What do you do if your HR Operations professional lacks assertiveness?
HR Operations is an integral function that enables an organization to reach its strategic and operational goals, requiring technical skills as well as soft skills such as assertiveness and confidence. Assertiveness is the capacity to express one's opinions, needs, and boundaries in a respectful and articulate manner, while confidence is the trust in one's own abilities and value. These skills are essential for HR Operations professionals as they help them to interact effectively with stakeholders such as managers, employees, vendors, and regulators; negotiate and resolve conflicts; defend the organization's interests; implement and enforce policies fairly; handle feedback constructively; and seek opportunities for improvement. If your HR Operations professional lacks assertiveness and confidence, you may observe signs such as difficulty saying no or setting boundaries, excessive apologies or self-justification, doubts about their own competence or performance, or avoidance of risks or challenges. These signs can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, lowered morale, damaged reputation, and missed opportunities. As a leader or colleague, you should support your HR Operations professional in developing their assertiveness and confidence by using strategies such as providing positive feedback, praising their successes, offering constructive criticism, setting achievable goals, and encouraging risk-taking.