shock comes from the misconception that HR is "nice" because it's people-focused, leading to the wrong kind of talent entering the field.

Being nice is important in HR, but it's not enough. HR professionals need to be fair. My former manager once said, "We're not in the nice business; we're in the fair business." This rings true. Consider these HR roles:

• Restructuring: Handling layoffs, demotions, or role changes requires a fair and respectful process.
• Recruiting: Enjoying hiring successes must be balanced with the difficult task of rejecting candidates.
• Compensation: Paying what a job is worth often causes friction; HR must maintain integrity in pay structures.
• Talent Management: Recognizing top talent means explaining to others why they weren't selected.
• Learning & Development: Providing necessary training, not just desired training, is key.
• Labor/Employee Relations: Ensuring fairness, not universal happiness, is essential.
• Culture: Creating an effective environment often involves tough decisions.

The perception that HR is easy, nice, or fun is misguided. While it can be fun, it’s also challenging. A colleague who transitioned from aeronautics to HR said, "Designing airplanes is easier than managing HR."

Empathy, not niceness, is vital in HR. Understanding and considering people's feelings while doing tough but necessary work is crucial. Balancing empathy and fairness helps maintain perspective and sanity in the role.

HR professionals should strive for balance, focusing on the organization's goals through human capital management. This strategic, daily practice is fulfilling, not because it’s "nice," but because it drives organizational growth.

If you're considering a career in HR, ensure you understand what's truly required for success. If you're already in HR, take a breath, maintain perspective, and deliver tough messages with empathy. And if you're neither, take a moment to appreciate your HR partners for their essential work.