Mastering the Lessons: Emotional Composure, Authenticity, and Strategic Thinking.

Welcome to the 6th edition of the IRON HRO newsletter! I am delighted to introduce Chief Human Resources Officer, Kristin Crossman.

In my favorite part of the article, Kristin candidly shares two invaluable lessons that propelled her professional evolution to CHRO. She unfolds the art of emotional composure and the pivotal role authenticity has played in her career.

Finally, she leaves us with a singular piece of advice that transcends HR boundaries, offering a strategic perspective that propelled her to the coveted role of Chief Human Resources Officer.

Please enjoy this latest edition of the IRON HRO newsletter!

Amanda: What crucial lessons have you gained from your experiences with failure?? ?

Kristin: Lesson #1: Do not react emotionally to a situation. Maintain emotional composure in challenging situations. Through experience, I've discovered the value of taking a step back when faced with cognitive dissonance. Allowing time for reflection before responding is akin to drafting an email before sending, ensuring a thoughtful and measured reaction.

Lesson #2: Being anyone other than yourself often backfires. In your career, you don't have to always?show your cards, but you do need to be true to who you are.?Early in my career, I learned a valuable lesson about self-promotion. Unlike many who actively seek promotions, I've always relied on my reputation and hard work to propel my career. However, in a situation where my peers were vocal about their aspirations, I felt compelled to speak up, deviating from my usual approach. While I eventually secured the promotion, the experience taught me that pushing boundaries in a way incongruent with my authentic self can strain relationships. Despite the success, it took time to rebuild trust with a manager I highly respected. I still have the email I sent during that time, appreciating the attempt to be more assertive but recognizing that such an approach wasn't the best fit for me.

Amanda: Reflecting on your journey to success, can you pinpoint one key habit that has consistently propelled you forward?

Kristin: An early career lesson that resonated with me was the acceptance that it's okay not to know everything. Embracing transparency about my knowledge gaps and seeking assistance from others has proven more effective than trying to possess all the answers. I've excelled in various roles often deemed as "stretch" assignments, finding comfort and success in navigating challenges without the need to have all the solutions upfront.

Amanda: If you were to offer a single piece of advice to an aspiring Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), what would it be?

Kristin: Gain insight into the organization's revenue streams. Avoid being limited to just HR knowledge. Comprehend the rationale behind decisions by considering both business requirements and personnel needs.

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