What is your average day like?
I spend 40% of my time working towards meeting my quarterly objectives, may it be pertaining to recruitment in the time being or to performance management or training. The remaining 60% are usually spent catering to employees' requirements (20%), meetings and calls (30%) and follow ups (10%).
What is your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest challenge is to get line managers familiarized with the performance management new methods, and showcase how crucial for them it is to manage their staff performance via such updated methods instead of the old, more or less outdated, performance appraisal method.
What is the most important thing you look for in new hires?
I believe that not only profits but also and more importantly working employees determine a company's success. We therefore look for intelligence, creativity and ability to adapt to our corporate culture. Intelligence is mostly spotted in the way they tackle different situations and manifest their potentials. Creativity is mostly spotted in the way they use their skills and develop them to take the initiation and improve business. Last but not least comes the secret of successful hiring, which lies in hiring the caliber that can culturally fit with your organization.
What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?
The biggest challenge I face in the time being, due to the recent economic crisis, is the abundance of talented job seekers who have been recently laid off. I believe that taking the time to interview these talents is a must before offering them the right compensation instead of taking a rather quick decision to just get them on board.
What is your favorite part of your role?
My favorite part is being the centre of trust of our staff, a department they trust to come to with their thoughts, concerns and suggestions. This makes all my efforts worthwhile, and makes me a happier HR professional and a happier person. This is really what the fundamental base of HR is all about: Staff Support via open door policy. Once your employees are satisfied, their productivity levels jump and thus your sales jump as well.
What has been the highlight of your career in HR?
I think managing to survive the current economic crisis has been not only the highlight of my career but also that of my company's, especially since we work in the automotive industry. I believe we have, as a team, managed to get the boat to safe shores, and this wouldn’t have been possible if we were not equipped with the right calibers that can maintain excellent customer relationships and reiterate our commitment towards continuous improvement, even throughout such difficult times. Truth be said, this experience has been enlightening to both my professional and personal life.
What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments?
Staying abreast of what is happening in the market in terms of new trends and industry news is an absolute necessity to me, I am therefore a registered member in many HR groups and associations that grant me access to their global resources. Online networking is also important in terms of staying updated about industry developments, in addition to HR management and change Management books and research of course.
What is your advice to someone looking to find a job in HR?
Feed your mind and soul with the necessary readings in order to increase the human essence in you, because you are going to need it. Practice makes perfect, so focus on diversifying your practice across different aspects of HR until you are able to identify which area interests you most. Once you start working in HR, focus harder on developing your skills and always put a career plan to yourself that you review on regular basis. This will help you keep your targets always higher and focus your efforts.
How is the Middle East evolving as a place to practice HR?
I believe it is widely progressing. HR in the Middle East was previously more or less overlooked by organizations but the awareness of its role as a key element of strategic planning and organizational success has been definitely on the rise.
If you could wave your magic stick and make a significant development in one specific area of HR practices worldwide, where would that fall?
Training and development!
