Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world. It requires patience, resilience, and a great deal of multitasking. Ironically, the same skills that are essential to raising children are also critical for managing and leading teams in the workplace. Here are some parenting experiences that translate into valuable HRM skills:
Parenting often requires a great deal of patience. From waiting up late for a stubborn toddler to fall asleep, dealing with a picky eater, to managing a rebellious teenager, parents are constantly tasked with keeping calm and composed in the face of frustration and chaos. The same kind of patience also comes in handy in HRM when dealing with a difficult employee or managing complex projects that require time and resources.
For instance, suppose a project is taking longer than usual, and an employee is falling behind due to unforeseen circumstances. In that case, HR managers must be patient and understanding of the situation, provide support, and be willing to wait for things to progress. A lack of patience could lead to disciplinary action, an uncooperative employee, or, worse, a failed project.
Parenting is full of ups and downs, unexpected twists, and unforeseen challenges. A child's tantrum in a public place, dealing with a school bully, or coping with teenage angst are just a few examples of how parents must be resilient to navigate through the tough times. HR managers face similar challenges when it comes to managing teams, especially during a crisis or change management process.
For instance, when a company undergoes restructuring or downsizing, HR managers must be resilient, stay positive, and help the employees adjust to the changes. Similarly, when an employee faces a crisis, be it personal or professional, HR managers should be ready to provide support and help them get back on track.
The ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities is critical for parents. From preparing meals, doing laundry, attending parent-teacher meetings, to managing household finances, parents must multitask to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. The same skill becomes invaluable when working in HRM, as HR managers must juggle multiple responsibilities ranging from recruitment, training, payroll, employee engagement, and more.
For instance, an HR manager must be able to hire top talent, provide employee training, handle employee relations issues, and improve retention strategies all at the same time. Being able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously can help ease workload pressures, ensure that tasks are completed in a timely fashion, and help HR managers be more effective overall.
Being a parent is a uniquely challenging experience that requires a diverse set of skills. However, many of these skills translate into HRM, where similar challenges and complexities are prevalent. Patience, resilience, and multitasking are just a few examples of skills that are essential for managers in both contexts. By recognizing the skills that are gained through parenthood, HR managers can improve their effectiveness and become better leaders and managers overall.
Career Development
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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