Seven Key Thoughts About Managing Human Resources

Here are SEVEN most prominent thoughts that stuck me this week about managing “human” resources. These thoughts can be useful if you are a business owner, a human resources professional, a project manager or a leader at any level in an organization:

• ‘Human Resources’ are more ‘human’ and less ‘resources’. I almost hate it when living, breathing, emotional, intelligent people are addressed as ‘resources’. They are not a part of a machinery. They are humans!
• Yes, they can be your most valuable ‘resources’ only if you focus on managing ‘human’ aspect (alignment, motivation, growth, empathy in your policies, human interactions etc)
• Fundamental of managing people is to realize that when people come to workplace, they come with an intent of doing a good job. No body ever wants to spend 8 hours doing poor work.
• So, next time when your people don’t do the job right, ask yourself – “Are they doing it intentionally?”. The answer would be mostly “No” and will lead to some food for thought on leadership.
• People work well when they do something they love doing. Leverage their strengths.
• People work well when they have some power to take important decisions about their work. Give them that space.
• Abraham Maslow said that one of the fundamental needs of human beings is “Esteem” – a desire to be accepted and valued by others. If you understand this, you will never behave in a way that kills other’s self-esteem. Recognize them and while you play to their strengths, accept their weaknesses. Let them know how their work counts in a larger perspective.

The most ‘delicate’ part of managing work in a knowledge economy is the art of managing people, engaging them in worthwhile pursuits and manage their motivations.

Sometimes, the ‘soft’ aspects of your work (inspiring, motivating, respecting, building a culture) as a leader can become ‘hardest’ part of your work.

Think about it!

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P.S: The "Dwarka Lighthouse" photo (see below) I took in Dec 2008 is selected/included in University of North Carolina’s Directory of Lighthouses! Check it out!