Knowing the leadership style of your HR manager can help you understand their expectations, communication preferences, and feedback methods. It can also help you adapt your own style to work more effectively with them and improve your relationship. But how can you identify the leadership style of your HR manager? Here are some tips to help you.
One of the easiest ways to identify the leadership style of your HR manager is to observe how they behave in different situations. For example, do they delegate tasks and empower their team, or do they micromanage and control every detail? Do they seek input and collaboration, or do they make decisions alone and without explanation? Do they focus on results and outcomes, or do they value the process and the people? By paying attention to these cues, you can get a sense of whether your HR manager is more of an authoritarian, democratic, laissez-faire, or transformational leader.
Apart from observing their individual behaviour, it’s a good idea to make note of how they behave with their team. Do they lead with an authoritarian approach, focusing on strict adherence to rules and procedures? Or do they adopt a more democratic style, valuing open communication, collaboration, and feedback? Notice how your HR manager communicates with their team. Do they provide clear directions and expectations? Are they approachable and good at listening? Do they encourage open discussions and involve team members in decision-making processes? These aspects can provide insights into their preferred leadership style.
Another way to identify the leadership style of your HR manager is to ask for feedback on your performance and development. Feedback can reveal a lot about how your HR manager thinks, feels, and acts as a leader. For example, do they give you specific and constructive feedback, or do they use vague and general statements? Do they praise your strengths and acknowledge your achievements, or do they focus on your weaknesses and mistakes? Do they encourage you to learn and grow, or do they limit your opportunities and potential? By asking for feedback, you can learn more about whether your HR manager is more of a coaching, mentoring, directive, or supportive leader.
A third way to identify the leadership style of your HR manager is to talk to your peers and colleagues who work with them. Sharing your experiences and perceptions can help you gain different perspectives and insights into your HR manager's leadership style. For example, do they treat everyone equally and fairly, or do they favor some people over others? Do they communicate clearly and consistently, or do they change their mind and expectations frequently? Do they create a positive and respectful culture, or do they create a negative and toxic environment? By talking to your peers, you can discover more about whether your HR manager is more of a democratic, autocratic, ethical, or charismatic leader.
A fourth way to identify the leadership style of your HR manager is to assess yourself and your own leadership style. Knowing your own preferences, strengths, and weaknesses can help you compare and contrast them with your HR manager's. For example, do you have a similar or different vision and values? Do you have a similar or different approach and attitude? Do you have a similar or different personality and temperament? By assessing yourself, you can understand more about whether your HR manager is more of a visionary, strategic, operational, or relational leader.
A fifth way to identify the leadership style of your HR manager is to ask them directly. This can be a risky but rewarding move, as it can show your interest and curiosity in learning from them and working with them. However, you need to be careful and respectful when asking this question, as some HR managers may not appreciate it or may not have a clear answer. For example, you can ask them how they would describe their leadership style, what are their main goals and challenges as a leader, or what are the best practices and tips they would recommend for aspiring leaders. By asking them directly, you can find out more about whether your HR manager is more of a situational, adaptive, servant, or authentic leader.